Jane Austen is perhaps one of the most beloved authors of all time. She was born on December 16, 1775, to George and Cassandra Austen, the seventh of eight children. Her father was a minister and highly intelligent man (he was also acknowledged as a very handsome man). Jane's father oversaw her education. Jane was very attached to her older sister, Cassandra. And when it was time for Cassandra to go off to school, Jane wanted to follow her older sister.
Jane started writing at a very early age. She wrote plays and short stories for her family's enjoyment. As she grew older, she started writing longer stories and novels. Her first novel to be published was "Sense and Sensiblitly" in 1811 "Pride and Prejudice" was to follow in 1813. Jane characterized this famous novel in a letter to her sister Cassandra as "rather too light, and bright, and sparkling; it wants shade, it wants to be stretched out here and there with a long chapter of sense, if it could be had; if not, of solemn specious nonsense, about something unconnected with the story, an essay on writing, a critique on Sir Walter Scott, or the history of Buonaparte!" She described her famous character, Elizabeth Bennett, "I must confess that I think her as delightful a character as ever appeared in print, and "how I shall be able to tolerate those who do not like her at least, I do not know". This book was originally entitled, "First Impressions", but she later changed it to Pride and Prejudice when she read a book and saw those words. Other books were soon to follow: "Mansfield Park" (1814) and "Emma" (1816). "Northanger Abbey" and "Persuasion" were published posthumously by her brother Henry in 1818. Jane Austen died on July 18, 1817, at the age of 40.
There is so much more information about the life of Jane Austen. If you are doing a research paper, I know exactly how you feel. So at the bottom of this page, I will include a list of links and books that can help you on your way to gain information about Jane Austen. Even if you're not doing a research paper, I encourage you to read Jane Austen's works and biographies.
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