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Fathers in Jane Austen
Fathers in Jane Austen
The role of fathers and father figures in Jane Austen’s novels, showing how the destiny of the daughter is dependent upon the father’s character and foibles.
Fathers in Jane Austen puts forward the view that fathers hold the key to the novels and the destinies of the daughters Austen portrays. Mr Bennet is completely detached (Pride and Prejudice); Mr Woodhouse is self-obsessed (Emma); Sir Walter Elliott is vain and profligate (Persuasion); Sir Thomas Bertram is emotionally anorexic (Mansfield) – these and other fathers leave their daughters exposed to destitution, seduction, financial ruin and unhappiness.
IP Duckfield shows that the heroines of Austen’s novels are caught in a trap made by their fathers’ failure to observe their parental duties, and argues that the fathers’ weaknesses lie at the heart of Austen’s novels.
The role of fathers and father figures in Jane Austen’s novels, showing how the destiny of the daughter is dependent upon the father’s character and foibles.
Fathers in Jane Austen puts forward the view that fathers hold the key to the novels and the destinies of the daughters Austen portrays. Mr Bennet is completely detached (Pride and Prejudice); Mr Woodhouse is self-obsessed (Emma); Sir Walter Elliott is vain and profligate (Persuasion); Sir Thomas Bertram is emotionally anorexic (Mansfield) – these and other fathers leave their daughters exposed to destitution, seduction, financial ruin and unhappiness.
IP Duckfield shows that the heroines of Austen’s novels are caught in a trap made by their fathers’ failure to observe their parental duties, and argues that the fathers’ weaknesses lie at the heart of Austen’s novels.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 11, 2023
I have been wanting to read this book ever since it was mentioned by Dr. Octavia Cox on her YouTube channel, and am so glad that I have! While it does not excuse the mothers in Jane Austen in their complicity in the fates of their children, it reflects on how the fathers' personalities and/or decisions often lead to the conflicts and challenges represented in Austen's books. This was an interesting study that forces the reader to look closer and more critically at characters that might otherwise be seen merely as amusing, or even be overlooked as one focuses on the main hero or heroine. I have come to look at some characters differently due to the points made by the author, and have had my opinions on other characters confirmed and strengthened. This book is a must-read for any Austenite who wishes to dive deeper into the world of Austen.
November 18, 2018
Very good book for those who want to know everything of the books of Jane Austen. Entertaining, for the fathers of our heroines lack crucial virtues. Confronting, for these fathers stand in the way of happiness for their children.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews