This blog explores social attitudes in Jane Austen's time, discusses her novels, reviews forgotten 18th century novels, and throws some occasional shade at the modern academy. The introductory post is here. My "six simple questions for academics" post is here. |
- Friendless, orphaned girl is thrown upon an uncaring world. Her backstory involves a lot of bad luck and death.
- She is beautiful, accomplished, devout, and virtuous.
- She fends off unwanted male attention, up to and including assault.
- She is pressured to accept an unwanted suitor, or is accused of trying to ensnare a man.
- She turns down a marriage proposal from a suitor who is much beneath her in education, intelligence, or social standing.
- Despite her perilous or lowly condition, she refuses to marry for money, or give her hand without her heart.
- Other women are jealous and behave spitefully towards her.
- She gets into trouble with the law although she is completely innocent.
- She has to move from place to place when her situation becomes untenable.
- A happy coincidental reunion restores her to her family or to her familial rights.
- She marries the man she loves.