D.W. Harding: My Disagreement

Despite the fact that DW Harding admits he was playing "devils advocate" with the argument he posed on how Austen does not intend to use satire as a means of humorous fun about individual caricatures.  While Harding's argument is on one extreme end of the spectrum, i disagree because I interpret Austen's satire, though difficult to understand at times, as a means of poking light fun at characters who regularly ridiculed in society.  Furthermore, when an author instills emotions in a reader, like Austen did for me, the reader feels attached to the authors beliefs.  In this case, Austen's use of satire and animosity toward characters including Mrs. Bennet instill emotions of annoyance and utter disgust for individuals who even resemble Bennet.  Subsequently, Austen's satire is proven to be effective by creating an invasive emotion in the reader.  Finally, Austen's use of satire and wit to hyperbolize certain individuals in society puts into light the negative emotions people truly uphold toward individuals such as Mr. Collins or Mrs. Bennet.