Themes and Influences

Jane Austen explores many different themes in her novels. She shows different perspectives under different situations, but with varied consequences. The four major themes are individual and society, freedom and limitation, Imagination verses reason, and love and marriage (Jane Austen: Overview). Austen shows the relationship of the individual and how they relate to society and others, by showing the consequences to their actions (Jane Austen: Overview). Some critics think the issue of constraint or limitation of the living condition in society was the heart of Austen’s achievements (Jane Austen: Overview).The debate of imagination versus reason can be seen in the characters by what consequences occur from showing their imagination rather than listening to the dictates of reason (Jane Austen: Overview). Finally love and marriage can be seen by her protagonists have the ability to naturally love intelligently or if they developed it (Jane Austen: Overview).
Austen was influenced by her lively and affectionate family circle. They provide a stimulating context for her writing (Britannica Online Encyclopedia). She was also influenced by her close friendships. It was Austen’s world and surroundings which she used as her settings, characters, and subject matter of her novels (Britannica Online Encyclopedia).

"Jane Austen (English Novelist) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia." Encyclopedia - Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Web. 09 Apr. 2010. www.britannia.com/history/biographies/jausten.html.
"Jane Austen: Overview." Web. 09 Apr. 2010. www.bookrags.com/Jane_Austen .