Structure and Characterization in Sense and Sensibility Essays -- Aust

Structure and Characterization in Sense and SensibilityFiction was not considered an important part of literature in the early 19th century when Jane Austen published her novels. Fiction was presumed to be immoral and even dangerous since it over-excited the imagination (Halperin 5). Many religious denominations instituted anti- fiction campaigns to protect young people from the alter influence of the novels. It was not until the middle of the nineteenth century that this attitude regarding fiction began to change. Due to this bias as well as the anonymity that Jane Austen sought by not putting her own name on her novels, there were very few critical reviews made of her work until the mid-1800s. Many early reviewers of Austens work were uncomplimentary. Among them were writers considered to be literary greats, such as Wordsworth and Mark Twain. Though Wordsworth conceded that Austens novels were an admirable copy of life, he remained adamant in his dislike for that type of literatu re. Mark Twain compared Austen to a Puritan as her novels made him feel like a bar-keeper entering the Kingdom of Heaven (Halperin). Gradually critics have come to recognize Austens literary talents. Austens mightiness to make her characters speak and act as . . . in every day life has caused some critics to refer to her as the greatest artist that has ever create verbally (Halperin 18). Her attention to detail can be compared to a conscientious seamstress who stitches her seams neat and leaves no ragged edges (Hardy 21). In her novels, she shows her ability to overcome the gap betwixt the author and her reader which enables the reader to better understand the characters and their conduct. Sense and Sensibility was Austen... ...Austens Fiction. Chicago U of Chicago P, 1980. Mudrick, Marvin. Jane Austen Irony as Defense and Discovery. Berkeley U of atomic number 20 P. 1968. Nardin, Jane. Those Elegant Decorums The Concept of Propriety in Jane Austens Novels. Albany State U of Ne w York P, 1973. Odmark, John. An Understanding of Jane Austens Novels Character, Value and Ironic Perspective. Totowa Barnes and Noble, 1981. Scott, P.J.M. Jane Austen A Reassessment. London Vision Totowa Barnes and Noble, 1982. Wiesenforth, Joseph. The Errand of year An Essay of Jane Austens Art. New York Fordham UP, 1967. Wright, Andrew H. Jane Austens Novels A Study in Structure. 2nd ed. London Chatto, 1964. Zimmerman, Everett. Admiring Pope No More Than is Proper. Jane Austen Bicentenary Essays. Ed. John Halperin. Cambridge Cambridge UP, 1975. 112-123.