Exploring the Life and Legacy of Jane Austen and the French Revolution
Jane Austen has long been recognized for her timeless characters, romantic storylines and masterful literary style. She wrote her beloved novels with a great depth of insight, whether in terms of contrasting social classes, exploring opinions on marriage or the emotional rollercoaster of the human heart. Yet even though her works captures the English and English-speaking world, Austen’s life and writings also give a glimpse into one of the most turbulent eras of modern history: the French Revolution.
From the French Revolution’s impact on England to Austen’s view of the revolutionary period, this article examines the relationship between the author and the historic event. It provides an in-depth insight into Jane Austen and the the French Revolution, a collision of two worlds that continues to fascinate readers today.
Understanding the French Revolution
The French Revolution began in 1789 and ended in 1799, evolving into a complex mixture of social, political, and economic change. It began when the previously despotic absolute monarchy of King Louis XVI was overthrown and replaced with a constitutional monarchy. After a tumultuous decade, Napoleon Bonaparte seized power and ultimately endorsed the declaration of the French Republic in 1799.
The revolution touched the lives of the French in several ways. One of the most notable changes was the declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, which guaranteed the rights of all citizens, regardless of social class. This, combined with the abolition of feudalism and the raising of taxes, led to the formation of the National Assembly.
The revolution even had a ripple effect across Europe, including in England, which was full of mixed emotions surrounding it. In the first few years of the revolution, England was officially neutral and even provided certain aid, yet terror and fear were palpable all across the country. With each new act of violence in France, the conversations and public opinion shifted in England, and many turned more hostile as the revolution went on.
Austen’s Thoughts and Opinions
Given the grand events transpiring in Europe at the time, it is only natural that Austen had some opinions of her own. Such opinions can be discerned from her writings, primarily from the novels Mansfield Park, Emma and Northanger Abbey, as well as from her personal correspondence with her sister, Cassandra.
Mansfield Park shows Austen in full support of the French Revolution, as the characters of Mr. Norris and Rushworth advocate for reform and harbor sympathy for the French republicans. Meanwhile, the novel Emma reveals a more nuanced approach, and Austen mirrors the shifting views that England had of the revolution at the time. The characters condemn the violence while acknowledging the idealism of the early revolutionaries. Ultimately, Emma has a cautiously upbeat outlook on the events, again echoing England’s general wariness against the disruptions in continental Europe.
Austen’s personal writing also reveals much of her opinion on the French Revolution. In a letter to Cassandra she writes her daughter, “I cannot say how pleased I am that the French Republicans have been so successful.” Meanwhile, another letter to a friend laments the revolution’s overall effect: “The events of the French Revolution are really tremendous, and form the most awful conclusion of such offences and oppression as were tolerated and supported for centuries.”
Austen’s Impact and Writings
Throughout her life, Jane Austen remained passionate about the issues that affected England’s citizens and government, including the French Revolution and its enduring effects. Her works beautifully express her views and attitudes and have become a powerful tool for exploring literature and history.
Austen’s primary impact from her writings was in the area of social criticism, in which she maintains her stance on the former French monarchy’s mistreatment of its citizens, while also depicting England’s numerous social classes. She also explores the concept of relationships during this era, whether between husband and wife or between mothers and daughters, but never fails to remain witty and humorous in her storytelling.
Austen’s legacy, however, comes from her insight into an important period in both British and European history. Her works often contain references to the French Revolution, as well as the reaction of the British public to it. This has made her books essential in understanding the history of the day and how the events of the French Revolution changed the course of history.
Through her works, particularly Mansfield Park, Emma and Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen has provided a unique perspective on the French Revolution and changed the way readers view this tumultuous period of history. Her novels explore the controversial and complex events of the era and the complex relationships between characters that arise as a result.
Most importantly, her works reveal Austen’s personal view of the revolution—her sympathy for the French republicans, her abhorrence of violence, and her pride at seeing reform. Ultimately, through her own life, writings and philosophy, Jane Austen served as a powerful force in understanding the French Revolution, and is a lasting reminder of the incredible impact of the events that took place more than 200 years ago.
