You're Dead to Me Jane Austen: the life of a Regency literary icon
Join historian Dr. Lucy Worsley, known for her engaging historical narratives, and comedian Sally Phillips, celebrated for her sharp wit, as they dive into the fascinating world of Jane Austen. They explore Austen's unique family background, her early writings, and the societal challenges she faced as a female author. Lucy reveals the mystery behind Austen's romantic life and her critiques of marriage and financial dependence on men. Sally humorously reflects on how Austen's characters continue to resonate today, blending history with laughter.
56:08
Chaotic Childhood Sparked Early Comedy
- Jane Austen grew up in a busy household with six brothers and many boarding pupils, which inspired her early comic plays.
- Her juvenilia included theatrical spoofs performed with siblings that honed her comic voice.
Father's Limited Progressivism Shaped Her Satire
- George Austen let his daughters read his library but barred them from Latin and Greek to keep them marriageable.
- This mix of odd progressiveness and constraint shaped Jane's satirical take on women's education.
Juvenilia Reveal Savage Comic Edge
- Austen's early short story "The Beautiful Cassandra" sees its heroine elope with a bonnet and rampage through London.
- These juvenilia reveal violent, absurd humour rather than genteel restraint.
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Intro
00:00 • 4min
Jane Austen’s family background and social class
04:26 • 3min
Childhood life on the farm and education
07:01 • 7min
Jane Austen’s early writing and juvenilia
14:15 • 2min
Early drafts of the major novels
15:59 • 4min
Pride and Prejudice: Lizzy Bennet’s originality
19:40 • 1min
Publishing hurdles and anonymity
21:03 • 2min
Northanger Abbey: Gothic satire and early sale
22:48 • 4min
Why Austen’s novels end in marriage and security
26:50 • 1min
Jane Austen’s romantic life and broken engagements
27:58 • 6min
Family support and moves to Bath and Chawton
34:16 • 3min
The mystery of burned letters (1801–1804)
37:13 • 2min
Austen’s publishing successes and financial decisions
39:26 • 1min
Themes in Mansfield Park and critiques of empire
40:42 • 1min
Emma: an unlikable heroine who grows
42:03 • 2min
Persuasion, Sanditon, and Austen’s final years
44:13 • 2min
Austen’s subtle engagement with historical turmoil
46:32 • 4min
Austen as secret professional and proto‑feminist
50:25 • 3min
Characters living on with their creator
53:17 • 4min
Outro
56:52 • 3min
#55063
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Seth Grahame-Smith
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is a comedic horror novel by Seth Grahame-Smith that reimagines Jane Austen's classic story.
The novel incorporates elements of zombie fiction into the original plot, creating a unique blend of romance, social commentary, and gore.
Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy must not only navigate the complexities of their relationship but also fight off hordes of zombies.
The novel's blend of witty dialogue and gruesome action makes it a popular choice for fans of both Austen and horror.
The book's success demonstrates the enduring appeal of Austen's characters and themes, even in unexpected contexts.
#11275
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Love and Friendship
Jane Austen
monica arcija
#34826
Jane Austen at Home
Lucy Worsley
In 'Jane Austen at Home', Lucy Worsley offers a richly detailed portrait of Austen, examining the places and spaces that mattered to her.
The book reveals a passionate woman who fought for her freedom, challenging the traditional view of Austen as a quiet spinster.
Worsley delves into Austen's life from her childhood home at Steventon Rectory to her final years at Chawton Cottage, highlighting her struggles and determination.
#120
• Mentioned in 116 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.
#1460
• Mentioned in 20 episodes
Sense and Sensibility
Jane Austen
Published in 1811, 'Sense and Sensibility' is Jane Austen's first published novel.
It tells the story of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, who, along with their mother and younger sister Margaret, are forced to leave their family estate after their father's death.
The novel explores the contrast between Elinor's practical sense and Marianne's emotional sensibility as they experience romantic relationships and heartbreak.
Elinor falls in love with Edward Ferrars, who is secretly engaged to another woman, while Marianne becomes infatuated with the unscrupulous John Willoughby.
Through their experiences, Austen delves into themes of love, social class, and the balance between reason and emotion necessary for personal happiness.
#3045
• Mentioned in 11 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.
#1855
• Mentioned in 17 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.
#1172
• Mentioned in 23 episodes
Persuasion
Jane Austen
Published posthumously in December 1817, *Persuasion* is Jane Austen's last completed novel.
The story revolves around Anne Elliot, a 27-year-old woman who, at the age of 19, was persuaded to break off her engagement to Captain Frederick Wentworth due to his lack of wealth and connections.
Eight years later, Anne and Captain Wentworth, now a successful naval officer, meet again, setting the stage for a second chance at love and marriage.
The novel explores themes of love, social class, regret, and the consequences of pride and persuasion, reflecting the societal norms and expectations of the Regency era in England.
#25462
Sanditon
Jane Austen
#1354
• Mentioned in 21 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.
Greg Jenner is joined in Regency England by historian Dr Lucy Worsley and actor Sally Phillips to learn all about the life and works of literary legend Jane Austen on the 250th anniversary of her birth in December 1775. It is a truth universally acknowledged that Austen is one of England’s best-loved authors, and the creator of such indelible characters as Elizabeth Bennet, Mr Darcy, Emma Woodhouse and Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. Whether you have read one of her six books – Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Emma, Northanger Abbey and Mansfield Park – or seen one of the many adaptations, most of us have some experience with Austen. But her life story and how it influenced her writing is perhaps less well-known. This episode explores her early life as the daughter of a rural clergyman, takes a peek inside the books a teenage Jane was reading, and delves into her romantic and familial relationships to see what shaped Austen into the formidable literary talent she was. And it asks a key question: was Jane Austen, who wrote such wonderful women characters, a feminist? If you’re a fan of iconic authors, Regency romances and women succeeding in a man’s world, you’ll love our episode on Jane Austen. If you want more incredible women authors with Dr Lucy Worsley, check out our episode on Agatha Christie. For more from Sally Phillips, listen to our episode on Fairy Tales. And for more Regency romance, there’s our episode on Georgian Courtship. You’re Dead To Me is the comedy podcast that takes history seriously. Every episode, Greg Jenner brings together the best names in history and comedy to learn and laugh about the past. Hosted by: Greg Jenner Research by: Clara Chamberlain and Charlotte Emily Edgeshaw Written by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Production Coordinator: Ben Hollands Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse Executive Editor: Philip Sellars