What influence did Jane Austen have on the society?

Answer 1

It is really difficult to specify her influence. We know it was extensive, even during her lifetime. She was admired by the Prince of Wales and his daughter, who was Princess of Wales. Her books were popular, but not as popular as those of other authors. She was, perhaps, too intellectual for many people.

Jane Austen did not deal directly with political or social issues in her writing, so there were no causes we can point to and judge her success. She was not "the little woman who started the big war." But she did write about problems people had that were the results of unfair laws and customs. They were specifically problems with women inheriting money, women finding and having ways to make livings, neglect of education, social evaluations of worthiness based on wealth or income, and so on.

We can point to these problems, and to the authors who dealt with them. And when we examine them, we see that she was one of the first, and possible was the first to provide people of "good standing" with written material they would consider. In this way, she may have been more influential than someone who commented directly on social and political issues.

Mary Wolstonecraft wrote explicitly on these issues before Jane Austen's novels were published, but we cannot really say she was more influential than Jane Austen. While Wolstonecraft's reputation lay in shreds and her writings were out of print, Jane Austen was quietly moving one generation after another to love women like Lizzy, Elinor, and Marianne, women like the women they knew and loved in life.

Anyone who hoped Lizzy could succeed in life despite an entailment, could hardly look at entailment again as simply acceptable. Anyone who examined Jane Fairfax's views on earning a living as a governess could hardly wonder why women could not get good jobs and support themselves. And in the end, anyone who loved any of Jane Austen's writing (including King George IV) had to ask how the worthiness of a woman could be translated into a number of pounds per annum.

Personally, I think Jane Austen's influence was enormous, even if it was quiet. She did this by making you fall in love first and ask questions later.

Answer 2

Jane Austen wrote six novels, most of which have become favorites, and all of which examined the social and economic status of women in her time. She did this without suggestions for improvement or comment on morality or ethics, but described the problems with such persuasive skill that it is hard to imagine she did not bring about extensive changes.

Answer 3

Certainly Samuel Richardson, Ann Radcliffe, Sir Walter Scott, and Oliver Goldsmith were among those who influenced Jane Austen. She was very well read, and was probably influenced by most of the writers of the late eighteenth century to some extent.

Answer 4

Jane Austen's novels provided a critical portrayal of the social norms and customs of 18th-century English society. Through her works, she highlighted the challenges faced by women, critiqued the class system, and offered commentary on marriage and social mobility. Her nuanced characters and witty dialogue continue to resonate with readers today, shaping perceptions of the period in which she wrote.

Answer 5

I think she had a tremendous impact on society, i mean just look at what she's done for women.