Lit Openers
Episode 10: Northanger Abbey
by Jane Austen
Interactive Biography Chart
ESSENTIAL BIOGRAPHIC INFO |
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| Author Name: | Jane Austen | |
| Pseudonym: | published anonymously as "By a Lady" | |
| Nickname: | /// | |
| Date of Birth: | 16th December 1775 | |
| Place of Birth: | Steventon Rectory, Hampshire, England | |
| Date of Death: | 18th July 18 1817 | |
| Time Period: | Late 18th century - Early 19th century (Georgian Era/Regency Period) | |
| Type of Education: | Formal schooling (brief) and home education; primarily educated at home by her father after age 11 | |
| School/University: | Abbey House School, Reading (1785-1786); Oxford and Southampton schools (1783) | |
| Places where the author lived: | Steventon, Hampshire (1775-1801); Bath (1801-1806); Southampton (1806-1809); Chawton, Hampshire (1809-1817); Winchester (May-July 1817) | |
| Peculiar events: | Nearly died from typhus at school (1783); declined marriage proposal after initially accepting (1802); published all novels anonymously; died at age 41, likely from Addison's disease | |
LITERARY PRODUCTION |
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Main works |
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| Complete title: | "Pride and Prejudice" (1813) | |
| Genre: | Novel of Manners | |
| Synthesis: | The novel follows Elizabeth Bennet, one of five sisters in a family of modest means, as she navigates issues of marriage, morality, and social class in Regency England. Her initial prejudice against the wealthy Mr. Darcy and his pride lead to misunderstandings, but through personal growth and self-reflection, both characters overcome their flaws and find love. The novel satirises the social conventions of marriage and class while celebrating intelligence, wit, and genuine affection. | |
Other works |
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| Title: | "Sense and Sensibility" (1811) | |
| Genre: | Novel of Manners | |
| Brief Synthesis: | The story contrasts two sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, who represent "sense" (reason) and "sensibility" (emotion). After their father dies, the family has money problems. Both sisters fall in love but face difficulties in their relationships. The novel explores the balance between rational restraint and emotional expression in matters of love and life. This was Austen's first published novel. | |
| Title: | "Emma" (1815) | |
| Genre: | Novel of Manners | |
| Brief Synthesis: | Emma Woodhouse, a wealthy and clever young woman, fancies herself a matchmaker and meddles in the romantic lives of those around her, often with misguided results. Through a series of social misunderstandings and personal revelations, Emma discovers her own heart and learns humility. | |
| Title: | "Persuasion" (1817, posthumous) | |
| Genre: | Novel of Manners | |
| Brief Synthesis: | Anne Elliot, persuaded to break off her engagement to naval officer Frederick Wentworth years earlier, is given a second chance at love when he returns wealthy and successful. The novel explores themes of regret, constancy, and the possibility of second chances. It is considered Austen's most mature and emotionally complex work. | |
Lit Openers Ep 10 Northanger Abbey ANSWERS
Created for LnT
by Anna Maria Bellomo
Former High School English Teacher
Created for LnT
by Anna Maria Bellomo
Former High School English Teacher