History Extra podcast Jane Austen: life of the week
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Feb 18, 2025 Lizzie Rogers, a historian specializing in women and historic houses, dives into the life of literary icon Jane Austen. She reveals how Austen's upbringing in Hampshire and experiences in Bath influenced her sharp social commentary. The discussion highlights her close bond with sister Cassandra and how their familial dynamics fueled her creativity. Lizzie also discusses Austen's struggles with financial instability and health, ultimately leading to her posthumous recognition and the enduring relevance of her themes in modern culture.
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Jane Austen's Origins and Works
- Jane Austen, born in Steventon, Hampshire, in 1775, wrote six finished novels.
- Known for works like Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, she remains influential.
Family Influence on Austen's Writing
- Austen's family significantly shaped her writing, fostering a culturally rich, artistic environment.
- Despite modest finances, her father's extensive library and family's love for writing nurtured her talent.
Daily Life in the Austen Household
- The Austen home was a busy hub, with brothers pursuing diverse careers and a shared love for writing.
- Their father supplemented income by teaching, exposing Jane and Cassandra to further learning.