Jane Austen's Families

Anthem Nineteenth-Century

by June Sturrock

“Jane Austen’s Families” focuses on family dynamics in Jane Austen’s six novels.  After a general introduction, which places its approach in the context of ethical criticism, it divides into two sections.  The first, “Family Dynamics,” consists of three chapters  – “The Function of the Dysfunctional Family,” “Spoilt Children” and “Usefulness and Exertion.” The three chapters of section two, “Fathers and Daughters,” look at father–daughter relationships in “Mansfield Park,” “Emma” and “Persuasion.”

160 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2013

Reviews

[Zuzana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is essentially a collection of seven essays (six chapters and a conclusion), each exploring recurring themes across Jane Austen’s novels, all centered on family dynamics. The structure is clear and thematic:

1. The Functions of Dysfunctional Families — Northanger Abbey, Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice
2. Spoilt Children — Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma
3. “Usefulness and Exertion” — Mothers and sisters in Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park, Emma, and Persuasion
4. Money, Morals, and Mansfield Park
5. Speech and Silence in Emma
6. Dandies and Beauties — The issue of good looks in Persuasion
7. Conclusion: “Creative Attention”

I enjoyed it well enough. It reads very much like a set of scholarly articles compiled into a book—which it essentially is. Some arguments are more compelling than others, which is to be expected in a work of literary criticism. 3.5 stars

The standout for me was the chapter on spoilt children. The comparison between Mr. Darcy, Maria Bertram, and Emma Woodhouse was insightful and well-supported by quotes from the books. I was especially struck by the parallels between Darcy and Emma—something I hadn’t fully appreciated before. Both are wealthy, socially privileged, and overindulged by their families. Both were considered amiable children and grew up intelligent but overly self-assured. Each shows snobbishness toward those outside their immediate circle, yet displays real warmth and loyalty to those within it.

They both can be quite rude (Darcy's rude remark about Lizzie at the beginning of the book, the Box Hilll incident in Emma), both thoughtlessly meddle in their friends' love lives—Darcy separating Bingley and Jane, Emma manipulating Harriet—and both are called out by their prospective partners. Importantly, both engage in genuine self-reflection and growth, not to "win" their love interest but because they recognize the need for change. Their transformations are later demonstrated through selfless acts: Darcy’s help with Lydia, and Emma’s readiness to help Mr. Knightley and Harriet without serving her own interest.

This reading complements the "gender reverse theory" (that Emma is the inverted structure of Pride and Prejudice with gender of main and supporting characters reversed), but Sturrock’s focus remains squarely on the main characters rather than on minor plot mechanics, which makes it feel more grounded and persuasive.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

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