Sense and Sensibility book cover

Sense and Sensibility

Author: Jane Austen
Retold: by Clare West
Collection: Oxford Bookworms
Ratings
★★★☆☆ 3.00
Genre
Classics
Level
Level 5
CEFR
B2

Sometimes the Dashwood girls do not seem like sisters. Elinor is all calmness and reason, and can be relied upon for practical, common sense opinions. Marianne, on the other hand, is all sensibility, full of passionate and romantic feeling. She has no time for dull common sense - or for middle-aged men of thirty-five, long past the age of marriage. True love can only be felt by the young, of course. And if your heart is broken at the age of seventeen, how can you ever expect to recover from the passionate misery that fills your life, waking and sleeping?

Audio Sample

About the Author

Portrait of Jane Austen

Jane Austen

The Master of Social Commentary and Romantic Fiction

Born December 16, 1775
Died July 18, 1817
Nationality English
Genre Fiction, Romance

Jane Austen 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. Austen's plots often explore the dependence of women on marriage in the pursuit of favourable social standing and economic security.

Early Life and Literary Beginnings

Jane Austen was born in Steventon, Hampshire, England, in 1775. She was the seventh of eight children in a close-knit family. Her father, George Austen, was a clergyman, and she was educated primarily at home, with some formal schooling. Austen began writing as a teenager, composing poems and stories for her family's entertainment. Her early works, now known as the Juvenilia, showcase her developing wit and satirical style.

Development as a Novelist

Between 1811 and 1816, Austen achieved success as a published author. She released four novels during her lifetime: Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1815). These works were published anonymously, attributed simply to "A Lady." Her novels gained popularity among the aristocracy, including the Prince Regent, who was an admirer of her work.

Literary Style and Themes

Austen's writing is characterized by her biting social commentary, irony, and realism. Her works critique the sentimental novels of the late 18th century and are part of the transition to 19th-century literary realism. She focused on the everyday life of the middle and upper classes, particularly exploring women's limited options for securing their futures. Her heroines are known for their intelligence, moral complexity, and development throughout the narratives.

Later Years and Posthumous Recognition

Austen's final years were marked by illness, now believed to be Addison's disease. She continued writing despite her declining health, completing Persuasion and beginning Sanditon, which remained unfinished at her death in 1817 at age 41. After her death, her brother Henry revealed her identity to the public. Northanger Abbey and Persuasion were published posthumously in 1818. Her reputation grew steadily throughout the 19th century, and she is now considered one of the greatest writers in English literature.

Enduring Legacy and Cultural Impact

Jane Austen's works have never been out of print and have inspired numerous adaptations in various media, including film, television, and theater. Her novels continue to be studied for their literary merit and social commentary. The Jane Austen Society, founded in 1940, helps preserve places and objects associated with her life and works. Her enduring popularity testifies to her remarkable insight into human nature and society.