Jane Austen (1775 – 1817)
Key words - English, Georgian, realism, social commentary, romance
Who? – Jane Austen is one of the most widely read writers in English literature with a dedicated following (see: “Janeites”) and an extensive cultural heritage. She enjoyed a fairly quiet life, but became world famous after her death.
What? – Austen’s works tell stories of romance, but moved away from the preachy tone of eighteenth-century sentimental novels and included elements of comedy and social criticism instead. Because there is a marriage plot at the centre of all of her books, the name “Jane Austen” to some people is synonymous to rose-tinted girly soap operas, but Austen is actually skeptical of love at first sight and letting your emotions get the better of you. On the contrary, she argues for common sense and critical thinking.
Where do I start? – Pride and Prejudice (1813)
Best known work? – Pride and Prejudice (1813)
You might also enjoy - Charlotte Brontë, Elizabeth Gaskell, George Eliot, Edith Wharton
