HerStory May 2023: Jane Austen

Jane Austen‘s influence on literature cannot be overstated. As Alfred, Lord Tennyson wrote in 1870: “Miss Austen understood the smallness of life to perfection. She was a great artist, equal in her small sphere to Shakespeare…” Her 6 novels, none of which gained huge popularity during her lifetime, have inspired countless books and movies, and the themes central to her works continue to inspire and intrigue. She influenced how novels would come to be written, modernizing them by streamlining plot lines, adding realistic dialogue, and cutting down on the overly descriptive language that was a hallmark of fiction at the time.

More than almost any other writer, Jane Austen’s works have stood the test of time. It’s been over 200 years since she wrote those 6 books, and every year, books, movies, and TV series are written and released that are inspired by them. So much about her writing was groundbreaking for her time; the focus on the female main character was unprecedented, as was the theme of marriage for love, not station. She critiqued social roles and explored the role of and limitations placed on women in society. Plus, her books are just plain funny, in an often biting and even acerbic way. Women are centered, in a way that still seems groundbreaking; every scene revolves around women and their needs, feelings, and stressors.

“I am going to take a heroine whom nobody but myself will much like,” she said when setting out to write Emma, and that seems to be a thread that carries through many of her books; the female lead character is uninterested in bowing to the conventions and expectations of the time. Women considered to be “unlikeable” by the patriarchal society at large are given the space to realize their full potential, and are liberated in that way.

As you can tell, we love Jane Austen here at Knitted Wit, and we especially love two very special pieces of art inspired by her works. The Raje family series by Sonali Dev has a very special place in our hearts, and in fact, we featured her last year for HerStory. And, the 2005 film, Pride and Prejudice, is Lorajean’s comfort watch. Our HerStory colorway this month, Very Fond of Walking, is part of a larger homage to this film. Check out our Pride & Palettes color collection and our LYS Day colorway, Painted Peacocks, to see the rest of our very fun deep-dive.

Books by Jane Austen: