The Art of Introduction: Austen's Literary Craftsmanship and Saussure's First Principle

 Introduction

Jane Austen's opening line from "Pride and Prejudice," and Ferdinand de Saussure's introductory statement to his lecture on Absolute and Relative Arbitrariness in language both act as tantalizing invitations to explore deeper into their respective realms of literature and linguistic theory. Austen's immortal line, "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife," serves as a masterstroke of literary craftsmanship, encapsulating the essence of societal norms and individual desires within a single sentence. Similarly, Saussure's assertion "I have taken it as an obvious truth, that the link between the sign and the idea represented, is radically arbitrary" serves as a thought-provoking entry point into the complexities of his linguistic theory. This article examines how these opening statements not only captivate readers but also pave the way for profound exploration of themes and theories.

A Single Truth: Austen's Masterful Opening Line

Austen's opening line from "Pride and Prejudice" "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife," resonates with readers on a universal level, drawing them into the narrative with its timeless appeal. In just a single sentence, Austen masterfully introduces the central themes of the novel while skillfully characterizing the society in which it is set. It not only sets the tone for the novel but also establishes central themes of societal pressure, marriage, and wealth. Through elegant simplicity, Austen hooks readers, compelling them to uncover the intricacies of the characters and their relationships.

Beyond its narrative function, this opening line serves as a lens through which to explore the intricacies of 19th-century English society. Austen's ability to encapsulate the essence of her novel in a single sentence is a testimony to her skill as a writer, making this line not only iconic but also a prime example of literary excellence.

Saussure's First Principle: An Obvious Truth

Similarly, Ferdinand de Saussure's introductory statement, "I have taken it as an obvious truth, that the link between the sign (signifiant) and the idea represented (signifié), is radically arbitrary" (Constantin's Notebook VII 85a), to his lecture on Absolute and Relative Arbitrariness in language serves as a thought-provoking entry point into the complexities of his linguistic theory.

As Saussure formulated his theory, he introduced a conceptual shift by suggesting the replacement of 'concept' and 'sound pattern' with 'signified' and 'signifier,' respectively, while maintaining the overarching term 'sign' to encompass the entirety. A fundamental characteristic of the linguistic sign, as defined in this manner, is its arbitrariness.

In specifying this characteristic, namely the arbitrariness of the sign, the linguist establishes the principles governing all studies in the domain of language. This arbitrariness stands as the "first principle" of General Linguistics, guiding all subsequent analyses.

The principle stated above (First principle: The sign is arbitrary) is the organising principle for the whole of linguistics, considered as a science of language structure. The consequences which flow from this principle are innumerable. (CGL [100])

We begin to observe the parallels between Saussure's introductory remarks in his lecture on Absolute and Relative Arbitrariness and Austen's celebrated opening line, both of which succinctly encapsulate profound concepts in a few words. This notion becomes evident as we examine below some of the implications stemming from "the consequences which flow from this first principle."

First, Saussure dismantles the nomenclaturist view with arbitrariness. If the sign isn't defined by the object it represents, then what makes it a sign? This sparks the concept of language as a system of differences, where signs are defined by their relationships to each other. This shatters traditional distinctions between phonetics, lexicology, and grammar – all become facets of this relational system.

Arbitrariness goes deeper. The signifier is not merely a physical sound; it is an abstract entity. Similarly, the signified is abstract too. The sign (signe), which is mental, needs to be distinguished from its manifestation in speech (le mot parlé). This differentiation points to the dichotomy langue/parole, which is another key consequence.

Finally, arbitrariness impacts how we study language over time. One significant consequence is the distinction between synchronic and diachronic studies of language. The connection between the arbitrary nature of the sign and the historical nature of language lies in the absence of any essential or natural connection between the signifier and the signified. If such a connection existed, there would be an inherent core of the sign, a universal signified or universal signifier, that remains unchanged by time, or at least shows resistance to change. However, in reality, there is no aspect of the sign that possesses a necessary property outside of time. (Culler, 1976)

Conclusion

Just as Jane Austen masterfully condensed a novel and an era into a single line, Ferdinand de Saussure captured his entire linguistic theory in a sentence, using the concept of arbitrariness as a catalyst.

Austen's iconic opening line from "Pride and Prejudice" serves as a gateway into the complexities of societal norms and individual desires, inviting readers to explore deeper themes within her work. Similarly, Saussure's assertion regarding the arbitrariness of the linguistic sign serves as the cornerstone of his linguistic theory, leading to a cascade of implications that span from distancing himself from the nomenclaturist tradition to introducing distinctions such as langue and parole, synchrony and diachrony, and viewing language as a relational system. Both Austen and Saussure demonstrate the power of concise expression in laying the bedrock for profound exploration and understanding of their respective works.

Cite this text: 

Rodie. (2024). Return to Saussure. Retrieved from http://www.derridaforlinguists.blogspot.com

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Bibliography

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Project Gutenberg.

Saussure, Ferdinand de. 1916. Cours de linguistique générale. Edited by Charles Bally and Albert Sechehaye, with Albert Riedlinger. Libraire Payot.

Saussure, Ferdinand de. "Course in General Linguistics." Translated and annotated by Roy Harris. With a new introduction by Roy Harris. Bloomsbury, 2013.

Saussure, F. (1910-1911). Troisième cours de linguistique générale: d'après les cahiers d'Emile Constantin [Saussure's Third Course of Lectures on General Linguistics: From the Notebooks of Emile Constantin]. (R. Harris, Trans.) University of Oxford.1993

Culler, Jonathan. 1976. SAUSSURE. Fontana/Collins.