In literature, language matters a lot. Over the past several decades, formal linguistics has dominated the analysis of the literary texts by those who are interested in what is called linguistic criticism. However, and in the wake of the rise of a variety of new linguistic theories in the second half of 20th century and early decades of the 21th century and their contribution to a more efficient "reading" of literature, Formal linguistics has proved to be a not very adequate analytic tool , at least, in reading literature. With this in view, some of the linguists and literary critics propose Functional Linguistics as an alternative that could provide a more effective interpretive tool in reading literary texts. The present study attempts to apply Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) theorized by M. A. K. Halliday and its resources to language of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice to evaluate its adequacy in description, interpretation and criticism of the novel. The analysis concentrates on TRANSITIVITY, MOOD, MODALITY, and THEME systems. The data extracted from the analyses are tabulated and interpreted accordingly. It is suggested that literary analysis be underpinned by a firmer knowledge of SFL so that the findings could become more objective and verifiable.
