"You deserve a longer letter than this; but it is my unhappy fate seldom to treat people so well as they deserve." Jane Austen, 24 December 1798 Jane Austen’s personal correspondence has stirred up controversy since her untimely death in 1817 at age 41. The next year her brother Henry Austen wrote in the ‘Biographical... Continue Reading →
Jane Austen’s Emma: English verdure – a sweet view
It was hot; and after walking some time over the gardens in a scattered, dispersed way, scarcely any three together, they insensibly followed one another to the delicious shade of a broad short avenue of limes, which stretching beyond the garden at an equal distance from the river, seemed the finish of the pleasure grounds.... Continue Reading →
Austen at Large: Mr. Elton on Facebook
My class assignment taken to the fullest extent! And of course he must have his say. Virginia Claire Virginia Claire, our Austen at Large roving reporter is a college student studying English literature and history who just returned from her time studying abroad in Bath England and working as an intern at the Jane... Continue Reading →
Pride and Prejudice in One Minute or Less!
If zombies, time portals, aliens and sequels have recently overwhelmed your genteel sensibilities, here's a quick Austen fix to bring you back to our roots. Pride and Prejudice in one minute or less, by Jane Austen It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be want... Continue Reading →
Mansfield Park: Mary Crawford – that peculiarly becoming temptress with a harp
The harp arrived, and rather added to her beauty, wit, and good-humour; for she played with the greatest obligingness, with an expression and taste which were peculiarly becoming, and there was something clever to be said at the close of every air. Edmund was at the Parsonage every day, to be indulged with his favourite... Continue Reading →
Austen at Large: Jane Reads Pride and Prejudice to Miss Benn – the luckiest woman in the world
Jane Austen's letters offer a rich repository of her life and Regency times. Austen at Large reporter Virginia Claire shares her thoughts on Jane Austen's reading of Pride and Prejudice to her neighbor Miss Benn.
Jane Austen’s Letters: What a bit of pewter will supply
Jane Austen's letters are rich repository of her life and Regency times. In this letter to her sister Cassandra, Jane is in London visiting her brother Henry Austen while her fourth novel Emma is to be published by John Murray. She also talks of shopping and running errands for her family, friends and herself. Even though she has book royalties coming in from her three previous publications, she still is keenly aware of how much a shilling is worth, concerned over her recent purchase of 4 silk stockings!
Austen at Large: Vote for your Favorite Pride and Prejudice Bachelor
An analysis and poll to vote for your favorite bachelor of the novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
Emma: Mr. Knightley’s Proposal – Marriage or Merger?
"And now, let me talk to you of something else. I have another person's interest at present so much at heart, that I cannot think any longer about Frank Churchill. Ever since I left you this morning, Emma, my mind has been hard at work on one subject." The subject followed; it was in plain,... Continue Reading →
The Flaws & Perfections of Miss Eliza Bennet
From the desk of Virginia Claire: As many people who read this blog each week may know, Elizabeth Bennet is my favorite heroine. She is witty, caring, intelligent, honest, and bold. All characteristics which though I myself may not possess, I respect them in characters, as well as in people. In Elizabeth Bennet I do... Continue Reading →
Mansfield Park: Why does Fanny Price Rankle Our Ire?
When her two dances with him were over, her inclination and strength for more were pretty well at an end; and Sir Thomas, having seen her walk rather than dance down the shortening set, breathless, and with her hand at her side, gave his orders for her sitting down entirely. From that time Mr. Crawford... Continue Reading →
Austen at Large: Some of my own prejudices when it come to Pride and Prejudice
This week, as I began to reread Pride and Prejudice with my Jane Austen class, I have discovered some prejudices that I have. In reading a book that I know and love so well, I have almost found it hard to understand some people's opinions of it. I will say that most girls in my... Continue Reading →