Yet why do so many think that these novels are inaccessible and daunting? Or even worse, irrelevant to today’s readers?
Perhaps it is the connection with Austen’s works to high literature. But readers need not give in to the illusion that Austen’s works are not for everyone.
- Although her novels are well-written and classically attuned, Austen’s writing is extremely understandable, as human nature has not changed much since her time, and full of humour and wit.
- Her themes are universal and timeless.
- She teaches readers about human nature and, yes, manners relevant to life today.
Jane Austen and Human Nature, to Wit
Austen, though she led a relatively quiet life, had the ability to observe the tiniest aspects of human nature and then magnify them into universally appealing and understandable characters.
She focused a microscope on the minutiae of daily life and actions.
- “Friendship is certainly the finest balm for the pangs of disappointed love.” Catherine Morland’s adventures in Northanger Abbey speak to all of the “unremarkable tomboys” of the world, for she learns to think of herself–and her beliefs–differently as she is exposed to more of life, starting when she travels to Bath with friends. People of all ages, if lucky enough, will learn that friendships can help overcome or at least help one endure suffering of all stripes in this life.
- “Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery.” Fanny Price, of Austen’s Mansfield Park, despite plenty of reasons to be dejected and lonely, chooses to keep her spirits high, certainly a lesson for all readers in today’s treacherous times.
- “How quick come the reasons for approving what we like!” Austen makes this pointed observation in her last completed novel, Persuasion. It is human nature, when something is favoured, to quickly overlook flaws and find that all is well with it. This is true, whether it be with a new piece of clothing, or a new boyfriend or girlfriend.
Human nature has not changed so very much since Austen's days till now. Austen had an intuition, a sensing, about human nature that allow her writings to transcend time and offer observations on behaviour, even that of today's readers.
Universal and Timeless Themes
Austen’s themes of love, self-discovery, and the necessity for keeping high spirits and faith in expectations, are still relevant today. For if one does not believe something is possible, indeed, for him or her, it will be impossible. He or she will not take action to make good things happen, may perhaps be afraid to apologise, and thus lose out on a beautiful opportunity.
Perhaps one of the greatest apologies in literature comes from Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, when he proposes to Elizabeth Bennet for a second time.
“What did you say of me that I did not deserve? For, though your accusations were ill-founded, formed on mistaken premises, my behaviour to you at the time had merited the severest reproof. It was unpardonable. I cannot think of it without abhorrence.”
Jane Austen on Manners
Austen teaches readers manners. Modern author Lynne Truss, who wrote Talk to the Hand: The Utter Bloody Rudeness of the World Today, would most likely agree that today’s readers are in need of a bit of coaching.
When Elizabeth Bennet refuses Mr. Darcy’s first proposal of marriage, both become angry and defensive and say things they later regret, resulting in Mr. Darcy leaving in a troubled huff, his emotions in a heap about his feet, and Elizabeth crying in the room where she stood.
But when Mr. Darcy proposes to Elizabeth a second time, both are in love and behave much better toward one another. They also recognise the error of their previous actions, and are not afraid to admit it.
- “We will not quarrel for the greater share of blame annexed to that evening,” said Elizabeth; “the conduct of neither, if strictly examined, will be irreproachable. But since then we have both, I hope, improved in civility.”
- “I cannot be so easily reconciled to myself,” (said Mr. Darcy.) “The recollection of what I then said–of my conduct, my manners, my expressions during the whole of it–is now, and has been many months, inexpressibly painful to me.”
Austen’s readers today must deal with some outdated language or phraseology, but that is part of the charm of her writing. Her constructions have grace, yet are realistic, such as in real life when a good reply comes to one too late, when a do-over is not possible.
Austen offers much to her readers, not the least of which is explaining and examining daily life and human situations, as well as teaching good manners.
She admonishes independence along with good behaviour, and belief in oneself as a source of knowledge.
“We have all a better guide in ourselves, if we would attend to it, than any other person can be.” (Mansfield Park.)
Austen admonishes readers, and through her gifts with prose, gently shows them how, to live and act better, and how not to take each day, each moment, for granted.
Sources:
Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, Doubleday and Co., Inc., 1945.
Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen, J.M. Dent (Everyman), 1998.
Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen, Penguin Popular Classics, 1994.
Pamela Mooman - Pamela Mooman I am an award-winning writer and editor. I have more than 19 years of experience working in a variety of subjects and ...
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