The Life of Jane Austen

In the last couple of years there has been an upsurge of popularity for Jane Austen. It seems like everyone is talking about Jane Austen these days. However, for those who do not know who Jane Austen is, she was an author of 6 amazing novels.

Jane Austen was born in Steventon, Hampshire England, on December 16th, 1775. She was one of an 8 children. Her father, George Austen, was a vicar (minister). Although they were not considered to be poor they certainly were not rich. With Jane's father being a vicar he was unable to provide much financial assistance to his daughters for matrimony. Jane had 6 brothers and an elder sister Cassandra. It is well documented that Jane and Cassandra were very close.

As do most authors, Jane wrote about what she knew. She would center her plot around 2 or 3 families of the middle or upper class. Her novels centered around the issue of acquiring a suitable marriage. Which was a very important consideration that confronted both men and women in those times; social standing and financial wealth were the most important factors in making a good marriage.

Here are the six novels that Jane Austen wrote:

Pride and Prejudice - This seems to be the favorite novel of most people. I would have to agree, I love the relationship between Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett.

Persuasion - I would say that Persuasion is my next favorite book of Jane Austen. I truly appreciate the fact that Anne Elliott gets a second chance at love. It is said that Persuasion is the last book she wrote.

Sense and Sensibility - I have not actually read the book, but I have seen several film adaptions of the book. Elinor Dashwood is a wonderful heroine, she has so much strength when everything around her is falling apart.

Mansfield Park - Fanny Price is the heroine in this novel. Some fans who compare her to Elizabeth Bennett think Fanny Price is a bit dull and boring but she is an inspiring character that never gives up even when all hope is lost.

Emma - This is the first Jane Austen book that I read and this is the first book that got me to start reading and falling in love with all the other Jane Austen books. Emma has so many flaws but maybe that is what makes her so likeable to us and so loveable to Mr. Knightly.

Northanger Abbey - Supposebly this is the first novel that Jane Austen wrote and published. It is probably my least favorite of all her novels. Since it is her earliest novel it tends to be a little deficient in depth but since it is a Jane Austen novel it is still very good.

Jane Austen died in 1816, at the age of 41, she is buried at Winchester Cathedral.

During Jane Austen's lifetime, her novels were somewhat popular but not as popular as they are today. I wonder what she would think of all this attention.