📚English Novels Unit 3 – Jane Austen and the Novel of Manners
Jane Austen's novels epitomize the Novel of Manners, a genre that emerged in late 18th-century England. Her works explore social customs, etiquette, and the tension between individual desires and societal expectations in upper and middle-class society.
Austen's enduring legacy stems from her complex characters, witty dialogue, and astute social commentary. Her novels continue to captivate readers with their timeless themes of love, marriage, and personal growth, while offering a window into the social dynamics of Regency-era England.
The Novel of Manners emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries during the Georgian and Regency eras in England
Reflects the social and cultural norms of the upper and middle classes in English society during this period
Influenced by the Enlightenment values of reason, propriety, and social order
Set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) which affected the English economy and society
The rise of the middle class and the increasing importance of social mobility and respectability
The strict social hierarchy and the role of landed gentry in English society
The importance of marriage as a means of securing social and financial stability for women
Women's limited options for independence and the pressure to marry well
Key Characteristics of the Novel of Manners
Focus on the social customs, manners, and conventions of a particular class or society
Emphasis on the proper behavior, etiquette, and decorum expected in social interactions
Explores the tension between individual desires and societal expectations
Often set in the upper or middle-class society, featuring characters from these social classes
Plots revolve around courtship, marriage, and the challenges of navigating social norms
Dialogue plays a crucial role in revealing characters' personalities, attitudes, and social standing
Attention to detail in describing fashion, furnishings, and social activities (balls, dinners, visits)
Satirical elements that critique and expose the follies and flaws of society and individuals
Jane Austen's Life and Influences
Born on December 16, 1775, in Steventon, Hampshire, England
Grew up in a close-knit, educated family that valued learning and creativity
Father was a clergyman and ran a small boarding school for boys
Mother was a keen reader and encouraged Jane's love for writing
Received a formal education at home and briefly attended boarding schools
Began writing stories, plays, and poems at a young age for the amusement of her family
Influenced by 18th-century writers such as Samuel Richardson, Henry Fielding, and Fanny Burney
Her works reflect her keen observation of the society she lived in and her own experiences
Never married, though she had several romantic attachments and a brief engagement
Faced financial difficulties and relied on the support of her brothers after her father's death
Died on July 18, 1817, at the age of 41, in Winchester, Hampshire
Major Works and Themes
Sense and Sensibility (1811): Contrasts the experiences of two sisters, exploring the balance between reason and emotion
Pride and Prejudice (1813): Follows the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, dealing with themes of love, pride, and societal expectations
Mansfield Park (1814): Examines the moral development of the protagonist, Fanny Price, and the corrupting influence of wealth and status
Emma (1815): Centers on the misguided matchmaking attempts of the titular character and her personal growth
Northanger Abbey (1818, posthumous): Parodies the Gothic novel genre and explores the coming-of-age of the naive protagonist, Catherine Morland
Persuasion (1818, posthumous): Depicts the rekindled romance between Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth, addressing themes of second chances and the influence of societal persuasion
Recurring themes include the importance of marriage, the role of women in society, the impact of social class and wealth, and the tension between individual desires and societal expectations
Character Analysis
Austen's characters are complex, multi-dimensional, and often flawed, reflecting the realities of human nature
Protagonists are usually young, intelligent women navigating the social expectations and constraints of their time (Elizabeth Bennet, Emma Woodhouse, Elinor Dashwood)
Male characters range from the brooding, initially misunderstood hero (Mr. Darcy) to the charming but morally ambiguous (Henry Crawford, George Wickham)
Secondary characters serve to highlight the main characters' qualities and flaws and provide comic relief (Mr. Collins, Mrs. Bennet, Miss Bates)
Characters' dialogue and actions reveal their true nature, values, and motivations
Character development is central to the plot, with protagonists undergoing personal growth and learning from their mistakes
Relationships between characters showcase the dynamics of family, friendship, and romance within the confines of societal norms
Social Commentary and Satire
Austen's novels offer a critique of the society she lived in, particularly the upper and middle classes
Satirizes the preoccupation with wealth, status, and social climbing (the Elliot family in Persuasion, Lady Catherine de Bourgh in Pride and Prejudice)
Exposes the limited opportunities and choices available to women in the early 19th century
Women's financial dependence on men and the pressure to secure a suitable marriage
The consequences of failing to conform to societal expectations (Maria Bertram in Mansfield Park)
Critiques the superficiality and hypocrisy of social interactions and the importance placed on appearances
Highlights the absurdities of certain characters and situations to underscore societal flaws (Mr. Collins' obsequiousness, Mrs. Bennet's obsession with marrying off her daughters)
Uses irony and wit to expose the gap between characters' self-perception and reality
Offers a more subtle and nuanced form of social commentary compared to other satirical writers of her time
Writing Style and Techniques
Austen's prose is characterized by its clarity, precision, and elegance
Employs a third-person omniscient narrator, allowing for insights into characters' thoughts and motivations
Extensive use of dialogue to reveal character, advance the plot, and provide social commentary
Dialogue often features witty exchanges, revealing characters' intelligence and personalities
Irony, both verbal and situational, is a hallmark of Austen's writing
Verbal irony: characters say the opposite of what they mean, often for comedic effect
Situational irony: outcomes that are contrary to what is expected, highlighting the discrepancy between appearance and reality
Free indirect discourse allows for a blend of the narrator's voice and a character's thoughts, creating a more intimate understanding of characters' inner lives
Detailed descriptions of settings, customs, and social activities immerse readers in the world of the novel
Pacing is deliberate, focusing on character development and social interactions rather than fast-paced action
Austen's narrative voice is often described as witty, perceptive, and gently satirical
Legacy and Modern Interpretations
Austen's works have endured and remain popular over 200 years after their publication
Her novels have been adapted numerous times for stage, film, and television (BBC's Pride and Prejudice miniseries, Clueless as a modern adaptation of Emma)
Austen's influence can be seen in the works of subsequent authors, particularly in the romance and comedy of manners genres
Modern interpretations and adaptations often highlight the feminist themes in Austen's writing
The subversive nature of her female characters who assert their agency within the constraints of their society
The critique of the patriarchal structures that limited women's opportunities
Austen's works have been analyzed through various critical lenses, including feminist, Marxist, and postcolonial perspectives
The term "Austenesque" has been coined to describe works that emulate Austen's style, themes, and settings
Austen's legacy extends beyond literature, with a thriving fan culture, including Austen societies, festivals, and themed events
Her works continue to resonate with readers due to their timeless themes, engaging characters, and astute social observations