Table of Contents

Jane Austen

Birth

Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775, in Steventon, Hampshire, England.1)

Large Family

She was the seventh of eight children in her family.2)

Educated at Home

Jane was primarily educated at home by her father, George Austen, and older brothers.3)

Early Writing

She began writing at a young age, creating stories and poems for her family's amusement.4)

Juvenilia

Her early works, written between ages 11 and 18, are known as her Juvenilia.5)

Pen Names

Jane Austen initially published her works anonymously, with her first novel credited to “A Lady.”6)

First Novel

“Sense and Sensibility,” her first published novel, was released in 1811.7)

Her most famous novels include “Pride and Prejudice,” “Emma,” “Mansfield Park,” and “Northanger Abbey.”8)

Financial Independence

Despite being a woman in a male-dominated society, Jane Austen's writing provided her with financial independence.9)

Regency Era

Her works are set in the Regency era and provide keen insights into the social dynamics of that period.10)

Marriage

Jane Austen never married, although she received at least one marriage proposal.11)

Family Support

Her brother Henry played a significant role in getting her works published.12)

Modest Sales

Her novels were modestly successful during her lifetime but gained immense popularity posthumously.13)

Health Issues

Jane suffered from ill health in her final years, possibly Addison's disease or lymphoma.14)

Death

She died on July 18, 1817, at the age of 41.15)

Burial

Jane Austen is buried in Winchester Cathedral.16)

Unfinished Works

At her death, she left two unfinished novels, “Sanditon” and “The Watsons.”17)

Posthumous Publications

“Northanger Abbey” and “Persuasion” were published posthumously in 1818.18)

Writing Style

Austen is known for her sharp wit, keen social observation, and ironic tone.19)

Literary Influence

She was influenced by Samuel Johnson, Fanny Burney, and Samuel Richardson.20)

Brother's Memoir

Her nephew James Edward Austen-Leigh wrote “A Memoir of Jane Austen” in 1869, bringing renewed attention to her works.21)

Adaptations

Her novels have been adapted into numerous films, television series, and stage productions.22)

Popularity

“Pride and Prejudice” remains one of the most beloved novels in English literature.23)

Letters

Only a small fraction of her letters survive, providing limited insight into her personal life.24)

Cassandra

Jane was very close to her sister Cassandra, who destroyed many of Jane's letters after her death.25)

Minimalist Life

She lived a relatively quiet life, focusing on her family and writing.26)

Cottage Industry

Her work has spawned a vast “Austen industry” of fan fiction, merchandise, and literary tourism.27)

Home Preservation

Her home in Chawton is now the Jane Austen's House Museum.28)

Legacy

Austen's works are celebrated for their enduring themes of love, marriage, and social class.29)

Commemorative Events

Various events and festivals celebrate her life and works annually.30)

Banknotes

Jane Austen's image appears on the £10 note issued by the Bank of England.31)

Statues

There are several statues of Jane Austen, including one in Basingstoke, near her birthplace.32)

Letters of Criticism

She wrote letters critiquing the works of her contemporaries.33)

Library

She was an avid reader and had access to her father's extensive library.34)

Modest Fame

Austen experienced only moderate fame during her lifetime compared to her posthumous acclaim.35)

Parody

“Northanger Abbey” is known for its parody of Gothic novels.36)

Family's Support

Her family, especially her brother Henry, was instrumental in her literary career.37)

Respected Peers

Austen was respected by her contemporaries, including Sir Walter Scott.38)

Writing Habit

She wrote her novels by hand, often working on small pieces of paper.39)

Literary Circle

Though not widely known, she had a small literary circle including family members.40)

Complicated Characters

Her characters are often complex and multifaceted, avoiding simple categorization.41)

Sense of Humor

Her novels are known for their humor and satirical elements.42)

Letters to Family

She maintained a lively correspondence with her family, often discussing her writing.43)

Personal Modesty

Austen was known for her modesty about her writing achievements.44)

Posthumous Fame

Her novels became more widely acclaimed and appreciated after her death, solidifying her status as a literary icon.45)