From Pride And Prejudice To Persuasion: The Nature And Development Of Jane Austen's Feminist Consciousness

Jane Austen, the most outstanding woman novelist at the end of 18^th century. She was the first important woman writer in the history of English literature as well. As a woman, she proposed feminist consciousness by depicting series of woman issues. The heroines in her works were brand new at that time and attracted readers at any time.This dissertation examines the nature of Jane Austen's pioneering literary feminism, and questions whether any development may be seen in the author's consciousness over the period defined by a major early and a major late novel. Placing Austen in her socio-economic and biographical context, it takes issue with criticism that has argued Austen may be viewed as unequivocally feminist in orientation.