Here was a woman about the year 1800 writing without hate, without bitterness, without fear, without

protest, without preaching.That was how Shakespeare wrote.

Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own

Jane’s life

All her novel were published anonymously.

Works

Jane can be considered as a Romantic writer for her themes and situations (for example, Northanger Abbey presents a gothic and gloomy atmosphere), but her prose is extremely well-balanced: the golden way is in the middle.

``You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least.'‘ (Pride and prejudice, chapter I)

For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours and laugh at them in our turn?

…the pure and disinterested desire of an establishment…

Pride and prejudice“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife”. Chapter I

Plot:Mrs Bennet has only one mission in life: to get her five daughters

married. Thus the story deals with a series of love affairs especially the one between Elizabeth and Mr Darcy, his proposal and her rejection and then their union in spite of many obstacles (Lizzie’s social status).

“I remember hearing you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave, that your resentment once created was unappeasable. You are very cautious, I

suppose, as to its being created “. Chapter XVIII

Pride and Prejudice: the title

"I remember hearing you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave, that your resentment once created was unappeasable. You are very cautious, I suppose, as to its "being created".""I am," said he, with a firm voice."And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?""I hope not.""It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first.""May I ask to what these questions tend?""Merely to the illustration of "your" character," said she, endeavoring to shake off her gravity. "I am trying to make it out.""And what is your success?"She shook her head. "I do not get on at all. I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly.""I can readily believe," answered he gravely, "that reports may vary greatly with respect to me; and I could wish, Miss Bennet, that you were not to sketch my character at the present moment, as there is reason to fear that the performance would reflect no credit on either.""But if I do not take your likeness now, I may never have another opportunity.""I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours," he coldly replied.

Chapter XVIII

``Engaged to Mr. Collins! my dear Charlotte, -- impossible!''

The steady countenance which Miss Lucas had commanded in telling her story, gave way to a momentary confusion here on receiving so direct a reproach; though, as it was no more than she expected, she soon regained her composure, and calmly replied,

``Why should you be surprised, my dear Eliza? -- Do you think it incredible that Mr. Collins should be able to procure any woman's good opinion, because he was not so happy as to succeed with you?'‘

(…)

``I see what you are feeling,'' replied Charlotte, -- ``you must be surprised, very much surprised, -- so lately as Mr. Collins was wishing to marry you. But when you have had time to think it all over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I have done. I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins's character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.”

Chapter XXII

The Ideal marriage: a way to survive

Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance.