Jane Austen and the Feminist Tradition of Writing Jane Austen was an English novelist known primarily for her five major novels, which interpret, critique, and comment upon the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Jane Austen can be considered a feminist writer for her portrayal of strong, intelligent female characters who challenge societal norms and seek autonomy in a male-dominated world. Her novels also critique the patriarchal marriage market and highlight the importance of women's education and financial independence.

1. Jane Austen and the
Feminist Tradition of
Writing

2. Information
Name : Bavaliya Rajdeep A.
Roll No. : 12
Enrollment No. : 3176205820210012
Sem. : 4 (B.A.)
Paper Name : The History of English Literature - 2
Paper No. : 404
Paper Code : 24246
Topic : Jane Austen and the Feminist Tradition of Writing
Submitted To : M.R.R. Monapara Arts College, SPEI, Bhavnagar,
Department of English.
E-mail : rajdeepbavaliya2@gmail.com

3. Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Jane Austen's Life
• What is Feminism?
• Major Feminist Works of Jane Austen
1. Sense and Sensibility (1811)
2. Pride and Prejudice (1813)
3. Mansfield Park (1814)
4. Emma (1815)
5. Persuasion (1818)
• Conclusion
• Works Cited

4. Introduction
• Jane Austen was an English novelist
known primarily for her five major
novels, which interpret, critique,
and comment upon the British
landed gentry at the end of the
18th century.
• Jane Austen can be considered a
feminist writer for her portrayal of
strong, intelligent female
characters who challenge societal
norms and seek autonomy in a
male-dominated world.
• Her novels also critique the
patriarchal marriage market and
highlight the importance of
women's education and financial
independence.

5. Jane Austen's Life
• Daughter of a clergyman and was educated at home.
• Jane's education was conducted on sound lines.
• Her life was unexciting, being little more than a series of pilgrimage
to different places of residence.
• Her first published works were issued anonymously, and she died in
middle age, before her merits had received anything like adequate
recognition.
Born: 16 December 1775
Steventon Rectory,
Hampshire, England.
Died: 18 July 1817
(aged 41)
Winchester,
Hampshire, England.

6. What is Feminism?
• Feminism is about all genders having
equal rights and opportunities.
• It is about respecting diverse women's
experiences, identities, knowledge and
strengths, and striving to empower all
women to realise their full rights.
• In general, feminism can be seen as a movement to put an end
to sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression and to achieve
full gender equality in law and in practice.
• Mary
Wollstonecraft
• Founder of
feminism
• Savitribai
Phule
• Mother of
Indian
Feminism

7. Major Feminist works of Jane Austen
Her major feminist novels are....
1. Sense and Sensibility (1811)
2. Pride and Prejudice (1813)
3. Mansfield Park (1814)
4. Emma (1815)
5. Persuasion (1818)

8. 1. Sense and Sensibility (1811)

9. 2. Pride and Prejudice (1813)
• The novel tells the story of Elizabeth
Bennet, a witty and independent
young woman, and her relationship
with the proud and aloof Mr.Darcy.
• The novel explores the themes of
social class, gender roles, and the
importance of individuality.
• Notable film adaptations of “Pride and
Prejudice” include the 1995 BBC
miniseries starring Colin Firth and
Jennifer Ehle, and the 2005 film
directed by Joe Wright and starring
Keira Knightley and Matthew
Macfadyen.

10. 3. Mansfield Park (1814)
• This novel centers around the
character of Fanny Price, a young girl
who is sent to live with her wealthy
relatives at Mansfield Park.
• The novel explores themes of social
mobility, moral values, and the
relationship between wealth and
morality.
• “Mansfield Park” has been adapted
into several films, including the 1999
film adaptation directed by Patricia
Rozema and starring Frances
O'Connor and Jonny Lee Miller.

11. 4. Emma (1815)
• This novel follows the life of the
eponymous heroine, Emma
Woodhouse, as she attempts to
meddle in the romantic lives of those
around her.
• The novel explores themes of social
hierarchy, self-awareness, and the
nature of true love.
• The novel has been adapted into
several films and TV series, including
the 1996 film directed by Douglas
McGrath and starring Gwyneth
Paltrow and Jeremy Northam.

12. 5. Persuasion (1818)
• This novel tells the story of Anne Elliot,
a young woman who is persuaded to
break off her engagement to Captain
Wentworth due to social pressure.
• The novel explores themes of regret,
second chances, and the importance
of personal agency.
• The novel has been adapted into
several films, including the 1995 film
adaptation directed by Roger Michell
and starring Amanda Root and Ciarán
Hinds.

13. Conclusion
Jane Austen was a highly acclaimed English novelist whose works
have become timeless classics.
Her novels continue to be popular because they explore universal
themes such as feminism, love, marriage, social norms, and
individuality.
She gave voice to women and portrayed them as complex individuals
with agency and desires beyond societal expectations.
That is why Austen's novels have been adapted into numerous films
and TV series, attesting to their enduring popularity and relevance.

14. Works Cited
Albert, Edward. “History of English Literature.” Oxford University Press. 1979.
ChatGPT. “Conversation with ChatGPT.” Chat OpenAi. 2023.
“Feminism and Women's Rights Movements.” Council of Europe Portal.
https://www.coe.int/en/web/gender-matters/feminism-and-women-s-rights-
movements#.
“Feminism.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism.
Garrigues, Manon. “Jane Austen: The 10 Best Film Adaptations of her Novels.” Vogue.
21 March 2021. https://www.vogue.fr/fashion-culture/fashion-exhibitions/story/5-
jane-austen-adaptations-to-watch-this-summer-bridget-jones-pride-and-prejudice-
keira-knightley-darcy/3126/amp.
“Jane Austen.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Austen.
“Savitribai Phule. ” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savitribai_Phule.
“What is Feminism?” IWDA. https://iwda.org.au/learn/what-is-feminism/.

15. Thank
you