Despite authoring just six novels (that didn’t fetch much success in her lifetime), Jane Austen became a globally recognised literary figure over time. The English novelist and her work is the subject of endless TV adaptations, books and films. Such is the craze for Austen, and her novels, that a plethora of events are held every now and then where ‘Janeites’ (Austen fans) dress themselves like her and gather to celebrate their favourite author. And the icing on the cake? The Bank of England released a new 10-pound note featuring her image (lead image).
Here’s what has contributed to Austen’s universal appeal over the last two centuries.
Strong Characters
Austen’s novels belong to the romantic genre, however, her heroines (Elizabeth Bennet, Emma) were shown to resist and reject patriarchy, ingrained in society in far more severe ways than our times. For example, Elizabeth wanted to marry for ‘love’ and not the material wealth of the object of her affections, Mr Darcy. Austen was one of the first writers to pitch for women’s education and emancipation. The word ‘feminism’ may not have been invented in her time, but according to a new reassessment of her work and thought, Austen was a radical. In a report, Oxford professor Helena Kelly said Austen was not afraid to deal with touchy contemporary political and religious issues, including colonialism and the Church’s role in society, at a time (late 18th/early 19th century Britain) when they were not issues for public discussion, especially by a woman.
(Actress Anna Hathaway as the author Jane Austen in the film Becoming Jane)
Did you know:
Austen never added her name to her novels, and would only say they were ‘By a Lady’. The title page of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ said, ‘by the author of Sense and Sensibility’. Her name was revealed after her death by her brother.
Inimitable Wit
Austen expressed her contempt for any issue by using humour and sarcasm. Like ‘Pride and Prejudice’s’ iconic opening line “IT is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” According to author Anita Krishan, Austen’s profound wit, coupled with her keen eye for social idiosyncrasies, made her writings intensely interesting. Like when Mrs Bennet complained about her ‘nerves’ to her husband, he responded “Oh you mistake me, my dear. I have the highest respect for them. They’ve been my constant companions these twenty years.”
Universal Appeal
‘Pride and Prejudice’ is an absorbing love story many readers identify with... but more than that the novel worked because it is a keenly-observed comedy on social class, and offered a biting comment on a woman’s place in society. Another characteristic typical of Austen’s novels was questioning the idea of a person’s economic usefulness (aka without an inheritance, one has no place in the world). Said Sonia Bahl, screenwriter and author, “Austen was a clever writer with a sophisticated mind. Her characters and their dilemmas were woven with the intricate details of her time but never stopped resonating as time went by: the ultimate endurance test.”
Trivia
1. Goodreads has listed over 90 books which are based on various Austen novels – including ‘Emma’, ‘Sense and Sensibility’, ‘Mansfield Park’.
2. Since the 1940s, ‘Pride and Prejudice’ has been adapted nine times for film and TV audience. The 1995 BBC production ‘is by far the most popular.
3. Now there are Jane Austen themed tours, which offer a visit to her birthplace, – Hampshire, her local church, and home, which displays her writing desk.