The novels of Jane Austen: A primer (or refresher)

In an exciting new addition to the Jane Austen Centre's collections, we have recently taken up a loan of a set of gorgeous 5th edition Jane Austen novels. This ten-volume collection published in 1894 has kindly been passed onto us by Joshua Riggs. Now on display at the centre, you can feast your eyes upon these beautiful editions, which includes both volumes of Jane Austen's most famous novel, Pride and Prejudice. 

Before you book your trip however, do make sure to peruse this article for a quick reminder of which Jane Austen novel is which (without too many spoilers!).

Sense and Sensibility

Sense and Sensibility is Jane Austen's first novel, published anonymously 'By a Lady' in 1811. The novel follows the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, who fall on hard times after their father's unexpected passing. Forced to downsize, the sisters and widowed mother move into Barton Cottage, where they experience a range of romantic and personal trials and tribulations. Elinor is the 'sense' of the title, a level-headed and restrained character who suffers quietly as the man she loves, Edward Ferrars, becomes engaged to another woman. Marianne, by contrast, is passionate and impulsive, getting her heart broken by the charming John Willoughby.

It is Austen's first full length novel, introducing the reader to some of her favourite themes - the push and pull of whether one should marry for love or to improve one's circumstances, societal expectations, and balancing emotions with reason.

Pride and Prejudice

Though it hardly needs introduction for most of us, some people haven't read Pride and Prejudice. Jane Austen's second novel follows the Bennet sisters, whose world is set atwitter when two eligible bachelors, Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy move to town. When their mother, Mrs Bennet, swoops in to meddle, her eldest daughter Jane quickly falls for the charming Mr Bingley. Mr Darcy, however, becomes a bit of an obstacle. His gruff persona leads him to butt heads with Elizabeth Bennet, Jane's witty younger sister. Whilst Elizabeth initially writes Darcy off as rude, and Darcy writes off the Bennets as silly, frivolous girls, both must look past their initial prejudices and relinquish their pride (see what I did there?). Maybe, just maybe, there is something more between them. 

Pride and Prejudice has become one of the world's most famous love stories, inspiring TV, film and theatre adaptations starring the likes of Colin Firth and Keira Knightley. 

Mansfield Park

Whilst Mansfield Park isn't one of Austen's best-known novels, that doesn't mean it can't hold its own against the others. Mansfield Park follows Fanny Price, a poor and kindhearted girl raised by wealthy family at the eponymous estate. Fanny is not like her spoiled cousins, overlooked and under-appreciated by her relatives, with the exception of her cousin Edmund, who she loves (remember, these were different times). 

When her brash and untrustworthy cousins, the Crawfords, arrive at Mansfield Park, Fanny's upstanding character is tested over and over by their dubious morality. In this novel, Austen critiques the strict societal rules of the time, as well as the corrupting influence of wealth and privilege. 

Emma 

Not that it has any particular bearing on this article, but Emma is this blog editor's favourite Jane Austen novel. Emma follows Emma Woodhouse, a wealthy young lady who loves to play matchmaker.  After successfully marrying off her friend and governess Miss Taylor, Emma decides to take a local young lady, Harriet, under her wing. Emma tries to match Harriet up with the new village vicar, Mr Elton, a dreadful social climber.  Emma's actions are scrutinised by Mr Knightley, a local gentleman whom she has known from a young age. The novel follows Emma's social conniving, introducing a village of compelling characters who have different attitudes and approaches to the period's complex social rules. It's not a spoiler to say that maybe Emma herself might get to fall in love before the novel's end too.

Northanger Abbey

Northanger Abbey is a little bit different to Jane Austen's other novels. It follows Catherine Morland, a young woman who is obsessed with the sensational Gothic Novels that were popular during the period. When she is invited to stay at the spooky Northanger Abbey by her friend Eleanor Tilney, her imagination gets the better of her, and she begins to imagine all kinds of sordid Tilney family secrets lurk behind its locked doors. However, if she wishes to win the romantic attentions of Eleanor's brother Henry, she will have to mature. This fun gothic pastiche is a great Autumn read. 

Persuasion

Jane Austen's final novel is usually considered her most emotionally mature and considered work. Persuasion is a novel about maturing, growing and second chances. It follows Anne Elliot, a woman in her late twenties who was persuaded some years ago to call off her engagement to Frederick Wentworth due to his lack of wealth and low societal standing. When Wentworth returns eight years later, now a successful captain, Anne is forced to confront her regrets about this decision. Is it ever too late to give love a second chance? 

Which of Jane Austen's works is your favourite? Are there any you haven't read yet? Which one is next for you?

 Ellen White is editor of the Jane Austen Centre blog. She would love to hear from you! Check out our Submission Guidelines and get in touch.