Jane Austen: The Analytical Prowess of an Esteemed Novelist

In British and American literature, numerous female novelists have produced some of the finest literature written since the inception of the novel. Although the literary world is fortunate to possess the works of groundbreaking authors like Charlotte Brontë, Virginia Woolf, and Sylvia Plath in its canon, I believe that Jane Austen and her writings provided the initial opportunity for women's artistic voices to be heard. Because of the revolutionary nature and quality of her work, therefore, I proudly proclaim Jane Austen as my favorite novelist.

According to the website of the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA), Austen was born on December 16, 1775, in Hampshire, England. Although she is now highly regarded for her literary contributions, JASNA reveals that Austen was never publicly recognized as an author during her prolific years. Her published works include the following novels: Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), Emma (1815), Persuasion (1817), and Northanger Abbey (1817). JASNA states that, after many months of ill health, Austen died in Winchester, England on July 18, 1817, at the age of 41.

Although Austen's life was brief, her writings demonstrate that she developed a profound understanding of the female spirit and interpersonal relationships. All of her novels focus on female protagonists who, despite their flaws in character, gain the admiration of readers through displays of underlying integrity and inner strength. In my favorite Austen novel, Pride and Prejudice, for example, protagonist Elizabeth Bennet exhibits her moral superiority when contrasted with the characters of her mother and three younger sisters; furthermore, the text illustrates Elizabeth's strong friendship with her older sister Jane. What makes Austen's characterization of Elizabeth realistic, yet endearing, however, is Elizabeth's flawed judgments of Darcy and Wickham and her willingness to forgo her pride by admitting her mistakes. Her behavior ultimately wins Darcy's respect, and the couple forms a close relationship and eventually marries.

Despite the brevity of Austen's life and career, I believe that her contributions to literature earn her an esteemed position in the hierarchy of authors. Her novels, however, demonstrate her insight into the female psyche, which I contend merits special recognition among all artists.