How does Jane Austen use language? A-Level

Irony and setting up an idea to undercut it are hallmarks of her style I would say. But the question seems so general, is there a particular chapter, theme or character your teacher wants you to write about?

Characterisation is part of literary craft, too - but studying it involves analysing how the characters are constructed, rather than just describing their attributes. It is a big aspect of Sense and Sensibility, since the plot largely depends on the differences in Elinor and Marianne's behaviour - you could compare how each of them uses language, for example, or the kind of language Austen uses to describe them or weave their thoughts into the narrative.

But certainly the most important literary technique to look at when it comes to Jane Austen is irony. Take this example: "Marianne would have thought herself very inexcusable had she been able to sleep at all the first night after parting from Willoughby". How does the irony work here - what makes it amusing?