The Element of Jane Austens Sense and Sensibility

1. TITLE This book was originally titled "Elinor and Marianne," but Sense and Sensibility is barely a leap from there the traits included in the title describe these two main characters to a tee. Elinor embodies "sense" completely; she's practical, intellectual, and logical in all things. Her younger sister Marianne, however, is "sensibility" all the way. Here, we have to remember that "sensible" didn't always mean what it means to us today. We generally think of "sensibility" as basically being practicality, but back in the day, it actually meant kind of the opposite. In Austen's time, "sensibility" was closer to what we would call "sensitivity." Marianne is totally emotional, sensitive, and wrapped up in her feelings (especially when they are romantic ones), and thus is the incarnation of Austenian "sensibility". The challenge at the heart of the novel is for "sense" and "sensibility" to cooperate, and for the sisters to find a meeting point between reason and emotion.

2. THEME Major Theme The major theme of the novel is 'sense prevailing over sensibility.' The characters in the novel who achieve the object of their desire are those who possess good sense, while those who become disillusioned with life are easily carried away by their emotions. Minor Theme One significant theme is the importance of patience. This virtue is embodied in both Elinor and Colonel Brandon. She is discreet enough to observe things and only later to pass her judgment upon them. Colonel Brandon is genuinely in love Marianne, but unlike Willoughby, he does not make reckless and passionate proclamations of his feelings. Good judgment is a result of the exercise of patience. Another minor theme worth noting is the importance of money in this society: it is generally accepted by all in the world of the novel that before settling down to married life, one must ensure that a sufficient source of income has been secured.

3. SETTING Sense and Sensibility was first published in 1811. The novel is set in London and its surrounding districts. In the first and the last part of the novel, the characters are shown living in the countryside, where they are content and expect happiness. The middle part of the novel is set in London, the city where the protagonists suffer anguish and disappointment. Most of the action takes place at: Sussex County in south east England. Norland is here. Norland Park The Dashwood family home. It is inherited temporarily by Mr. Henry Dashwood, but when he dies it goes to his rich son John. John and his family

move in right after the funeral, and the Dashwood women feel uncomfortable in what had been their home. The house and its surroundings are beautiful, and it was the site for many happy memories. The Dashwood women are sad to leave it. Barton Park The home of Sir John and Lady Middleton. It is the estate upon which Barton Cottage resides, only a short walk away. The Dashwoods often visit the Middletons at this home. Barton Cottage The new home of the Dashwoods. The cottage is small but cozy, and has a beautiful garden. The land is also beautiful and they take many walks in Barton Valley. It is while living here that they meet Willoughby. Devonshire County in south west England, home of Barton Cottage. It is very far from Norland. Allenham The home of Mrs. Smith, Willoughby's benefactress. Allenham lies in Barton Valley, close to Barton Park. The Dashwood girls are curious to see it, but Marianne gets a private viewing when she and Willoughby sneak away and see the home when Mrs. Smith is not there. Elinor reprimands Marianne for this improper behavior. Somersetshire County in south-west England, the home of Combe Magna, Willoughby's estate. Whitwell The home of Colonel Brandon's brother-in-law. The group is about to take a trip to Whitwell when the Colonel is called away on business. The business involves his foster daughter Eliza, and the harm Willoughby has done to her; but the Colonel at this time keeps his business a secret.

 Cleveland The home of the Palmers. Elinor and Marianne will visit here after their disastrous time in London. Marianne becomes very sick while she is staying here, and nearly dies. Combe Magna Willoughbys estate. Longstaple The home of Mr. Pratt, Lucy's uncle. In his youth, Edward was under Mr. Pratt's care at Longstaple for several years, during which he fell in love with Lucy. London Elinor and Marianne stay with Mrs. Jennings in London. The Dashwoods, the Middletons, the Palmers, and the Steele girls are there too. Willoughby is also in town, but he does not answer Marianne's letters. He treats her coldly at a party, then sends her a letter denying any feelings for her. Marianne is grief-stricken, and spends the rest of their time in London being miserable. Delaford Colonel Brandon's home. He has a parsonage on his estate that he offers to Edward and Lucy. When Edward ends up marrying Elinor, the two of them move into the parsonage at Delaford. Bath City in south-west England. When visiting Bath with one of her friends, Miss Williams meets Willoughby and the two run away together. He gets her pregnant, then leaves her penniless and alone. East Kingham Farm A farm neighboring Norland which John Dashwood buys. He brings up this purchase to show Elinor how little money he has, so he will not look bad when he does not buy her anything. A large landlord, John buys his neighbor's farm, making him a tenant. Despite his complaints about how much it cost to buy, the new farm will earn John much more money.

 Kensington Gardens The gardens of Kensington Palace in London. Elinor has a chance meeting here with Ann, who tells Elinor how Edward offered to end the engagement. Elinor is shocked to learn that Ann got her information by eavesdropping on the couple.

4. CHARACTERS Mr. Henry Dashwood The husband of Mrs. Dashwood, the father of John, Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret. His first wife, the mother of John, died, and after her death, Mr. Dashwood married Mrs. Dashwood, and they had the three girls. Mr. Dashwood is sad that Norland will go to John, and worries that his daughters will not have enough money to marry. Dying only a year after his uncle, Henry makes John promise to take care of his stepmother and stepsisters. Then he dies, leaving his wife and girls with what little money he had. Mrs. Henry Dashwood (first wife) John's mother. When she died, she left him a large fortune. Mrs. Henry Dashwood The second wife of Mr. Henry Dashwood, and mother of Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret, who is left in difficult financial straits by the death of her husband. She is 40 years old at the beginning of the book. Much like her daughter Marianne, she is very emotive and often makes poor decisions based on emotion rather than reason. Elinor Dashwood the sensible and reserved eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Henry Dashwood. She is 19 years old at the beginning of the book. She becomes attached to Edward Ferrars, the brother-in-law of her elder half-brother, John. Always feeling a keen sense of responsibility to her family and friends, she places their welfare and interests above her own, and suppresses her own strong emotions in a way that leads others to think she is indifferent or cold-hearted. She is affectionate, pragmatic and prudent.

 Marianne Dashwood the romantically inclined and eagerly expressive second daughter of Mr and Mrs Henry Dashwood. She is 16 years old at the beginning of the book. She is the object of the attentions of Colonel Brandon and Mr Willoughby. She is attracted to young, handsome, romantically spirited Willoughby and does not think much of the older, more reserved Colonel Brandon. Marianne does the most development within the book, learning her sensibilities have been selfish. She decides her conduct should be more like that of her elder sister, Elinor. She is charming and clever, but impulsive. Margaret Dashwood the youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs Henry Dashwood. She is thirteen at the beginning of the book. She is also romantic and good-tempered but not expected to be as clever as her sisters when she grows older. Mr. John Dashwood the son of Henry Dashwood by his first wife. He intends to do well by his half-sisters, but he has a keen sense of avarice, and is easily swayed by his wife. Mrs. John (Fanny) Dashwood the wife of John Dashwood, and sister to Edward and Robert Ferrars. She is vain, selfish, and snobbish. She spoils her son Harry. Very harsh to her husband's half-sisters and stepmother, especially since she fears her brother Edward is attached to Elinor. young Harry Dashwood The young son of John and Fanny. The child so delights the uncle of Henry Dashwood that Norland Estate is left to him. Most of Fanny's concerns about money center around Harry. She worries that if they give away even a pound, Harry will be impoverished. Edward Ferrars the elder of Fanny Dashwood's two brothers. He forms an attachment to Elinor Dashwood. Years before meeting the Dashwoods, Ferrars proposed to Lucy Steele, the niece of his tutor. The engagement has been kept secret owing

to the expectation that Ferrars' family would object to his marrying Miss Steele. He is disowned by his mother on discovery of the engagement after refusing to give up the engagement. Mrs. Jennings mother to Lady Middleton and Charlotte Palmer. A widow who has married off all her children, she spends most of her time visiting her daughters and their families, especially the Middletons. She and her son-in-law, Sir John Middleton, take an active interest in the romantic affairs of the young people around them and seek to encourage suitable matches, often to the particular chagrin of Elinor and Marianne. Colonel Brandon a close friend of Sir John Middleton. In his youth, Brandon had fallen in love with his father's ward, but was prevented by his family from marrying her because his father was determined to marry her to his older brother. He was sent into the military abroad to be away from her, and while gone, the girl suffered numerous misfortunes partly as a consequence of her unhappy marriage, finally dying penniless and disgraced, and with a natural daughter, who becomes the ward of the Colonel. He is 35 years old at the beginning of the book. He falls in love with Marianne at first sight as she reminds him of his father's ward. He is very honorable friend to the Dashwoods, particularly Elinor, and offers Edward Ferrars a living after being disowned by his mother. Willoughby a philandering nephew of a neighbour of the Middletons, a dashing figure who charms Marianne and shares her artistic and cultural sensibilities. It is generally understood that he is engaged to be married to Marianne by many of their mutual acquaintances. Mrs. Ferrars Fanny Dashwood and Edward and Robert Ferrars' mother. A badtempered, unsympathetic woman who embodies all the foibles demonstrated in

Fanny and Robert's characteristics. She is determined that her sons should marry well. Robert Ferrars the younger brother of Edward Ferrars and Fanny Dashwood, he is most concerned about status, fashion, and his new barouche. He subsequently marries Miss Lucy Steele after Edward is disowned. Lucy Steele a young, distant relation of Mrs Jennings, who has for some time been secretly engaged to Edward Ferrars. She assiduously cultivates the friendship with Elinor Dashwood and Mrs John Dashwood. Limited in formal education and financial means, she is nonetheless attractive, clever, manipulative, cunning and scheming. Ann/Nancy Steele Cousin of Mrs. Jennings, the older Steele girl. She is not very attractive, lacks manners, and makes lots of improper comments. She is silly and unintelligent. She likes Dr. Davies, and since nobody cares to ask her about him, she talks about him constantly. uncle of Mr. Henry Dashwood The owner of Norland estate. When his sister dies, he invites Mr. Dashwood, his wife, and their three children to live with him. He loves them and they get along well, but the uncle is charmed by Harry, the grandson of Mr. Dashwood, and decides to leave Norland to Henry Dashwood on the condition that it will next pass to John Dashwood, Henry's son from his first marriage. The uncle still leaves each girl a small fortune, but the small sum is not comparable to Norland. Sir John Middleton The owner of Barton Park, husband to Lady Middleton. He is pleasant and friendly, and does all he can to make the Dashwoods feel at home. He hunts, and that is his primary amusement. He also enjoys getting dances and parties together so the young people can enjoy themselves.

 Lady Middleton The wife of Sir John Middleton. She has two concerns: looking good to others, and the care of her children. She is very concerned with how people view her, and she always wants her house and her parties to be the best. She is cold and quiet, and the Dashwoods find her personality "repulsive." Elizabeth Williams The former love interest of Colonel Brandon. Williams is Brandon's father's ward, and is forced to marry Brandon's older brother. The marriage is an unhappy one, and it is revealed that her daughter is left as Colonel Brandon's ward when he finds his lost love dying in a poorhouse. Mrs. Smith Willoughby's benefactress, who lives at Allenham near Norland. She does not approve of Willoughby's behavior toward Miss Williams, and when he will not marry her, she disinherits him. Mr. Palmer The husband of Charlotte Palmer. His estate is Cleveland. He is a rude man, who likes to imagine himself superior to everyone in the room. He treats his ridiculously cheerful wife worst of all, usually ignoring or insulting her, which she finds hilarious. Elinor imagines he is still angry that he married such an attractive but silly woman. Quite a common occurrence, and he should get over it and behave civilly. Mrs. Charlotte Palmer The wife of Mr. Palmer, and daughter of Mrs. Jennings. She is in the early stages of her first pregnancy. Mrs. Palmer is pretty, and she smiles constantly, unlike her sister Lady Middleton. Her excessive happiness can often be annoying. Miss Grey The wealthy young woman whom Willoughby marries. Jealous and vindictive, she writes the letter Willoughby sends to Marianne, making him recopy it in his own hand. Willoughby chose her because of her money, but he

does not love her. He later greatly regrets choosing her over the sweet Marianne, but he let his pocketbook choose his wife. Eliza Williams The ward of Colonel Brandon, she is about 15 years old and bore an illegitimate son to John Willoughby. She is the daughter of Elizabeth Williams. Miss Morton The woman Mrs. Ferrars and Fanny want Edward to marry. When they learn of his engagement to Lucy, they suggest she marry Edward's brother instead. It is so unimportant who a person marries, so long as they have a big fortune, that they can pass fiancees around like objects. Mr. Pratt The uncle of Lucy Steele. He lives at Longstaple, and he tutored Edward at his home for several years. It was during this time that Edward and Lucy became acquainted and got engaged. Dr. Davies The supposed beaux of Ann Steele. She loves to go on and on about him, but nobody really cares.

5. POINT OF VIEW This is a third person omniscient narrator. we have a privileged view inside the minds of most of the characters, and Austen's strong narratorial voice takes us in and out of the people that populate this novel. However, the narration tends to focus our perspective through Elinor's thoughts most often, and we find our own opinions most clearly influenced by hers. Notably, Austen is primarily concerned with showing us the female perspective here though we occasionally get to see "inside" Edward or John, we mostly stick close to the women in the novel, and get to know them better than anyone else.

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6. CONFLICT Protagonists Both Elinor and Marianne are the protagonists of the novel. In fact, Jane Austen had originally entitled the novel Elinor and Marianne, since the novel mostly deals with the life of both the girls. Later, she revised the novel and changed its title to Sense and Sensibility, based on the qualities her heroines possess. Both Elinor and Marianne are wooed by the men of their choice, but later they are let down by these men. As a result, they both face disappointments and rejection. However, Elinor lets her good sense guide her, and she is ultimately united with her lover. Marianne gets carried away by her sensibility (emotion) and becomes despondent. She is ultimately rewarded with a competent husband when she recovers her sense of judgment. Antagonists The problem that Elinor and Marianne face during the novel is for each of them to find a proper husband. Lucy Steele is Elinor's chief antagonist, for she stands in the way of Elinor marrying the man she wants. Lucy becomes engaged to Edward during the days when he is under the care of her uncle. Even though Edward does not love her anymore, he decides to marry her to fulfill his commitment. In truth, he is attracted to Elinor, but he suppresses his love for her because of his loyalty to Lucy. Lucy is, thus, the obstacle between Elinor and Edward. Willoughby is the chief antagonist of Marianne. He plays with her emotions and makes her believe that he is in love with her. However, when he meets Miss Grey, a wealthy girl with fifty thousand pounds, he becomes engaged to her without giving a second thought to Marianne. He, thus, acts as the antagonist, ruthlessly casting Marianne aside for his self interest. Climax For Elinor, the climax occurs when Edward arrives at Barton Cottage and proposes to her.

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For Marianne, the climax occurs when she recovers from her loss of Willoughby and her subsequent illness and accepts the proposal of Colonel Brandon, who has loved her all along. Outcome The novel ends happily, in comedy, with two couples united in marrage.

7. PLOT Initial Situation The Dashwoods move from their childhood home, Norland, to a new place and a new life. The novel begins with a time of transition and new beginnings after the death of their father, the Dashwood sisters and their mother move from their home, Norland, to a whole new life far away in Devonshire. Conflict Willoughby enters the scene, and Marianne falls in love. The central conflict shows up here, in the dashing form of John Willoughby. Marianne immediately falls in love with him, and her impulsive passion directs the course of much of the action from here on out since Marianne is the more active of the two sisters, Elinor's thoughts and her own deeds often follow as consequences of her sister's passionate, headlong progress through life. Complication Three departures (and one arrival) complicate matters Edward, Colonel Brandon, and Willoughby all leave, and Lucy Steele shows up. Everything seems to unravel as the three gentlemen involved in the Dashwoods' lives all disappear to London. We're not sure what's going on with any of them, and neither are Elinor and Marianne. Everything is unsettled and rather nerve-wracking. To make matters worse, Elinor is suddenly ambushed by unwelcome news of Edward's secret engagement to newcomer Lucy Steele, which certainly complicates matters, to put it mildly. Meanwhile, Marianne is preoccupied by thoughts of nothing but Willoughby.

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 Climax Willoughby blows off Marianne; his engagement to Miss Grey is revealed. Once in London, the complications only grow more complicated. The nervous tension of the sisters explodes when Willoughby shows up once more. His rejection of Marianne, and the subsequent news of his engagement to an heiress throw the whole family into disarray Marianne sinks into a deep depression, and Elinor isn't sure how to cope. Suspense Marianne goes off the deep end, and as a result, becomes deathly ill. Edward's engagement to Lucy is outed. Nothing good seems possible. Both Marianne and Elinor are hopeless Willoughby gets married, and Edward's marriage seems like a sure thing. Marianne sympathizes with her sister, but still can't pull herself out of her slump. When they're at Cleveland, Marianne falls ill as a result of her long, melancholy walks in the rain her life is in danger. Elinor is terrified and essentially alone. Denouement Marianne recovers; everyone goes back home to Barton and everything falls into place. On the night of Marianne's recovery from the brink of death, Willoughby shows up to set the record straight. His conversation with Elinor is the first in a string of revelations that reorganizes everything in everyone's relationships. We learn, satisfactorily, that Willoughby really loved Marianne after all. Shortly thereafter, once the family returns home to Barton Cottage, reunited and recovered, we learn that Edward and Lucy broke up, and that he's loved Elinor all along. All of our mysteries are solved. Conclusion Marriages for everyone! Elinor and Edward get together, and shortly thereafter, so do Colonel Brandon and Marianne. Finally, the way is clear for Edward and Elinor he even makes up with his family, so we don't have to worry as much about their practical situation. After

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months and months of confusion, secrets, and struggles, everything is out in the open, and everyone is happy. Marianne gets over Willoughby, and finally learns to appreciate Colonel Brandon. We end with the hint that Margaret, the youngest Dashwood, is grown up enough to become the center of her own love story.

8. SUMMARY The death of Mr. Henry Dashwood's uncle opens the novel. Upon the uncle's death, Norland estate is inherited by Henry Dashwood, on the condition it should next pass to his son John and John's young son, and not to his three daughters Elinor, Marianne, andMargaret. John Dashwood is wealthy, but at Mr. Dashwood's death, the Dashwood women are left with only a small fortune. On his deathbed, Mr. Dashwood made his son promise to provide for his stepmother and stepsisters, but John is easily persuaded by his selfish wife that they should use the money for their "real" family, namely their son. He and his family move into Norland estate. Feeling like guests in what had been their home, the four Dashwood women seek a new house on their limited budget. In the interim, the family is visited by Edward Ferrars, Fanny's brother. He and Elinor get along well, and the family expects they will marry. Their courtship is interrupted by a telegram from a relative telling of a cottage they may rent in Southern England. With mixed feelings, the Dashwoods leave their home and travel to Barton Cottage. They arrive to meet the owners of Barton Park, Sir John Middleton and his wife Lady Middleton. They also meet Mrs. Jennings, Lady Middleton's mother. She likes the girls very much, as does Colonel Brandon, an older friend of the Middleton's who takes a liking to Marianne. Marianne thinks the Colonel is too old for romance. She prefers the dashing Willoughby, who assists her after she falls down a hill and injures her ankle. After carrying her home, the two would meet often and discuss their many mutual interests. People begin to suspect they will be a match, until one day Willoughby suddenly leaves Devonshire for London, upsetting everyone, Marianne most of all.

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Soon after Willoughby's departure, Edward Ferrars makes a belated visit to the Cottage. He seems distant, and Elinor fears he may no longer have feelings for her. After he leaves, the Dashwoods receive two new guests, the Palmers. When the Palmers leave, they are replaced by two young ladies, Ann and Lucy Steele. Sir John tells the Miss Steeles that Elinor is attached to Mr. Ferrars. When Lucy Steele asks Elinor for her confidence, Lucy reveals that she is attached to Edward Ferrars. Elinor conceals her own connection while Lucy tells her about their secret four-year engagement. Mrs. Jennings invites Elinor and Marianne to her London home. Upon arriving in London, Marianne immediately writes Willoughby, but her letters go unanswered. Elinor becomes increasingly suspicious of their engagement. When they encounter Willoughby at a party, he is cold and formal, and accompanied by another woman. Marianne writes to Willoughby the next day, and soon receives a letter from him. In it, he denies any feelings for her, apologizes for any confusion, and tells her he is engaged to another woman. This woman, they learn, has a large fortune. Marianne admits there was no formal engagement, but her love for Willoughby is clear. Marianne falls into a terrible emotional and physical sickness. Colonel Brandon reveals to Elinor how Willoughby seduced the Colonel's young foster daughter, leaving her alone, penniless, and pregnant. When Elinor repeats this story to Marianne, Willoughby's poor character is cemented in her mind. Soon after they hear of Willoughby's marriage, the two Miss Steele's arrive. John and Fanny Dashwood are also in town. John tells Elinor that Edward Ferrars is likely to be married soon, to a woman with a large fortune. When Elinor next sees Lucy, it is in the presence of Mrs. Ferrars, Edward's mother. Mrs. Ferrars, suspecting no connection between Edward and Lucy, treats Lucy wonderfully, while she coolly ignores Elinor. Mrs. Jennings has some startling news to tell Elinor. Fanny has learned of Lucy and Edward's long-standing engagement. Feeling angry and betrayed, Fanny threw the Miss Steeles out of her house. They learn from John Dashwood that Mrs. Ferrars

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asked Edward to end the engagement, and when he would not, she disinherited him, leaving him nearly broke. While walking in the park, Elinor runs into Ann Steele. She tells Elinor that Edward offered to end the engagement, but that Lucy was firm that it continue. Edward expects to take religious orders in his effort to support them. The next day, Elinor receives a letter from Lucy, telling her what has happened, and that though she urged Edward to end the engagement for his own sake, he would not hear of it. Elinor and Marianne plan to return to Barton Cottage, but they visit a few weeks at the Palmers' house in Cleveland first. Before leaving, Colonel Brandon tells Elinor of a parsonage on his estate that Edward could manage. With this addition of income, his marriage is likely. Shortly after arriving at Cleveland, Marianne catches a violent cold. She becomes feverish and delirious. Elinor sends Colonel Brandon to fetch her mother while she calls the doctor, and many anxious moments ensue. Willoughby arrives, anxious to explain himself. He tells Elinor he did and still does love Marianne, and was going to ask her to marry him, when his benefactress became informed of his behavior towards Colonel Brandon's foster daughter. He was dismissed, and to keep his wealthy lifestyle, he had to marry well, which he did, and now deeply regrets. He admits to Elinor that the cruel final letter written to Marianne was actually written by his wife. Mrs. Dashwood arrives with Colonel Brandon. During the ride, the Colonel revealed to her his love for Marianne, and Mrs. Dashwood hopes to have them married. When Marianne is well enough, the three return to Barton. Several days after their arrival, they learn of the marriage of Mr. Ferrars. The next day, Edward arrives at Barton. When Elinor inquires about Mrs. Ferrars, he tells her that it was his brother, not he, who wed Lucy Steele. Edward asks Elinor to marry him, and she agrees. Edward attempts to reconcile with his mother, and she gives them a little money. The two are now able to marry, and take up residence at the Colonel's parsonage.

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With everyone desiring it, Marianne finds herself unable to resist a marriage to Colonel Brandon. His kindness has made him more attractive to her over time. They are married, and live happily only moments away from Edward and Elinor.

9. COMMENT Sense and Sensibility is a novel written by Jane Austen which is a complex novel which links the events surrounding the relationship, life, and love stories of uppermiddle class family in the nineteenth century. In my opinion this novel is quite interesting. Because I say so, in this novel there is so much unpredictable and the very interesting story is about the sense of Elinor and sensibility of Marianne, the two main characters of the story. the author also set this story to the happy ending and make all become clear because all of the problems can be solved and they live happily ever after.

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About The Author : Jane Austen

Jane Austen was the author of several enduringly popular English novels, including: Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Mansfield Park. Early Life Jane Austen was born in Steventon, Hampshire on 16th December 1775. She was the 7th daughter of an 8 child family. Her father, George Austen, was a vicar and lived on a reasonable income of 600 a year. However, although they were middle class, they were not rich; her father would have been unable to give much to help her daughters get married. Jane was brought up with her 5 brothers and her elder sister Cassandra. (another brother, Edward, was adopted by a rich, childless couple and went to live with them). Jane was close to her siblings, especially Cassandra, to whom she was devoted. The two sisters shared a long correspondence throughout her life; much of what we know about Jane comes from these letters, although, unfortunately Cassandra burnt a number of these on Janes death. Jane was educated at Oxford and later a boarding school in Reading. In the early 1800s two of Janes brothers joined the navy, leaving to fight in the Napoleonic wars; they would go on to become admirals. The naval connections can be seen in novels like Mansfield Park. After the death of her father in 1805, Jane, with her mother and sister returned to Hampshire. In 1809, her brother, Edward who had been brought up by the

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Knights, invited the family to the estate he had inherited at Chawton. It was in the country house of Chawton, that Jane was able to produce some of her greatest novels. Novels of Jane Austen Her novels are a reflection of her outlook on life. She spent most of her life insulated from certain sections of society. Her close friends were mainly her family, and those of similar social standing. It is not surprising then that her novels focused on 2 or 3 families of the middle or upper classes. Most novels were also based on the idyll of rural country houses that Jane was so fond of. Her novels also focus on the issue of gaining a suitable marriage. Marriage was a big issue facing women and men of her time; often financial considerations were paramount in deciding marriages. As an author, Jane used to satirise these financial motivations, for example, in Pride and Prejudice the mother is ridiculed for her ambitions to marry her daughters for maximum financial remuneration. Jane, herself remained single throughout her life. Apart from brief flirtations, Jane remained single, and appeared to have little interest in getting married (unlike the characters of her novels). The strength of Janes novels was her ability to gain penetrating insights into the character and nature of human relationships, from even a fairly limited range of environments and characters. In particular, she helped to redefine the role and aspirations of middle class women like herself. Through providing a witty satire of social conventions, she helped to liberate contemporary ideas of what women could strive for. During her lifetime the novels were reasonably popular. One of her strongest supporters was Walter Scott. He said of her novels: "That young lady has a talent for describing the involvements of feelings and characters of ordinary life which is to me the most wonderful I ever met with." King George IV actually requested that one novel could be dedicated to him. Emma is therefore dedicated to the King, even though Jane did not maintain any liking towards the King.

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Not all were favourable to Jane. The literary critic and wit Mark Twain said: "Jane Austen? Why, I go so far as to say that any library is a good library that does not contain a volume by Jane Austen. Even if it contains no other book." Death of Jane Austen Jane died in 1816, aged only 41. She died of Addisons disease, a disorder of the adrenal glands. She was buried at Winchester Cathedral. There are two museums dedicated to Jane Austen. The Jane Austen Centre in Bath, The Jane Austen's House Museum, located in Chawton cottage, in Hampshire, where she lived from 1809 1816. In 2005, Pride and Prejudice was voted best British novel of all time in a BBC poll. Jane was also voted as one of the top 100 greatest Britons features in a list: 50 women who changed the world

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