Jane Austen: Life,

Works, and Legacy

● Jane Austen: Life, Works, and
Legacy
● Students will be able to identify
key events in Austen's life and
their influence on her writing.
● Students will be able to analyze
Austen's writing style, including
themes, characters, and social
commentary.
● Students will be able to evaluate
the enduring appeal of Austen's
novels and their relevance to
contemporary society.
Introduction to Jane
Austen
● Jane Austen, born December 16, 1775,
Steventon, Hampshire, England—died July
18, 1817
● English novelist known for her wit, social
commentary, and enduring characters.
● Major novels include "Pride and Prejudice,"
"Sense and Sensibility," and "Emma."
● Austen's works explore themes of love,
marriage, class, and social norms in 19th-
century England.
● Her novels continue to be widely read and
adapted for film and television.
Early Life and
Influences

● Born in Steventon, Hampshire,

England, on December 16, 1775.
● Large, close-knit family with six
brothers and one sister.
● Educated at home by her father, a
clergyman, and through extensive
reading.
● Began writing stories and plays for
family entertainment at a young age.
● Never married, but enjoyed a close
relationship with her sister Cassandra.
First Published Works
● First novel, "Sense and Sensibility,"
began as an epistolary novel titled "Elinor
and Marianne."
● "Pride and Prejudice" was initially written
as "First Impressions" in 1796-1797.
● "Northanger Abbey" was completed in
1803 but not published until after Austen's
death.
● These early works demonstrate Austen's
signature wit, social commentary, and
focus on relationships.
● Austen often revised and refined her
novels over many years before
publication.
Austen's Road to Recognition

● "Sense and Sensibility" (1811), published

anonymously, was Austen's first published novel.
● It was an immediate success, receiving positive
reviews and earning Austen a modest profit.
● This success established Austen as a published
author and encouraged her to continue writing.
● "Pride and Prejudice" (1813) followed, solidifying
her reputation and popularity.
● These novels marked Austen's "big break" in the
literary world.
Popular Austen Literature

● Pride and Prejudice (1813): Social satire,

romance, and timeless characters.
● Sense and Sensibility (1811): Contrasting
temperaments and approaches to life.
● Emma (1815): Comedy of manners,
matchmaking, and self-discovery.
● Mansfield Park (1814): Social hierarchy,
family relationships, and morality.
● Persuasion (1818): Second chances,
societal pressure, and personal growth.
 Major Themes in
Austen's Writing
● Love and Marriage: Focus on societal
pressures and personal fulfillment.
● Social Status and Class: Exploration of
class distinctions and their impact on
characters.
● Family Dynamics: Examination of
relationships within families and their
influence on individuals.
● Gender Roles: Commentary on societal
expectations and limitations placed on
women.
● Satire and Irony: Critique of social norms
and human behavior through humor.
Austen's Enduring
Legacy
● Austen's novels offered sharp social
commentary, challenging societal norms
and sparking debate.
● Her works are celebrated for their wit,
humor, and timeless characters.
● Austen's focus on ordinary life and
relationships made her stories relatable
and engaging.
● Her writing style, characterized by irony
and free indirect discourse, was innovative
and influential.
● Austen's novels continue to inspire and
resonate with readers worldwide,
solidifying her legacy as a literary giant.
Beyond the Novels

● Enjoyed close relationships with

family, especially her sister
Cassandra.
● Never married, but had several
suitors.
● Active social life, attending balls,
dances, and social gatherings.
● Contributed to household chores
and helped raise her nephews.
● Observed and commented on
social customs and manners of
her time.
Austen's Final Works

● Final novel, "Persuasion", published

posthumously in 1818.
● Explores themes of second chances,
societal pressure, and personal growth.
● Features Anne Elliot, a woman who
reconnects with a former love interest.
● Reflects Austen's mature writing style
and deeper exploration of characters'
emotions.
● Considered one of her most poignant
and introspective works.
Later Life and Passing
● Later life marked by declining
health, but continued writing.
● Died at 41 in Winchester,
England.
● Cause of death uncertain,
possibly Addison's disease or
Hodgkin's lymphoma.
● Buried at Winchester Cathedral.
● Novels gained wider recognition
after her death.
 Enduring Austen
Influence
● Pioneered the use of free indirect discourse, a
narrative style widely adopted by modern
authors.
● Novels of manners continue to inspire
contemporary authors exploring social dynamics.
● Sharp wit and social commentary set a standard
for satire in modern literature.
● Focus on well-developed, relatable characters
continues to influence characterization in fiction.
● Enduring themes of love, class, and societal
pressures remain relevant in contemporary
works.
Discussion
Questions
● How did Austen's life
experiences shape her novels?
● What are some key elements of
Austen's writing style?
● How do Austen's themes of
love, marriage, and class
resonate today?
● In what ways does Austen's
social commentary remain
relevant?
● How has Austen influenced
modern literature and film?