Intelligence Squared Classic Debate: Austen vs Brontë
Apr 20, 2025
Join literary heavyweights John Mullan, a Professor of English Literature, and Kate Mosse, a devoted Brontë enthusiast, as they dive into the fierce debate between Jane Austen and Emily Brontë. They dissect Austen's sharp social critiques versus Brontë's raw emotional intensity found in 'Wuthering Heights.' Expect discussions on character depth, societal expectations, and revolutionary themes that challenge norms. Personal anecdotes and engaging arguments will have you pondering who truly reigns in English literature.
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Kate Mosse's Brontë Discovery
- Kate Mosse discovered Wuthering Heights during her O-levels through a wartime edition gifted by her mother.
- The novel captivated her deeply and remains her favorite to this day.
Hidden Wildness in Austen
- Jane Austen's novels contain a subtle wildness beneath their genteel surface, exemplified by characters like Lydia Bennet.
- Austen masterfully embeds deep emotional complexity and wit within the conventions of her time.
Austen's Narrative Innovation
- Jane Austen's technical innovation, 'free and direct style,' allows narration to blend with characters’ emotions.
- This narrative technique uniquely shapes readers' understanding of characters' fluctuating feelings.
