Podcast Episode Details

"By a Lady": The Wit, Realism, and Hidden Life of Jane Austen

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Episode 1170

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In this episode, we explore the life of English novelist Jane Austen (1775–1817), whose works revolutionized fiction through social commentary and literary realism. Join us as we trace her journey from her childhood in the "open, amused" atmosphere of the Steventon rectory to her prolific years at Chawton cottage, where she revised and published her most famous works.

We delve into:

• The Early Years & Juvenilia: How Austen’s "boisterous" and "anarchic" early writings parodied the sentimental novels of her time.
• Love & Heartbreak: The truth behind her youthful flirtation with Tom Lefroy and her decision to withdraw her acceptance of a marriage proposal from Harris Bigg-Wither to avoid marrying without affection.
• The Struggle to Publish: The story of how masterpieces like Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility were published anonymously—attributed simply to "By a Lady"—and the financial risks she took to bring them to print.
• Literary Innovation: A look at Austen’s pioneering use of "free indirect speech" to reveal her characters' inner thoughts and her shift away from the "trashy sensationalism" of Gothic fiction toward a realistic study of manners.

Finally, we discuss her premature death at age 41 and how her reputation evolved from "dear aunt Jane" to a global literary icon whose face now graces the £10 note . Whether you are a dedicated "Janeite" or new to her work, this episode uncovers the genius behind the romance.

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Published on 2 days, 22 hours ago