We celebrate Georgian author Jane Austen’s literature. Known for her social commentary in her novels. She gained popularity after 1869; her reputation grew in the 20th Century. They bridge the gap between romance and realism.
1.Sense and Sensibility (published 1811)
Centring on the Dashwood family, specifically sisters Elinor and Marianne, who respectively represent the ‘sense’ and ‘sensibility’ of the title.
Following their father’s death, the Dashwood sisters, Elinor, Marianne and Margaret are left at the mercy of their half-brother John and his greedy wife.
Their story is peppered with social scandals; plot twists, with heady doses of youthful infatuation, love letters and secret engagement revelations.
2. Pride and Prejudice (published in 1813)
It’s sometimes described as a novel of ‘manners’ as Austen observes how people interact with each other, how people show their feelings in public can often be different to their true feelings.
Primarily set in Hertfordshire, the story centres around the Bennet family and their five children, particularly Elizabeth. The story follows Elizabeth as she deals with issues of upbringing, morality, manners and education.
3. Mansfield Park (published 1814)
Notably known as Austen’s most complex novel; it deals with several themes of social aspects, from the education of children and the difference of appearances of the reality. This is Austen’s third novel.
4. Emma (published 1815)
Austen introduces title character Emma Woodhouse as “handsome, clever and rich,” Emma’s story opens as a twenty year old; she makes some mistakes, (due to her conviction that she’s always right and this compounds with her lack of experience).
She vowed she would never marry, yet delights in matchmaking others. She falls in love, (albeit briefly) with Frank Churchill, but this soon ends, as she realises that she loves Mr Knightly.
5. Persuasion (published in 1818 posthumously by her brother Henry).
Often described as one of the most tender love stories, whereby narration talks about a different kind of love story with second chances. Central character Anne Elliot is aged twenty-seven, and for her, falling in love is relegated to her past, (after a previous engagement ended).
Consequently, Anne has since regretted this decision and firmly doesn’t expect to find love again.