English novel
Regency
Biography
Jane Austen was an English novelist whose sharp, socially observant novels of manners remain among the most loved and studied in English.
Primary Genres
- —Novel
Major Works
Pride and Prejudice (1813), Emma (1815), Persuasion (1817)
Writing Style & Major Themes
Writing style: precise, ironic prose driven by free indirect discourse. Major themes: marriage, class, money, reputation, and women's choices.
Literary Impact
She pioneered the modern novel of manners and influenced the development of narrative point of view.
Suggested Starting Work
Pride and Prejudice
Public-Domain Status
Austen's works are in the public domain.
Sources and further reading