Jane Austen and the writing of Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen was an English writer born in 1775, known for novels that comment on the landed gentry and often examine women's dependence on marriage for status and security. How did a rejected draft become a beloved novel, and what can its path reveal about Austen's writing? The lessons follow its movement from early draft through rejection and eventual publication.

2 articles, 1 video, 1 book · about 1 hr 18 min of reading and viewing

The reading path

1. Read
   

   Jane Austen's life and the writing of Pride and Prejudice · Wikipedia · 58 min read

   In 1796, Jane Austen began First Impressions, later published as Pride and Prejudice, and completed its initial draft in August 1797. Her father's attempt to publish it was rejected by Thomas Cadell, who marked his letter "Declined by Return of Post". For Jane Austen's writing of Pride and Prejudice, Austen sold the copyright, receiving a one-time payment from the publisher for the manuscript.

2. Read
   

   Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' Was Initially Rejected by a Publisher. It Later Became One of the World's Most Beloved Novels · Smithsonian Magazine · 8 min read

   Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, her first published novel, was credited simply to an anonymous "Lady" and was successful enough for Egerton to agree to publish Pride and Prejudice, this time at his expense. Pride and Prejudice was published on January 28, 1813, with the attribution "By the author of Sense and Sensibility."

3. Watch
   

   Pride and Prejudice, Part 1: Crash Course Literature 411 · YouTube · 12 min watch

   John Green talks about Pride and Prejudice as a product of Regency England, gives a short biographical look at author Jane Austen, and familiarizes viewers with the web of human connections the book spins.

4. Book
   

   Pride and Prejudice · Bookshop.org

   Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen follows the romantic clash between opinionated Elizabeth and proud Mr. Darcy, with flirtation and intrigue rendered through civilized sparring and wit. Its portrayal of a comedy of manners offers a way to consider Austen's writing through the novel's characters and social interactions.

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