STUDENT ARTICLE by Pinelopi Ntafogianni
Jane Austen is an English novelist recognised for transforming her novels by using social commentary, realism and satire. Throughout her life she has completed six novels, which include “Sense and Sensibility”, “Pride and Prejudice”, “Mansfield Park”, “Emma”, “Northanger Abbey” and “Persuasion”. Her works have been widely influential which has made her one of the most beloved authors in English literature, known for her sharp wit, keen observations of society and unforgettable characters. Although she lived over 200 years ago her novels continue to inspire readers and writers around the world.
Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775, at Steventon Rectory, Hampshire, England. She was the second daughter and seventh out of eight children in a lively book loving family. Her father Reverend George Austen encouraged her to read widely and write down her own stories. From a young age, Jane began writing short plays and parodies for her family’s amusement, later collected as Juvenilla. These early writings as well as her access to extensive libraries nourished her literary development which helped her develop her distinct sense of humour and understanding of human nature, qualities that would later make her novels stand out.
Austen started writing seriously as a teenager producing early works such as “Lady Susan”, a short epistolary novel and “love and friendship” a much earlier satirical tale. During her time women had very few opportunities and marriage often determined their future so writing for her was both a personal passion and a means for financial independence. Jane’s inspiration for writing came from a rich tapestry of personal experiences, societal observations and familial bonds. To be more precise, she drew inspiration from the social world around her, observing the manners, ambitions, and struggles of people she knew and turned the observations into clever, realistic stories about love, money and independence. Therefore, her six major novels analyse social structures, marriage and women’s dependence on economic security. Furthermore, apart from her early works and six major novels she also began writing another novel, Sanditon, which ended up remaining unfinished before a relapse of her illness which forced her to stop writing in March 1817 and later lead to her death on July 18th, 1817.
In 1809 after her father’s death Jane, her mother and her sister Cassandra relocated to Chawton where she had a secure home to revise her works and compose later novels. Her first ever novel, “Sense and Sensibility” which achieved significant success was published in 1811 anonymously under by a simple credit “By a Lady” as it was uncommon for women to publish under their own names. The book “Sense and Sensibility “follows the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, and their contrasting approaches to love and marriage after their family is left in poverty. This novel showcases how Elinor navigates her feelings for Edward Ferrars with restraint, while Marianne follows her heart with the unreliable John Wiloughby. Overall, the story follows their romantic entanglements, contrasting the two virtues while exploring themes of love, heartbreak and social class.
The book’s success encouraged her to continue writing and soon after on January 28th, 1813, the novel “Pride and Prejudice” was published which was followed by greater success that made her famous. The book follows the story of the Bennet family focusing on the witty, smart and independent Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates the issues of love, class and marriage in early 19th century England. The plot centres on the growing relationship between Elizabeth and wealthy, proud Mr. Darcy with whom she initially clashes before overcoming their “pride” and “prejudice” to fall in love. The novel also highlights the pressure women faced back in time to marry for financial security, more specifically in a society where property was inherited my men. This novel with its unforgettable characters like Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy captured many readers’ imaginations and remains one of the more popular love stories ever written by Jane Austen.
To conclude, Austen went on to write several other classics, including “Emma”, “Persuasion”, “Mansfield Park” and “Northanger Abbey”. Her works stood out not only for their romance but also for their honest look at society. Even though she passed away in 1817 at the age of 41 due to her illness, her novels have never gone out of print. Today Jane Austen’s books are studied in school, adapted into films and loved by readers of all ages. Her sight into human nature and her belief in the power of love and intelligence continue to make her one of the most admired authors in the world.
Pinelopi Ntafogianni B2
