Against the backdrop of a society known for its ephemeral trends, tinder-swiping, situationships, and looking for the “next best thing,” the works of Jane Austen keep readers in touch with both the complexities of human relationships and the reasons why we pursue them.
Jane Austen, late 18th century and early 19th century English novelist, is known for her serious social satires and literature centered around self discovery, morality, social class, and romance. Between the time she started writing and her death, she wrote six completed novels and many unfinished works and short epistolary novels.
Entering the pages of Jane Austen’s work is similar to attending the grandest ball of the season. With witty and admirable characters, intricate plots, and ironic language, Austen reveals things that most authors of her time wouldn’t dare bring light to. Austen’s heroines, typically following their hearts and sharply observant, inspire me to be someone who realizes that happiness is found in staying true to oneself. Her lessons are valuable through time, from the 19th century to today.
Alongside millions of other readers, I find myself analyzing the world around me after reading Austen’s work. I think the first time I noticed this was reading Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Regardless of the historical setting, the novel’s lessons remain profoundly clear.
As a high school student, I’m often thinking of first impressions. Social media, introductions through friends and family, and even most especially, gossip can play a huge part in what others think of you. This concern is intensified by my own judgement of others; I’m constantly wondering if others look at me the way I look at them. The novel’s initial title “First Impressions,” really drives this to the heart. The story follows Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy as they overcome initial prejudices to eventually reveal their true identities and see their unexpected compatibility.
Reading Austen’s work, I see myself and my peers in many characters. For instance, co-protagonist Marianne Dashwood in Austen’s Sense and Sensibility is one of those characters. With the tendency to romanticize things and the lack of restraint and moral sense, Marianne represents someone you could see in the hallways of Tennessee High. While this sounds harsh, it’s the reality of everyday interactions; it isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Like Marianne, high schoolers often embrace dramatic passions and experience unintentional heartbreak as a result.
Furthermore, Austen’s writing exposes the pressure there was in her time to make a match based on wealth rather than compatibility. While we don’t usually arrange marriages based on wealth or attend balls to show off our eligibility, there is something existent today that Austen exposes: the pressure to fit into certain social circles.
This is seen today in the way that people follow trends to gain validation, pursue gaining “likes” on social media, and in the unspoken rules within friend groups. Austen shows this pressure in her writing through a character in Mansfield Park, Fanny Price. Fanny is someone who is reserved and shy, much more so than her other relatives. Fanny is written to be out of place from the start of the novel, with her shy nature conflicting with others. She feels isolated due to her sensibility being misunderstood by people.
Beyond the impact of Austen’s work, the recent celebration of her 250th birthday on December 16th, 2025 allowed fans to transform their usual perspectives of Austen into a vibrant celebration. Balls, regency-inspired decor and costumes, garden parties, and discussions are ways in which people celebrated the weeks surrounding the special date. Even in Bristol, Virginia, Jane Austen’s relevance is prominent. Led by King University English professor Dr. Karen Shaw, a Jane Austen Reading group meets monthly at Dragonfly Book Bar to discuss works like Emma and Northanger Abbey.
As long as the world continues to question connection and identity, Austen’s novels will continue to resonate with readers. For me, reading her novels has been an experience that allowed me to open my eyes to my surroundings; however, it has helped me the most with seeing myself.
