Empire 307. Austen vs Brontë: Unmasking Slavery Heiresses
Join historian Miranda Kaufmann, author of 'Heiresses: Marriage, Inheritance, and Caribbean Slavery', as she reveals the hidden ties between British literature and slavery. Discover how figures like Jane Austen's aunt, tied to Barbados, reflect the intricate connections of wealth and colonialism. Explore the stories of Caribbean heiresses and their impact on cultural figures, and see how Charlotte Brontë's depiction of the madwoman in 'Jane Eyre' echoes these themes. A thought-provoking deep dive into literature's unspoken colonial legacies!
41:51
Slavery Funded Britain's Golden Age
- British wealth from the transatlantic slave trade funded cities, institutions and elite lifestyles across Britain.
- William Dalrymple highlights how slavery was managed out of sight, producing visible prosperity but hidden brutality.
Heiresses Exercised Real Business Power
- Heiresses often actively managed plantation business from Britain via letters and instructions to agents.
- Miranda Kaufmann shows women ordered supplies, crops and even purchases of enslaved people for their estates.
Mary Oswald: From Kingston To Slave Forts
- Mary Oswald grew up in Jamaica, inherited large mercantile assets, and married Richard Oswald.
- Her wealth helped finance ventures like a slaving fort off Sierra Leone that shipped thousands of enslaved people.
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Intro
00:00 • 1min
Why is empire largely absent from British literature?
01:27 • 1min
What was Georgian Britain’s relationship to slavery?
02:39 • 3min
Who are the heiresses linked to Caribbean slavery?
05:43 • 2min
How did Mary Oswald’s inheritance connect to the slave trade?
07:22 • 2min
How did Mary Oswald intersect with wider cultural figures?
09:17 • 4min
Who was Frances D’Ell and how was her heritage received?
12:50 • 2min
How was Jane Austen connected to Caribbean slavery through her aunt?
15:06 • 5min
What broader links tied Austen’s circle to empire and slavery?
19:37 • 8min
Ad break
27:50 • 3min
What is A Woman of Colour and why does it matter?
30:32 • 3min
How did Charlotte Brontë portray Caribbean heiresses in Jane Eyre?
33:13 • 3min
How did skin tone affect mixed-race children’s lives across the empire?
36:22 • 59sec
What does Wide Sargasso Sea add to the madwoman narrative?
37:21 • 3min
How did Caribbean heiresses fund British ambitions and institutions?
40:30 • 1min
Outro
41:31 • 45sec
#78631
Tam O'Shanter
Robert Burns
Written in 1790 and first published in 1791, 'Tam o' Shanter' is a spirited narrative poem by Robert Burns that blends humor, folklore, and gothic horror.
It tells the story of Tam, a farmer who enjoys drinking with friends and, despite warnings from his wife, rides home late at night.
On his way, he witnesses a gathering of witches and warlocks dancing in a haunted church.
His admiration for the witch Nannie triggers a chase, and he narrowly escapes with the help of his horse crossing a bridge that the witches cannot cross.
The poem celebrates Scottish culture, the social life of pubs, and the belief in the supernatural, while also serving as a cautionary tale about excess and folly.
#17120
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Heiresses
Marriage, Inheritance and Caribbean Slavery
Miranda Kaufmann
#72065
The Woman of Colour: A Tale
Anonymous
Originally published anonymously in 1808, The Woman of Colour: A Tale is a unique literary work that follows Olivia Fairfield, the biracial illegitimate daughter of a British plantation owner and an enslaved woman.
After her father's death, Olivia must travel from Jamaica to England to marry her white cousin as stipulated in her father's will or face financial dependency on another relative.
Told through Olivia's letters, the novel offers sharp critiques of British society, race, and slavery, and presents a rare early depiction of a racially conscious, independent woman who challenges contemporary stereotypes.
The novel was largely forgotten until its 2007 Broadview Press edition, edited by Lyndon J. Dominique, revived scholarly interest in its historical and cultural significance.
#72
• Mentioned in 168 episodes
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
Published in 1813, 'Pride and Prejudice' is a novel that revolves around the lives of the Bennet family, particularly the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth.
The story is set in the early 19th century and explores themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth.
The novel centers on Elizabeth's tumultuous relationship with the wealthy and proud Mr. Darcy, whose initial arrogance and reserve gradually give way to a deeper understanding and mutual respect.
Through their interactions, both characters learn to overcome their prejudices and flaws, leading to a transformative journey of self-discovery and redemption.
The novel also delves into the societal pressures on women to secure marriages, the importance of family, and the nuances of social hierarchy during the British Regency period.
#632
• Mentioned in 40 episodes
Wuthering Heights
Emily Brontë
Published in 1847, 'Wuthering Heights' is a novel that tells the story of the tumultuous relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and the foundling Heathcliff, whom her father brings home to Wuthering Heights.
The narrative, framed by the visitor Lockwood and the housekeeper Nelly Dean, explores themes of love, revenge, and the cyclical nature of life.
Heathcliff's bitter vengeance against those who wronged him drives the plot, which spans generations and delves into the dark, passionate, and often destructive aspects of human nature.
The novel is renowned for its dramatic and poetic presentation, its unique structure, and its vivid depiction of the Yorkshire moors as a reflection of the characters' inner lives.
#1833
• Mentioned in 18 episodes
Mansfield Park
Jane Austen
monica arcija
The novel follows Fanny Price, a young girl from a poor family who is sent to live with her wealthy uncle and aunt, Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram, at Mansfield Park.
Fanny navigates the complexities of her new environment, dealing with the mistreatment by some family members and the kindness of her cousin Edmund.
The story unfolds with the arrival of the charming but morally dubious Crawfords, leading to a series of scandals and moral dilemmas.
Ultimately, Fanny's integrity and compassion guide her through the challenges, and she finds love and a sense of belonging with Edmund.
#399
• Mentioned in 56 episodes
Jane Eyre
Edmund Morrison Wimperis
Edmund H. Garrett
Jant van der Weg-Laverman
Charlotte Brontë
The novel follows Jane Eyre from her childhood at Gateshead Hall, where she is mistreated by her aunt and cousins, to her education at Lowood School, and later her employment as a governess at Thornfield Hall.
There, she falls in love with her enigmatic employer, Edward Fairfax Rochester, but discovers a dark secret about his past that forces her to make a difficult choice.
The novel explores themes of love, independence, and social justice, and is known for its realistic portrayal of the inner life of a woman during the Victorian era.
#1019
• Mentioned in 29 episodes
Emma
Jane Austen
juan perez
The novel follows Emma Woodhouse, a beautiful, clever, and rich young woman who has lived nearly twenty-one years with very little distress.
Emma decides to take up matchmaking, despite the advice of her friend Mr. Knightley.
Her attempts to match her new friend Harriet Smith with various men lead to complications and ultimately test her own detachment from the world of romance.
The novel explores themes of education, courtship, and social class in Georgian-Regency England, highlighting Emma's journey of self-discovery and learning from her mistakes.
#3827
• Mentioned in 10 episodes
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
Anne Brontë
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, published in 1848 under the pseudonym Acton Bell, is the second and final novel by Anne Brontë.
The story is framed as a letter from Gilbert Markham to his friend and brother-in-law, detailing his encounters with Helen Graham, a mysterious and secretive widow living at Wildfell Hall with her son.
As Gilbert's fascination with Helen grows, he discovers through her diaries the details of her tumultuous past, including her marriage to the abusive and alcoholic Arthur Huntingdon and her subsequent escape to protect herself and her son.
The novel is a classic of English literature, known for its unflinching portrayal of social issues such as marital cruelty, infidelity, and the rights of women to choose their own path in life.
#19165
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Wide Sargasso Sea
Jean Rhys
Wide Sargasso Sea is a novel by Jean Rhys that delves into the life of Antoinette Cosway, a Creole heiress who becomes the 'madwoman in the attic' in Charlotte Brontë's 'Jane Eyre'.
The novel explores themes of identity, colonialism, and feminism, set against the backdrop of post-emancipation Jamaica.
It provides a powerful exploration of the racial and cultural conflicts that contribute to Antoinette's tragic fate.
#2563
• Mentioned in 14 episodes
Northanger Abbey
Jane Austen
Northanger Abbey is a coming-of-age story that satirizes the Gothic novels of the late 18th century.
The novel follows Catherine Morland, a young and naive girl who loves reading Gothic novels.
When she is invited to stay at Northanger Abbey, the home of the Tilney family, her imagination runs wild with expectations of mystery and horror.
However, the reality of the abbey is far from her Gothic fantasies.
The novel explores Catherine's growth as she learns to distinguish between fiction and reality, and it critiques the societal norms and expectations of her time.
Written by Jane Austen, the book was completed in 1803 but published posthumously in 1817 along with Persuasion.
#76658
Black Tudors
The Untold Story
Miranda Kaufmann
Black Tudors: The Untold Story by Miranda Kaufmann reveals the fascinating lives of Africans who lived in Tudor England, challenging common narratives about racial identity and slavery during that era.
The book profiles ten individuals, including John Blanke, a trumpeter, and Jacques Francis, a salvage diver, highlighting their diverse roles and experiences in 16th-century England.
What is the true history behind the “madwoman in the attic” in Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre? How was Jane Austen’s aunt deeply connected to slavery in Barbados? Who were the British heiresses who married Caribbean plantation owners and inherited vast wealth made through chattel slavery?
William and Anita are joined by Miranda Kauffman, author of Heiresses: Marriage, Inheritance, and Caribbean Slavery, to discuss how Austen and Brontë were connected to, and wrote about, these often-ignored slavery heiresses.
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Producer: Anouska Lewis
Assistant Producer: Alfie Rowe
Executive Producer: Dom Johnson
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