Reading Jane Austen

In this episode, we are joined by Harriet’s partner, Michael, and read chapters 46 to 50 of Emma. We talk about Emma’s emotional roller coaster, reactions to the Frank-Jane revelation, the proposal scene and Emma’s commitment to her father. The character we discuss is Frank Churchill, and then Michael talks about the changing lifestyle of Regency gentleman. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about three books that are modernised versions of Emma. Things we mention: Character discussion: The Piano Scene: through Jane’s eyesother postsEmmaPopular culture discussion: Emma: A modern retellingThe Emma ProjectEmma of 83rd StreetMäda Primavesi by Gustav KlimtCreative commons music used: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. AdagioJoseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto GraziosoGeorge Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major

In this episode, we read chapters 42 to 45 of Emma. We talk about the dropping of clues about Jane and Frank, Donwell Abbey and Mr Knightley’s arrangements for the strawberry picking, how nobody is enjoying themselves at Box Hill, and the pressures on Jane. The character we discuss is Emma, and in the historical section Ellen talks about watering places. In the popular culture section, Harriet reflects back on the screen adaptations of Emma, considering her favourite moments from each version, and then how they dealt with some of the major characters. Things we mention: General and character discussion: The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: EmmaPod and PrejudiceIs Heathcliff a murderer?: Puzzles in 19th-century fictionWho Betrays Elizabeth Bennet?: Further Puzzles in Classic FictionThe Thing About the Irish Car PartyThe Thing About Austen Talking of Jane AustenMore Talk of Jane AustenHistorical discussion: Have His CarcaseBeau NashThe Thing About WeymouthThe Thing About Austen Swallows and AmazonsPopular culture discussion: EmmaEmmaEmmaEmmaEmmaCluelessEmma Approved For a list of music used, see this episode on our website.

In this episode, we read chapters 37 to 41 of Emma. We talk about the parallel narratives, the ball at the Crown, Emma’s awareness of Mr Knightley, the section from Mr Knightley’s point of view and the tension between Jane and Frank. The character we discuss is Mr Knightley, and in the historical section Ellen talks about poverty and the labouring classes. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about the 2017 YouTube series The Emma Agenda. Things we mention: General and character discussion: Pod and PrejudiceTea with CassianeSomerset MaughamHistorical discussion: Speenhamland systemThe WardenRobert RaikesHannah MorePopular culture discussion: The Emma AgendaEmma ApprovedEmmaEmmaCreative commons music used: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. AdagioJoseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto GraziosoGeorge Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major

In this episode, we read chapters 32 to 36 of Emma. We talk about the civil society of Highbury, why Jane puts up with Mrs Elton, and Emma’s dinner party. The character we discuss is Mrs Elton, and Ellen talks about governesses. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about the 2013 YouTube series Emma Approved . Things we mention: Character discussion: In Defense of Mrs EltonThe Oxford World’s Classics Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: EmmaMrs. Elton and the Slave TradePersuasionsWhat is Austen saying with Mrs. Elton?Can Jane Eyre be happy?Elegy Written in a Country ChurchyardHistorical discussion: Vanity Fair Jane EyreQuarterly ReviewThe Diary of an EnnuyéeVanity FairThe Good French GovernessThe Women’s Movement and Women’s Employment in Nineteenth Century BritainGraph Popular culture discussion: Emma ApprovedLizzie Bennet DiariesClueless For a list of music used, see this episode on our website.

In this episode, we read chapters 27 to 31 of Emma. We talk about the entwined group of people who visit one another, how so many scenes read differently the second time through, Miss Bates’s monologues, Jane and the piano, reactions to the plan of having a ball, and Emma encouraging Harriet to stop thinking about Mr Elton. The character we discuss is Harriet Smith, and Ellen talks about illegitimacy. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about the 1995 modernisation Clueless. Also, we are now on Instagram, at reading_jane_austen. Things we mention: General discussion: What Matters in Jane Austen?: Twenty Crucial Puzzles SolvedCharacter discussion: “The word was blunder”: Who was Harriet Smith’s Mother?PersuasionsJane Austen, the Secret RadicalHistorical discussion: Max WeberCharles DickensAmbiguous Cousinship: Mansfield Park and the Mansfield FamilyPersuasionsOlivia ColmanWho Do You Think You ArePopular culture discussion: Clueless10 Things I Hate About YouThe Taming of the ShrewCruel IntentionsLes Liaisons dangereusesShe’s All ThatPygmalion My Fair LadyOOthelloShe’s the ManTwelfth NightEasy AThe Scarlet Letter For a list of music used, see this episode on our website.

In this episode, we read chapters 22 to 26 of Emma. We talk about Frank’s arrival, the dinner at the Coles, and the way so much looks different in a second reading, The characters we discuss are Mr and Mrs Weston, including a consideration of what we know of Mrs Weston’s pregnancy. Ellen talks about social customs, including calling and dinner parties. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about the 2020 Working Title Films adaptation of Emma. Things we mention: General discussion: The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: EmmaCharacter discussion: Talking of Jane AustenMore Talk of Jane AustenHistorical discussion: Regency Dinner Parties and EtiquettePopular culture discussion: Emma5 Historical Films That Got the Costumes RIGHTAre “Emma.” (2020) Costumes Historically Accurate? aka What Makes Good Period Drama CostumesEmma (2020)Firle PlaceWilton HouseCreative commons music used: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. AdagioJoseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto GraziosoGeorge Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major

In this episode, we are joined by Harriet’s partner, Michael, and read chapters 16 to 21 of Emma. We talk about the mystery plots, Emma’s fantasies, Emma and Mr Knightley’s interactions, and Harriet’s encounter with Mr Martin (which had us revisiting the map of Highbury). The character we discuss is Miss Bates, and then Michael talks about army widows and orphans. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about the 2009 BBC adaptation of Emma. Things we mention: General discussion: What Matters in Jane Austen?: Twenty Crucial Puzzles SolvedJane Austen’sHorizon Studies in LiteratureA Hypothetical Map of HighburyCharacter discussion: Cranford Miss MarpleMy life and what shall I do with it? By an old maidextract about Jane AustenGaudy NightPopular culture discussion: EmmaEmmaEmmaEmma For a list of music used, see this episode on our website.

In this episode, we read chapters 11 to 15 of Emma. We talk about the introduction of John and Isabella Knightley, how Emma really doesn’t understand the social world, the clash between Isabella and Mr Woodhouse about health – and how Emma and Mr Knightley are running interference – and the way in which the Frank/Jane plot is beginning to be introduced before the Harriet/Mr Elton plot is resolved. The character we discuss is Mr Elton, and then Ellen talks about apothecaries. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about the 1996 ITV telemovie adaptation of Emma. Things we mention: General discussion: Google Map of Emma locationsCharacter discussion: What Matters in Jane Austen?: Twenty Crucial Puzzles SolvedHistorical discussion: Medical Care and the General Practitioner, 1750-1850The Apothecaries’ Act of 1815: A ReinterpretationMedical HistoryPopular culture discussion: EmmaEmmaEmmaCreative commons music used: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. AdagioJoseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto GraziosoGeorge Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major

In this episode, we read chapters 6 to 10 of Emma. We talk about the hints Jane Austen gives us about Emma’s blunders, Emma’s manipulation of Harriet after Mr Martin’s proposal, the argument between Emma and Mr Knightley, Harriet’s riddle book, Emma’s and Mr Elton’s respective views of his place in the social hierarchy, and Emma’s lack of need to get married. (There was also a lengthy discussion of ‘Kitty, a fair but frozen maid’, which we ended up editing out, and just pointing to Lona Manning’s article and blog posts on the subject.) We discuss the Martin family (specifically, Mr Martin and his mother), and in the historical section Ellen talks about vicars and parish business. Harriet talks about the 1996 Miramax film adaptation of Emma. For a list of references, see this episode on our website.

In this episode, we read the first five chapters of Emma. We give a brief publishing history, and talk about how much we learn about the occupants of Highbury, the introduction of the relationship between Emma and Mr Knightley, Emma’s manipulation of Harriet, and Emma’s personality (and how our views of her are changing on this readthrough). The character we discuss is Mr Woodhouse, and in the historical section Ellen talks about boarding schools. Harriet gives an overview of all of the popular culture versions of Emma, and explains that due to the number of adaptations there have been, she will talk about one version each episode, rather than trying to cover all of them. For this episode, she talks about the 1972 BBC adaptation. For a list of references, see this episode on our website.

In this episode, we finish up reading Mansfield Park, with Chapters 46 to 48. We talk about contrasts within the book, the attitude to Maria and Henry, Edmund and Fanny’s views of Mary, Sir Thomas’s reflections in the final chapter, the wrapping up of the other characters and how we are told about Edmund falling in love with Fanny. We discuss Fanny Price, then Ellen talks about principle and education, and Harriet looks at how adaptations and modernisations treat these chapters. Things we mention: General and character discussion: Mansfield ParkCasanova’s Chinese RestaurantA Dance to the Music of TimeHenry IV Parts 1 and 2Talking of Jane AustenMore Talk of Jane AustenTony TannerMansfield ParkJane Austen; irony as defense and discoverySelf-ControlPersuasionsScrutinyEssays in CriticismMansfield ParkPartisan ReviewEncounter, September 1954: 9-19The SpectatorWhat Became of Jane Austen? And Other QuestionsHistorical discussion: Moral Tales: Angelina; Or L’amie Inconnue. the Good French Governess. Mademoiselle Panache. the KnapsackPopular culture discussion: Mansfield ParkMansfield ParkMansfield ParkFrom Mansfield With LoveCelia’s HouseFor a list of music used, see this episode on our website.

In this bonus mini-episode, Harriet has a discussion with three of the co-creators of webseries Rational Creatures. This series, based on Persuasion, started in 2019, but then had to go on a long and unexpected hiatus due to the global pandemic. (https://rationalseries.wixsite.com/site/about) The series paused after Episode 5, on 15 October 2019, and resumed on 20 September 2022. Shortly before this, Harriet was invited to have a conversation with three of the co-creators: Jessamyn Leigh, Anya Steiner and Hazel Jeffs. You can check out Rational Creatures at: Official websiteYouTubeFacebookTwitterInstagram

In this episode, we read Chapters 40 to 45 of Mansfield Park. We talk about the plot of a girl brought up in privileged circumstances returning to her family, Mary’s letters and how Fanny responds to them, the success of Henry’s visit, Edmund’s letter to Fanny, and Tom’s illness. We discuss the Price family (with a slight digression into the idea of disposition and principle), then Ellen talks about servants and Harriet looks at how adaptations and modernisations treat these chapters. Things we mention: General and character discussion: The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Mansfield ParkThe Pillars of the HouseHistorical discussion: Charles Dickens: A LifePopular culture discussion: Mansfield ParkMansfield ParkMansfield ParkFrom Mansfield With LoveWhat Katy Did NextCreative commons music used: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. AdagioJoseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto GraziosoGeorge Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. AllegroChristoph Willibald Gluck, Orfeo ed EuridiceLudwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major

In this episode, we read Chapters 35 to 39 of Mansfield Park. We talk about how Edmund and Mary dismiss Fanny’s concerns about Henry, Sir Thomas’s decision to send Fanny back to Portsmouth, Fanny and William’s journey, the comedy of the arrival in Portsmouth, Fanny’s reaction to the house, and the very realistic and grounded nature of the Portsmouth scenes . We discuss Edmund Bertram, then Harriet’s partner Michael talks about the Marines. Harriet looks at how adaptations and modernisations treat these chapters, and then Ellen talks about a later nineteenth century novel influenced by Mansfield Park. Things we mention: General and character discussion: The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Mansfield ParkTalking of Jane AustenHistorical discussion: Jane Austen and the NavyPopular culture discussion: Mansfield ParkMansfield ParkMansfield ParkFrom Mansfield With LoveHeartsease Mansfield ParkMoney, morals, and Mansfield Park: the West Indies revisitedPersuasions: The Jane Austen Journal For a list of music used, and a map of Mansfield Park locations, see this episode on our website.

In this episode, we read Chapters 31 to 34 of Mansfield Park. We talk about Fanny's initial failure to realise she has received a true proposal, the amount of pressure placed on her to accept, the picture everyone has of little, modest Fanny, and the difference between Sir Thomas and Fanny's views of marriage. We discuss Henry Crawford, then Ellen talks about ordination, and Harriet looks at how adaptations and modernisations treat these chapters, particularly the scene between Fanny and Sir Thomas. Things we mention: General and character discussion: Excellent WomenThe Daily KnightleyHistorical discussion: Jane Austen and the ClergyThe 1559 Book of Common PrayerJohn Keble: A Study in LimitationsPopular culture discussion: Mansfield ParkMansfield ParkMansfield ParkFrom Mansfield With LoveComment on previous episode The Thing About AustenCreative commons music used: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. AdagioJoseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto GraziosoGeorge Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. AllegroChristoph Willibald Gluck, Orfeo ed EuridiceLudwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major

This is an apology for the ongoing non-appearance of Episode 8. It is fully recorded (as is Episode 9), but I haven't finished the editing, as I have completely overcommitted myself until mid-July. I am doing a presentation for the Jane Austen Society of Australia conference, and also for Virtual JaneCon, plus I am on the judging panel for the Educational Publishing Awards Australia. So, to quote Prince Humperdink in The Princess Bride - I'm swamped! But I'm really keen to finish editing...

In this episode, we read Chapters 26 to 30 of Mansfield Park. We talk about Fanny’s preparations for the ball, the amber cross, her emotion reactions after Edmund gives her the chain, her post-ball meeting with Mary, and the scene where Henry tells Mary he plans to marry Fanny. We discuss Lady Bertram, then Ellen talks about what is meant by being ‘out’, and Harriet follows this with some information about balls and dancing. Harriet also talks about how adaptations and modernisations treat these chapters. Things we mention: General and character discussion: The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Mansfield ParkJane Austen, the Secret RadicalJane Austen’s Unbecoming Conjunctions: Subversive Laughter, Embodied History Credit: Jane Austen’s House Museum, photography by Peter SmithJewels of the RegencyTalking of Jane AustenThe Daily KnightleyCan Jane Eyre be happy?The Painter and his Pug Georgette HeyerHistorical discussion: 5 Things That Jane Austen Films Always Get Wrong About the DancingA Regency Dancer Analyzes Jane Austen’s Ballroom ScenesA Regency Dancer Reads Jane Austen Part 2 (Mansfield Park, Sense and Sensibility, and The Watsons)Popular culture discussion: Mansfield ParkMansfield ParkMansfield ParkFrom Mansfield With Love For a list of music used, see this episode on our website.

In this episode, we read Chapters 22 to 25 of Mansfield Park. We talk about the friendship between Fanny and Mary, the tension between Mary and Edmund, Henry’s plan to make Fanny fall in love with him (and Mary’s reaction), William’s view of Fanny, the tour de force of Chapter 25 (the Speculation chapter), and Ellen’s articulation of why she cares about what happens to Fanny. We discuss Dr and Mrs Grant, then Harriet’s partner Michael talks about the navy, with a focus on the process of passing from midshipman to lieutenant. Harriet talks about how adaptations and modernisations treat these chapters. Things we mention: General and character discussion: The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Mansfield Park“A Subdued Gaiety: The Comedy of Mansfield Park“Nineteenth-Century LiteratureTalking of Jane AustenExcellent WomenBack to BillabongJane EyreOliver TwistDavid CopperfieldRebecca of Sunnybrook FarmAnne of Green GablesPollyanna Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s StoneFrances BurneyHenrietta’s HouseHistorical discussion: Jane Austen and the NavyPlaying at command: midshipmen and quarterdeck boys in the Royal Navy, 1793-1815A Social History of Midshipmen and Quarterdeck Boys in the Royal Navy, 1761-1831 For a list of other references and music used, see this episode on our website.

In this episode, we read Chapters 17 to 21 of Mansfield Park. We talk about Fanny’s moral trajectory during the theatricals, Mary’s casual acceptance of Henry’s behaviour with Maria, the cliffhanger ending of Volume 1 in the first edition, and Fanny’s question to Sir Thomas about the slave trade (with Harriet’s theory as to why she asked it). We talk about Sir Thomas, first considering how he is presented in the text, and then how we reconcile this with the fact that his estate in Antigua is worked by enslaved people. Ellen looks at the clergy, including the presentation of livings, pluralism and absenteeism, and the career path for the clergy. Harriet talks about the popular culture versions. Things we mention: General and character discussion: The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Mansfield ParkTalking of Jane AustenCulture and ImperialismIn Defense of Sir ThomasWhich is the worst marriage in Jane Austen’s novels?The SopranosHistorical discussion: Susannah Fullerton’s Best Books about Jane AustenJane Austen and the ClergyPopular culture discussion: Mansfield ParkMansfield ParkMansfield ParkFrom Mansfield With LoveCreative commons music used: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. AdagioJoseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto GraziosoGeorge Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata&

In this episode, we read Chapters 12 to 16 of Mansfield Park. We talk about why Fanny refuses to act, why Edmund agrees to join in, the sheer amount of comedy in the scenes of the theatricals, and the Cinderella aspect of the plot. We talk about Tom Bertram, and then Ellen looks at theatre in the Regency period, and why Fanny and Edmund disapprove of the the theatricals. Harriet talks about the popular culture versions, including some modernisations and a variation that she hasn’t looked at before. Things we mention: General and character discussion: The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Mansfield ParkMansfield ParkPartisan ReviewEncounter, September 1954: 9-19Talking of Jane AustenHistorical discussion: ‘Theatre in Georgian England’Lovers’s VowsJane Austen’s LettersMansfield ParkPartisan ReviewEncounter, September 1954: 9-1930 Great Myths about Jane AustenPopular culture discussion: Mansfield ParkMansfield ParkMansfield ParkMetropolitanFrom Mansfield With LoveCelia’s HouseLive at the Hay Festival Celia’s HouseA Contrary WindA Marriage of AttachmentA Different Kind of Woman For a list of music used, see this episode on our website.