Jane Austen A Critical Introduction

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

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. 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.

The Heroine Female Empowerment in Austen

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 “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. 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.

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

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. 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. 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.

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.” 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.”

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

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. 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.

Money, Money, Money A Marxist Analysis Money and Class

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

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

Introduction to the Families The Bennet Family The Darcy Family The Bingley Family The Lucas Family

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

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

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

The Bingley Family Bingley Bingley Louisa Hurst Louisa Hurst Caroline. Caroline.

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

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