A dullard looks at Austen's novels and sees only romance novels - they are brilliant social commentaries that happen to include elements of romance.
Amen! Preach it!
The fact that Jane Austen's novels were not immediately published is no reflection on her talent, or lack thereof; it's a reflection of the time she lived in. Women were expected to fit a certain mold, one that did not really include writing; and if they did write, they were expected to produce a certain type of writing. Jane Austen was fighting more than just the regular publishing battle; she was fighting the expectations of women at the time as well. It was with the help of one of her brothers that she finally received decent attention from a publisher, which says a lot about late 18th/early 19th century gender equality.
You're absolutely right. I am glad, though, that her brother did everything he could to help. Shows his head was in the right place, at least. :)
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branchandroot
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Date: 2012-04-28 03:05 pm (UTC)A dullard looks at Austen's novels and sees only romance novels - they are brilliant social commentaries that happen to include elements of romance.
Amen! Preach it!
The fact that Jane Austen's novels were not immediately published is no reflection on her talent, or lack thereof; it's a reflection of the time she lived in. Women were expected to fit a certain mold, one that did not really include writing; and if they did write, they were expected to produce a certain type of writing. Jane Austen was fighting more than just the regular publishing battle; she was fighting the expectations of women at the time as well. It was with the help of one of her brothers that she finally received decent attention from a publisher, which says a lot about late 18th/early 19th century gender equality.
You're absolutely right. I am glad, though, that her brother did everything he could to help. Shows his head was in the right place, at least. :)