October 14, 2023: Mothers in Jane Austen’s Novels: Monstrous or Misunderstood?

Our second meeting of the 2023/2024 JASNA season will be a members’ panel discussion. Please contact Robyn Martin to sign up.

In Jane Austen’s novels, mothers are often portrayed as ridiculous, frivolous, overbearing, and sometimes even downright monstrous. However, it is important to consider the societal norms and expectations of the time in which Austen was writing. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a mother’s primary role was to ensure the successful marriage of her daughters, often through strategic matchmaking and social connections. This pressure to secure advantageous marriages for their children could lead to mothers being seen as controlling and manipulative.

That being said, it is also important to recognize the complexity of Austen’s characters. While some mothers may exhibit negative traits, they are not one-dimensional villains. For example, Mrs. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice may be seen as annoying and foolish, but she also genuinely cares for her daughters and wants the best for them. Similarly, Lady Bertram in Mansfield Park may be seen as lazy and uninvolved, but she also provides a stable home for her niece Fanny.

Overall, while mothers in Austen’s novels may be presented in a negative light, it is important to understand the societal context in which they were written and to view these characters as nuanced individuals rather than caricatures.

Which mothers in Jane Austen’s novels do you think are wrongly vilified and why? Pick a mother and fight her case! Alternatively, if you do think a mother is actually monstrous, tell us why she is the monster she is made out to be.

We look forward to seeing you again next Saturday! Remember to bring a finger food for our shared lunch and the meeting fee of $5. Registration is at 10:15 am and the meeting will begin at 10:30 am.