I’m writing over at the Dark Jane Austen Book Club today about Jane Austen’s Lady Susan, Elizabeth Bennet, and the gift of discernment.
Mary C. M. Phillips
Caffeine-induced epiphanies and occasional literary musings
I’m writing over at the Dark Jane Austen Book Club today about Jane Austen’s Lady Susan, Elizabeth Bennet, and the gift of discernment.
I think any great writer, Austen or Wharton, Dickens or Twain, like their “chosen few” characters, must themselves, as a kind of prerequisite for using fiction to make a statement about society, have this gift of insight. Call it writer’s intuition.
Yes! And I love when the reader discovers a character’s true nature — via hints from the writer — before it’s revealed.
I don’t think ‘Lady Susan’ is a work many people read, yet so much of Austen’s really early work already shows that spark of wit and genius that would blossom in her adult years: bookheathen.wordpress.com/2014/10/26/janes-juvenilia/
I agree. I think one can appreciate Lady Susan more if they’ve already familiarized themselves with her later novels. Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year book heathen!
All the best to you!
I’ve been toying with the idea of re-reading Austen… I think this tipped me over the edge! Thank you 😀
You’re welcome Mrs. Crumpet! I think a lot of Jane’s writing is better the second time around. Particularly Emma. Best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year!