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Jane Austen is one of the most eminent novelists of all time. Her phenomenal contributions continue sweeping the world off its feet, to date. An in-depth knowledge of Jane Austen, her life and her works is significant in having a solid understanding of the English Language and Literature. Therefore, UGC NET English Aspirants must go through the following article for a comprehensive knowledge of Jane Austen and her role in shaping the literature in the Romantic Period.
UGC NET English Literature Notes PDF
Who is Jane Austen?
Jane Austen, born on 16 December 1775, was a British novelist popularly known for her six works, which subtly interpret, analyze, and remark on the aristocracy in Great Britain at the end of the 18th century. The dependence of women on marriage for the pursuit of positive social standing and financial security is frequently explored in Austen’s stories. Her writings serve as an implicit critique of the 18th-century novels of sensibility and are a precursor to the literary realism of the 19th century.
Jane Austen – Early Life & Career
Jane Austen was born on 16 December 1775 at Steventon, Hampshire. She was the seventh child among her eight siblings who grew up in a close-knit family. Jane and her sister Cassandra were initially educated at home, primarily by their father and older brothers. They had access to their father’s extensive library, which contributed to Jane’s early love of reading and literature.
Jane and Cassandra briefly attended a boarding school in Oxford, but their education was cut short due to financial constraints.
Jane Austen began writing at an early age, and her first known works are her juvenilia, short stories, plays, and poems she wrote during her teenage years. During her lifetime, Austen’s novels were published anonymously. Her novels received positive attention, but she was not widely known as the author during her lifetime.
“Pride and Prejudice” was one of her most well-received works and brought her a measure of fame.
Works of Jane Austen
Novels are characterized by their keen observations of social manners, romantic relationships, and the limitations placed on women in the society of her time. Her novels often critique the social norms and class hierarchies of the Regency era.
The list that follows includes all six of Jane Austen’s completed novels (two of which were released after her demise) and her two unfinished novels. Despite having only a brief career as a writer, Jane Austen is nevertheless regarded as one of the most famous authors in literature.
Works of Jane Austen | ||
Novel | Year of Publication | Theme |
Sense and Sensibility | 1811 |
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Pride and Prejudice | 1813 |
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Mansfield Park | 1814 |
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Emma | 1815 |
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Persuasion | 1817 (posthumously published) |
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Northanger Abbey | 1817 (posthumous published) |
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The Watsons | 1804 (Unfinished Work) |
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Sanditon | 1817 (Unfinished Work) |
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Legacy of Jane Austen
Jane Austen’s legacy is a tapestry woven with wit, insight, and social critique. Her novels, such as “Pride and Prejudice” and “Emma,” are timeless masterpieces that have transcended eras, inspiring generations with their vivid characters, incisive commentary on societal norms, and exploration of love’s complexities.
Austen’s legacy extends beyond the literary realm, influencing feminism, adaptations into various media, and even shaping how we analyze and understand human interactions. Her enduring appeal lies in her ability to mirror the human condition while maintaining a distinctive narrative voice, ensuring that her legacy will continue to thrive, enriching both literature and our understanding of society.
Conclusion
Even while this may seem to be a somewhat constrained reflection of her abilities, each of her works is well-known and widely acclaimed for its strong messages and powerful characters. Her real-world experiences and interpersonal relationships undoubtedly aided her writing skills because each piece has a life of its own.
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