Anatomy of a Janeite
For those Janeites who participated in the The Jane Austen Survey 2008 created and compiled by Jeanne Kiefer last January, you might be very interested to read the results which have been posted in her report, Anatomy of a Janeite, Selected Results from The Jane Austen Survey 2008 on the Jane Austen Society of North America website.
It is fascinating reading to know what makes a Janeite tick. I must confess to more than a few non-surprises and a big disappointment.
My favorite new fact is this.
Three-quarters of respondents reported that their interest in Jane Austen had a more-than-moderate impact on their lives – 44% chose the highest level, a “strong” impact. Quite an amazing achievement for a spinster who penned a handful of romantic novels 200 years ago!
Wow! ¾ of the 4,500 participants report that Jane Austen has a more-than-moderate impact on their lives.
My un-favorite old fact is this.
Voted least-favorite heroine was Fanny Price (35%).
Oh dear. More fuel for Fanny bashing I fear. Oh well. Like I said in a previous post, we may all aspire to be Elizabeth Bennet, but in reality, we are Fanny Price. Not such a bad thing really, in my book at least.
You can read the full report of The Jane Austen Survey 2008 at the JASNA website. What are your surprises and disappointments? Are you an eccentric or average Janeite? Tell all.
Take the Anatomy of a Janeite Quiz based on the survey here.
Austenprose 
wow this is so interesting!
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I agree with your comment on Fanny – she doesn’t deserve that. :(
I was also saddened that not many people liked Northanger Abbey – it’s one of my favourite by Jane!
The survey was quite amusing, though, and I’m very glad it was conducted :)
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