Prior to a reading of Jane Austen, I feel that it is imperative to secure an insight into the social context in which she writes. ... This is inexorably reflected via Austen's incessant strive to establish and demonstrate the correct code of conduct, in all areas of social behaviour. I will examine Austen's Northanger Abbey and Pride and Prejudice, observing the use of manners and the significance attached to its literary convention. ... Whenever Austen introduces a new character into a novel the reader soon learns something about his or her manners. ... Austen was more than an ent...

• Word Count: 1637
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Austen completely ridicules gothic literature through Catherine's thoughts concerning the Tilney's home at Northanger Abbey. ... Austen is mocking the gothic as a genre. We know that it was very popular in the time when Austen wrote the novel. ... Jane Austen provides her audience with an alternative form of literature by having a novel focus on how a story can be told as opposed to most novels which traditionally focus on the story itself. Cleverly, by using a likeable character that the implied reader can identify with and relate to, Austen is able to use this character as a mode...

• Word Count: 1174
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate