

How Jane Austen Changed My Life
Nov 17, 2023
Helen Fielding, creator of the Bridget Jones novels, shares how Jane Austen's work influenced her writing style. Gill Hornby, author of Miss Austen, reveals insights from Austen's life that shaped her fiction. Kalika Sands from Sotheby's explores the value of rare Austen manuscripts. The discussion navigates marriage versus spinsterhood in Austen's time, and how her characters, like Mrs. Bennet, reflect societal pressures. Together, they celebrate the timeless themes of love and female autonomy in Austen's novels, proving her relevance endures.
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Falling for Austen
- Helen Fielding fell in love with Jane Austen around age 17, appreciating Austen's humor and strong female characters.
- Fielding identified with Elizabeth Bennet and Maria from The Sound of Music, seeing similarities between them and their respective love interests.
A Civilizing Force
- Gill Hornby's English teacher, who had written her thesis on Austen, used Austen's novels as a tool to civilize her.
- Hornby later connected with Austen as a person through her letters, relating to her everyday concerns and humor.
Austen's Influence on Bridget Jones
- Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones's Diary plot was inspired by Pride and Prejudice.
- The TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice aired while Fielding was developing her columns into a book, influencing her work.