Jane Austen's Biography

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Questions and Answers

What was a significant factor that contributed to Jane Austen's early education being primarily within her family?

The family's wealth allowed for private tutors to provide a superior education at home.
Jane displayed a strong dislike for formal schooling, prompting her parents to educate her at home.
Her father, George Austen, was a renowned scholar who preferred to teach his daughters himself.
Outbreaks of infectious diseases at boarding schools led to her being educated at home. (correct)

How did Jane Austen's family environment influence her development as a novelist?

Her family's wealth and status provided her with the resources and connections needed to succeed as a writer.
Her family provided a rich environment of reading, social activities, and encouragement, fostering her literary ambitions. (correct)
Her family's connections in the publishing industry allowed her to publish her novels at a young age.
Her family discouraged her writing, pushing her towards more traditional roles for women of the time.

What can be inferred about the societal perception of female novelists during Jane Austen's time based on the challenges she faced in publishing her early works?

The high cost of printing made it difficult for any new author, male or female, to get published.
Publishers were primarily interested in works of political and historical significance, not novels.
Female novelists were highly regarded and easily found publishers for their work.
There was significant prejudice against female authors, making it difficult for them to be taken seriously. (correct)

What might have been a contributing factor to Jane Austen's decision to leave the majority of her estate to Cassandra in her will?

<p>Jane anticipated that Cassandra, as a single woman, would need more financial security than her other relatives. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consider the timeline of Jane Austen's life and works. What can be inferred about her creative process and the development of her writing career?

<p>Austen faced initial setbacks and rejections before achieving success, demonstrating perseverance and growth as a writer. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Who was Jane Austen?

Born December 16, 1775, in Hampshire, England, she was an English novelist known primarily for her six major novels, which interpret, critique, and comment upon the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century.

Jane Austen's family

Jane Austen's family consisted of six brothers and one sister, Cassandra. Her father, George Austen, was not wealthy.

Jane Austen's education.

Jane Austen's formal education was brief, including periods at Mrs. Cawley's school and the Abbey boarding school. Much of her education occurred within her family.

Early publishing attempts

Early attempts to publish 'Sense and Sensibility' and 'Pride and Prejudice' were unsuccessful. 'Sense and Sensibility' was later published to acclaim, followed by 'Pride and Prejudice'.

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Jane Austen's death

Jane Austen began working on "Sanditon" in 1817 but could not finish it due to illness. She died on July 18, 1817, at the age of 41.

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Study Notes

Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775, in Hampshire, England.
She had six brothers and one sister.
Her father, George Austen, was not wealthy.
In 1783, Jane and her sister Cassandra briefly attended Mrs. Cawley's school.
They returned home due to an infectious disease outbreak in Southampton.
From 1785-1786, Jane and Cassandra attended Abbey boarding school.
Jane's mother enrolled her at Abbey boarding school to stay with her older sister, despite Jane being considered too young.
She received no further education outside of her family.
Jane and Cassandra learned drawing and piano within their family.
They enjoyed parties and visiting family and friends in London.
Jane enjoyed reading novels from her father's library, inspiring her to write her own novels.
Initially, her family members were the only readers of her novels.
Her father encouraged her to publish her novels.
Between 1795 and 1799, a publisher rejected "Sense and Sensibility" and "Pride and Prejudice".
In 1810, Jane resubmitted "Sense and Sensibility" and it was published to acclaim.
Encouraged by this, she sold "Pride and Prejudice" in 1812.
Later, she wrote more novels such as "Emma" and "Mansfield Park."
In early 1817, she began working on "Sanditon", but left it unfinished due to illness.
On April 27th, she made her will, leaving almost everything to Cassandra.
On May 24th, she moved to Winchester for medical treatment.
Jane Austen died on Friday, July 18th, 1817, in Winchester, at age 41.
The cause of her death was unknown at the time.

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Description

A short biography of Jane Austen's childhood and family life. It covers her education, interests, and early writing career. It also details her family's influence on her work.