Jane Austen Research Paper

If there is one author that has inspired and captured the mind of readers for hundreds of years, it would be Jane Austen. Through her works readers can experience life through the eyes of upper class aristocrats. However, Austen was not born into a rich family despite what seems to be intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the patricians. In 1775, the world was blessed with the birth of Jane Austen to Cassandra and George Austen in Steventon, England. George Austen was the reverend to the local church which meant that money was not plentiful and often caused a problem for the large family. Despite shortages of money, the Austen family was well-educated due to the household library, courtesy of the church Mr. Austen worked at. By eight

Upon returning Austen continued her education through the family library and private plays they would act out. Noticing his daughter has a natural talent in writing, George Austen provides help in any way possible including sending her first book to a publisher. Fueled by the continual support of her family Austen would go on to write some of her most famous romanticism novels including Elinor and Marianne, Susan, and Pride and Prejudice. These books were all heavily influenced by Austen’s life experiences which establishes a concrete connection between Austen, the readers, and reality. 18th century England is a time of great prosperity for both the working and upper classes. The Industrial Revolution is in full swing meaning factories and cities are being built all over the world. These factories employed thousands of people at a time and produce an unprecedented amount of wealth for the owners and goods for the consumers. However, because the rich are becoming richer a divide is formed between the patricians and the other social classes. This divide is both physical and psychological which causes many

During this time, there was a surplus of jobs that needed to be filled by willing workers. Thus, the everyday family had more money they could spend. The working class also benefited from the relatively cheap goods the factories produced. This, in combination with additional money, meant that the middle class could now afford luxuries that before were only associated with the upper class. These indulgences are enjoyed by both Jane Austen and her characters in various books. Austen’s family was a modest one with money being always being a concern. Her father worked at the local church and grew corps or tutored people for extra money (Warren). Due to his hard work the family could afford sending Austen and her sister to get an education. On the other hand, there is Lydia Bennet who unintentionally uses the money and reputation their family has accumulated for disgrace. Lydia is the youngest of the Bennet sisters and the most naïve. Because she is so young Lydia does not attend many of the balls the same her older sisters do. This causes a rift to form between. This rift is not one of hate, it is one of not know right from wrong. During the 18th century one of the worst situations that can happen to a person is achieving a bad reputation particularly in romance. Lydia is the youngest of the Bennet sisters and she wants anyone. This attitude lands her in trouble with the rogue Mr. Wickham.