You see, I have proposed to complete a master's thesis entitled, Jane Austen: why we still love her two hundred years later. I've already spent one year studying Jane's work in order to write my undergraduate advanced topics paper: Jane Austen on the Social Convention of Marriage. I've dedicated my studies to Jane. She holds my academic future between the lines of her novels.
Jane was a literary genius. For a woman in the early 19th century, publishing written work was quite unheard of and because of that, Jane received no fame and little recognition as an author. She published four novels while she was alive. Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1816). Northanger Abbey and Persuasion were both published posthumously in 1818. There is a lot more of her work in existence, but I will spare you the lengthy list.
It was not until 1869 when her nephew published A Memoir of Jane Austen that Jane started to be recognised publicly. It wasn't until the 1940s that she was recognised in academia as a great English writer. In the second half of the 20th century Jane became so popular that an entire Janeite culture emerged.
I may not be quite as fanatical as the Janeites, but I am definitely a Jane fan. Are you? Have you read any of her novels? Which is your favorite? If you haven't read any of her works have you seen the film adaptations - Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightly? Emma starring Gwyneth Paltrow? Bridget Jones' Diary (based on P&P)? Clueless (based on Emma)?
Or, perhaps, there is an author that you love as much as I love Jane?
I too love Jane. :)
ReplyDeleteI had no choice but to read Jane Austen's work for my English A levels but I did enjoy them. Pride & Prejudice was certainly inspiring. These days though, I tend not to read the classics (I'm more of a YA / Chick Lit kinda gal!). Thinking of other modern day Janes, I'd recommend Jane Green if you like chick lit :D
ReplyDeleteSuzy Turner, YA Author