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Jane Austen

Jane Austen. A Critical Introduction. Biographical Information. Austen was born in 1775 She was one of 8 children Her father was a clergyman; her mother was from an upper-middle-class family Austen never married She began writing full-length novels in her twenties She died at age 41.

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Jane Austen

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  1. Jane Austen A Critical Introduction

  2. Biographical Information • Austen was born in 1775 • She was one of 8 children • Her father was a clergyman; her mother was from an upper-middle-class family • Austen never married • She began writing full-length novels in her twenties • She died at age 41

  3. The Heroine • In all of her novels, Austen focuses on courtship and marriage. In each case, readers see society—one that had narrow and rigid expectations for women—through the eyes of a lively and perceptive heroine.

  4. The Heroine Female Empowerment in Austen

  5. Women’s Level of Empowerment • “Single women have a dreadful propensity for being poor—which is one very strong argument in favour of matrimony”—Jane Austen in a letter • In the early 1800’s, few middle-class women could choose not to marry or to marry simply for love. Women, in general, were not able to hold jobs or earn their own living.

  6. Marriage: The Only Way • In addition, property and money were passed down through the male side of the family—women could not inherit. • Since women usually could not earn a living and they could not inherit, marriage was the only path to financial security.

  7. An Accomplished Woman • In order to attract a suitable husband, women focused on becoming “accomplished” in ladylike arts such as singing, playing the piano, drawing and dancing. • Receiving a well-rounded education was not considered a priority for young women—though Austen’s father encouraged all his daughters to receive a well-rounded education.

  8. A critical reflection • Elizabeth Bennet, in comparison to the women in literature that have proceeded her, is a radical personality: “For the first time in English literature, outside Shakespeare, we meet heroines who are credible, with minds, with the capacity to think for themselves, with ambition and wit.”

  9. A Central Question • How can a complex person maintain his or her individuality and freedom in a world of social pressures and restrictions?

  10. The English Middle Class • Austen’s novels focus on “ordinary people”—members of the English middle-class who, through professions or business, who had risen to the level of land-owning gentry.

  11. Money, Money, Money A Marxist Analysis Money and Class

  12. Social Setting • Almost all of the characters are member’s of England’s middle class or upper class • There is a distinction between the “new rich” and the “old rich” • New Rich-families who have acquired wealth through trade or business • Old Rich-Families who have inherited their wealth

  13. Social Setting II • Austen depicts significant differences between the two classes • Track the social standings between the different characters—also note who has a title (the ultimate sign of power in the society)

  14. The Cast of Characters An Introduction to Major Characters: Chapters 1-12

  15. Parents: Mr. Bennet Mrs. Bennet Children Jane Elizabeth Mary Kitty Lydia Cousin: Mr. Collins The Bennet Family

  16. The Darcy Family • Old Mr. Darcy • Lady Anne Darcy • Darcy • Georgiana Darcy

  17. The Bingley Family • Bingley • Louisa Hurst • Caroline.

  18. The Lucas Family • Sir William • Lady Lucas • Charlotte—Elizabeth’s good friend! • Maria.

  19. An Opening Question to Consider • What factors influence your first impression of a person? How accurate do you think first impressions are?

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