I never thought I’d read the term ‘radically ambiguous’ in association with Jane Austen’s writing, but here I am examining the progressive ideals her writing displays. I’ve read more Austen than I ever planned to, and I found myself enjoying all of them. I’m even enjoying reading critiques of her work which is a rare thing to say. It’s been proven to me by some incredible teachers, and some dedicated university tutors that Austen’s writing is not only brilliantly witty, but politically charged. Each female character is unique, flawed, and - most importantly - able to instil a lesson in those who read their stories. Seeing as it was International Women's Day on Friday, I thought I'd share some of the things I've learned from Austen's heroines.
1. Be Willing to Learn
Lizzie Bennet, the protagonist of Pride and Prejudice, is perhaps the most outspoken of Austen’s heroines. Her fault, the titular quality of prejudice, is evidenced throughout the novel, but what makes her so admirable, alongside her unwillingness to compromise when it comes to her family, is her ability to learn from her mistakes. Instead of standing by her first opinion of Darcy, she listens to what others say about him and takes the time to reflect and realise she was wrong. It’s important in a world of increasing awareness and ever-changing language that people are willing to admit to their mistakes and continue to learn.
2. Stay True to Yourself
Whilst Catherine Morland, the heroine of Northanger Abbey, might be a little harder to see as a source of inspiration, she likewise stands by her own opinions. Though it comes from a place of naivety, Catherine refuses to be pulled in by other people’s opinions; instead of allowing the Thorpe’s to tell her how to think or feel, or to influence her view of the world, Catherine repeatedly expresses confusion at the way Isabella manipulates the truth or attempts to project feelings onto Catherine that aren’t there. Catherine is undoubtedly foolish, but she refuses to allow Isabella to control her way of thinking. With so many voices telling us who to be, it’s important to take a step away from the toxic ones and trust ourselves a little more.
3. Express Self Control
In opposition to her characterisation within the novel, I believe Marianne from Sense and Sensibility proves the necessity of self control. Her sensibility might be parodic, but Marianne’s recognition of her foolish behaviour shows herself, as Elizabeth Bennet does, capable of change. Marianne’s excess and freedom of expression is the reason she ends up so hurt by Willoughby. Her disappointment in love teaches her restraint, as well as providing motivation to focus on herself. When she lets go of the desire to be a romantic heroine, she learns that allowing her emotions to rule her isn’t always the best way to get what you want from life. There’s nothing wrong with passion, but, as a good friend recently pointed out to me, it’s important to pick your battles. If you give everything your everything, you’ll likely end up hurt when things don’t work out quite right.
4. Acknowledge your Emotions
In direct contradiction with lesson 3, I believe Sense and Sensibility also teaches us that it’s important to express your emotions. Whilst Marianne’s exaggerated emotional responses are a source of humour in Austen’s writing, a satire on the vogue of sensibility, Eleanor’s romantic narrative reveals that repressing emotions is, likewise, damaging. Whilst Marianne’s declaration that Eleanor is ‘cold-hearted’ may be going too far, Eleanor almost loses the man she loves because she refuses to acknowledge her feelings to anyone but herself. Self denial is no healthier than over-indulgence.
5. Love and Support People, Unconditionally
The most important thing to learn from the heroine’s of Jane Austen’s novels is the invaluable nature of having a close support system. From the Dashwood sisters, to Darcy and Bingley, to Eleanor Tilney and Catherine Morland, supportive friendships are at the heart of Austen’s novels. Repeatedly, the antagonists of her heroines turn out to be superficial, offering false friendships despite their declarations of eternal love. Let’s be honest, everyone needs a support system and there is nothing like having true friends around you to help you through life’s ups and downs - even if they aren’t quite Austen level dramas.
It’s one of the biggest crimes of the literary world that Austen is sold to us as a writer of romances. Her novels contain so much more, satirising the world she lived in, undermining the patriarchy, and providing timeless female role models for us to learn from. Do yourself a favour and give her a chance.
This piece was inspired by reading the chapter on Austen in The Madwoman in the Attic: The Woman Writer and the Nineteenth-Century Literary Imagination by Sandra Gilbert and Susan Gubar. It’s an incredibly famous piece of feminist critique and I really recommend having a flick through it if you’re interested in seeing the beginnings of feminism as a critical concept.
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