Embedded Files
How Jane Austen Wrote
Topics
Topics
Jane Austen’s novels consisted of very similar topics that showed what kind of writer she was. Austen often was known for topics such as social structure and marriage. Books such as Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility show how the main characters were often more concerned with money and status than love. It opens the readers eyes to show that women often struggled to find a husband because they weren’t expected to find love, but to find security and stability. Because it was very unlikely for women to be independent during this time period, marrying rich was important to have a comfortable life. Her novels also show how privilege can affect how people view the world and others around them. Those who had money often viewed themselves as untouchable because people often fawned over them and treated them as such. Having money meant that you would be praised and those who did not have money had to find a husband that would give them money. Jane Austen’s novels opened a perspective that social status and wealth was more important to people than anything else. It allows the reader to realize what was valued during this era.
Plot/ Structure
Plot/ Structure
--- Jane Austen’s novels are often structured very similarly. They typically begin by introducing the characters. Usually it contains a female main character with a sense of strength or courage about her. Then we are exposed to a conflict that revolves around social class pressures or relationships. Next, there tends to be social gatherings such as balls or events that cause characters to interact with each other, causing some sort of tension. This continues to build over the course of the novel as we begin to see characters form closer relationships as they learn more about each other. This originating tension seems to resolve in a love interest or initial hatred that eventually foreshadows future relationships. Then at some point in the novel, the female main character has a realization that affects her relationship with a leading man. She realizes she is in love with him or realizes he would be beneficial to her life. Finally the books typically end with a happy marriage in the ending.
Figurative Language
--- Jane Austen often incorporates figurative language such as irony and satire into her novels. In a sense it is Austen’s way of comically criticizing the social expectations of this time period. Satire is often used in her books to show how women are often expected to marry for wealth and status rather than love. She often uses satire to show sarcasm in her writing. Additionally, she uses irony to show characters flaws or hidden insecurities. For example, in Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Bingley is often seen as a prestigious and rich man, however ironically he at many times is described as “not having a backbone.” Austen’s use of irony and satire allow her to make serious events in her novels easier to understand because they add humor which allows the reader to connect easier. It keeps the novel entertaining and light hearted, while also trying to allow the reader to wonder about the social norms and expectations during this time.
Writing
Writing
Lydia Sterling devoted her afternoon to preparing for the ball. Her mother Mrs. Laurel Sterling had persuaded her to attend the assembly to meet the prestigious Kent Odell who had returned to his residence to meet a young woman to be accompanied with. He was a wealthy young man whose features were not very agreeable and while Lydia did not care to be introduced to him however her mother insisted it was in her benefit. Many gentlemen would attend the ball and she wished for Lydia to be married to a man of fortune.
Lydia approached her mother as she sat in the library, “Mother, I do not wish to attend the ball this evening as I would rather remain at home.”
“You must go love, it is in your best interest to meet a man of great wealth to provide for your needs.”
“But Mother Mr. Odell is not particularly handsome, and I have no desire to meet him.”
“You will attend the ball my dear, and that is all that will be said.”
Later that evening, Lydia arrived at the ball that each lady of the town was expected to attend to. As she entered the assembly she gazed around the room to the elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen. A young man began to approach Lydia, he was a short un-striking man, and she had no interest in the man so she drew her attention elsewhere and began to dance about.
“Good day to you madam,” Lydia hears as she turns toward a man's direction. He was a tall, striking young man with a sort of confidence and distinguished appearance.
“Good day, sir,” she said composedly.
There was a moment of silence between the two as they shared a smile. Lydia observed him more closely and became intrigued by his ease and good manner. They exchanged names and Lydia learned his name was George.
They soon engaged in dancing together where they became more familiar with each other. The evening was spent together sharing agreeable conversations. When the evening came to a close, she exited and headed home in her carriage.
As she arrived home, she was ecstatic to inform of her night with the lovely man she had met. As she told her mother about the handsome and charming man she had met, her mother had a look of sorrow come over her face as she had hoped her daughter would have conversed with the prestigious Mr. Odell. Lydia informed her mother of what a lovely man George had been and how endearing he was. Her mother would hear no more about it until she met this man her daughter spoke of.
Lydia began up to her room and began getting herself ready for rest as she reflected on the lovely evening she had with the man she met that night.
Reflection
Reflection
This piece of writing reflects Jane Austen’s style of writing in many ways. It shows her major topics that she typically chooses to focus on such as love and social expectation. Lydia’s mother holds a pressure on her to be successful and have a socially acceptable lifestyle. Though Mr. Odell may not have the qualities Lydia is looking for, her mother knows that he is financially successful and believes she should meet him. Additionally this piece follows her structure of meeting a love interest and the conflict between Lydia and her mother over social expectations. It follows the format that Jane Austen’s novels typically show. Finally it incorporates Austen’s irony by making fun of the fact that people during this era were more focused on wealth than love. All in all this piece connected to Jane Austen’s writing in many ways, whether it was the plot, figurative language, or the main topics.
Page updated
Report abuse