Jane Austen's Novels




					I have not read all of Austen's novels, but I am working on it. Some of the following descriptions come from my own reading and some come from other's reviews of Austen novels. *Sense and Sensibility* Probably the first novel Austen started in 1797, it was revised and finally became the first published, but not until 1811. The novel is a contrast between two sisters. Marianne believes in love at first sight and that a person should be transparent and honest even at the risk of hurting someone’s feelings or damaging one’s own image. Eleanor, on the other hand, believes that emotions are private and that it is proper to tell white lies and half-truths, if they spare someone’s feelings or maintain one’s dignity. At the outset, the transparent Marianne’s theory of emotions seems absurd and annoying, but in the end the reader is challenged to agree the beliefs of both sisters have merit as well as weaknesses. *Pride and Prejudice* Written in 1796, it was the first offered to a publisher, who turned it down without reading it — ironic that it is now her most famous novel and has been loved by millions. It was finally published in 1813. Pride and Prejudice was originally titled First Impressions and is about exactly that. The heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, is the most free of shortcomings of any of Austen’s heroines and may be the most intellectually attractive of any heroine ever. Everyone should be required to read this book. *Northanger Abbey* A novel about novels, Northanger Abbey pokes fun at the unrealistic emotions portrayed in some novels. The story line is believed to be that which most resembles Jane Austen’s early years. The manuscript was sold to a publisher in 1803, but was not printed. Austen bought it back ten years later, but it remained unpublished until 1818, one year after her death. *Mansfield Park* Different from most of Austen’s novels, Mansfield Park (Published in 1814) has a somber tone for much of its length. The heroine, Fanny Price, is quiet but intelligent with an impeccable moral compass. Poor, reticent Fanny is brought up (as well as verbally abused or neglected) by a rich aunt’s family. The inevitable suitor is not the nearly perfect man we are used to, and we spend much of the novel wondering whether Fanny should shun or accept Henry Crawford’s affections. Is he a reformed man, or is he acting the part? *Emma* Published in 1815, Emma is partly a study of social classes and responsibilities and partly a witty love story. Rich, young, socialite, Emma Woodhouse, is at once backbiting and sometimes insincere, then caring and compassionate, especially to those below her in social rank. Emma may be Austen’s most flawed heroine, but Austen still renders her attractive in beauty and personality. Emma grows wiser as the novel goes on, and loose ends are tied up in the usual Austen style. *Persuasion* The last of Austen’s completed novels, Persuasion was finished in 1816 when she was 40 years old. It was published by Austen’s brother Henry along with Northanger Abby in 1818, one year after Jane’s death. Persuasion is a story about perseverance, patience and delayed romance. The Heroine, Anne Elliot, is a long-suffering, undervalued woman with a cold, distant father and older sister who are only interested in social rank. It is believed that Persuasion may best reflect Austen’s later life because of the appreciation the heroine shows for the town of Lyme and its favorable portrayal of sailing captains and their families. At 27, Anne is also the oldest of Austen's heroines.