Not Just the Tudors Jane Austen & the Reformation
Jun 21, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Roger E. Moore, a Principal Senior Lecturer in English at Vanderbilt University, sheds light on Jane Austen's connections to the Reformation. They delve into how Austen's works reflect the societal upheaval post-dissolution of the monasteries. Key topics include her critique of gentry and the loss of charity in communities, as well as her nuanced portrayal of power and nostalgia. Moore argues that Austen's insights on women's struggles resonate deeply with contemporary issues, emphasizing her relevance today.
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Austen's Use of Monastery Ruins
- Jane Austen's novels reflect the lasting impact of the Dissolution of the Monasteries on British society and landscape.
- She used the ruins of monasteries as symbols for political and social upheaval in her era.
Austen's Sacred Landscape Experience
- Jane Austen visited and was familiar with many ruined abbeys and former monastic sites throughout her life.
- She saw these not just as scenic but as symbols of political and social change.
Austen's View on Dissolution
- In the 18th-19th centuries, two opposing views on the dissolution existed: one viewed it as liberation, the other as a great loss.
- Jane Austen aligned with the latter tradition, lamenting the loss caused by the dissolution.
