Hear More From Us!
The Jane Austen Podcast Class

The Jane Austen Podcast Class

There's certainly a cult following when it comes to Jane Austen, as can be seen by the dozens of film adaptions of her novels, the countless fan pages on social media, and the spin-off books that were written by modern writers as sequels to her original masterpieces. I definitely understand this cult following and may or may not belong to some of the aforementioned fan pages. However, not everybody has had the opportunity to fall in love with her literature so I've written today's blog as an Austen 101 of sorts.

We begin by exploring the author and her writing style. Most famous for her six novels, Jane Austen lived and wrote in early 19th century England, growing up as a gentleman's daughter. In her writings, Austen vividly painted characters who show colorful, realistic human traits. Her ability to make you squirm with discomfort as the characters behave improperly is both poignant and true to life. What is so incredible about her writing though, is the fact that all of her stories are told from the perspective of a young woman in the landed-gentry class, a perspective quite familiar to Austen herself. Despite the narrow lens through which you see Austen's world, you're able to draw big conclusions about the society of her times. Her works compellingly explore the roles of marriage, wealth, women, manners, virtue, hypocrisy, Romanticism, and more.

Now, I could write a whole book on Austen's novels, but I wouldn't do her justice and know most of you wouldn't take the time to read it (which would probably be for the best). So if reading isn't your thing, I have a back up plan. As a producer of the Novel Conversations podcast, I encourage you to listen to our succinct, conversational summaries of her stories. This podcast is basically the audio-best-friend of Cliffs Notes, and it only takes about 35 minutes to listen to each podcast. The best news for you? We've covered all of Jane Austen's beloved novels and compiled them for you here.

Year of Publication: 1811

Plot: Sense and Sensibility chronicles the mishaps and successes of two sisters in pursuit of marriage; Maryann has a very Romantic lens on life and acts as a foil to her more sensible sister Elinor.

Year of Publication: 1813

Plot: Pride and Prejudice follows the lives of the Bennet family. With 5 unwed daughters, Mrs. Bennet has only one thing on her mind: marriage. Closely following the romances of the eldest daughters, we see the impact that both pride and prejudice have on a relationship.

Year of Publication: 1814

Plot: Mansfield Park tells the story of Fanny Price, a young girl whose overburdened and impoverished family sends her to live in the household of her wealthy aunt and uncle at the age of ten. As Fanny grows up, she must learn how to cope with the hypocrisy of wealthy socialites as she searches for a husband.

Year of Publication: 1815

Plot: Through Emma, Austen explores the concerns and difficulties of genteel women in Regency England, creating a lively comedy of manners highlighting the dangers of meddling in other people’s lives.

Year of Publication: 1818

Plot: Northanger Abbey tells the story of Catherine Morland, a young girl whose imagination is fueled by her love of gothic novels. As Catherine travels to an old home with friends, she struggles to discern reality in the midst of her Romantic fancies.

Year of Publication: 1818

Plot: Persuasion tells the story of Anne Elliot, a 27-year-old gentlewoman on the cusp of becoming an old spinster. As her family navigates the difficulties of reducing their financial spending, Anne navigates her own romantic adventures with a relation of her family’s new tenants.

...

I hope you'll give Jane Austen a chance, even if it's only through the podcasts. Maybe they'll encourage you to pick up the books! If you do, be sure to leave a review on iTunes or send me your thoughts on the Novel Conversations' Facebook and Twitter pages.

Keep Reading

Podcast Revisits the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy for 60th Anniversary

Press
November 22, 2023, marks the 60th Anniversary of President Kennedy’s assassination. To honor our late president, Paul Brandus hopes to unravel the surrounding conspiracy with his book and accompanying podcast - Countdown To Dallas
Read Podcast Revisits the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy for 60th Anniversary

From Long Island to the Shores of Lake Erie: Aiola Thrives in Ohio's Creative Landscape

News

In Ohio, along the shores of Lake Erie, Aiola has carved out a niche as a podcast and documentary producer, seamlessly infusing his Long Island sensibilities into the Buckeye State.

Read Full Post

Honoring Veterans and Their Stories

Podcasting

This Veterans Day, listen to Warriors In Their Own Words, The Medal of Honor Podcast, and The Storyworth Podcast. These stirring accounts embody the true essence of service and dedication to a proud nation.

Read Full Post

Evergreen Podcasts Welcomes Too Much Effing Perspective

Press
"We instantly knew it was a perfect fit when we heard that Too Much Effing Perspective starts every episode with ‘Hello Cleveland!’ The combination of music + comedy is rare in podcasting, and we’re delighted to welcome this show and its passionate team to our growing network!"
Read Evergreen Podcasts Welcomes Too Much Effing Perspective