Unsmiling Lips and Dull Eyes: A Study of Why We Continue to Read Jane Austen

Authors

Kareen BarakatFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Major/Program

English

First Advisor's Name

Jason Pearl

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Maneck Daruwala

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Third Advisor's Name

Michael Gillespie

Third Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Member

Keywords

Jane Austen, Feminism, Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet, Charlotte Lucas, Marriage plot

Date of Defense

11-7-2017

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to take a closer look at Jane Austen’s work and understand the importance of it in both the academic and cultural sphere. With a specific focus on Pride and Prejudice, this research starts with a focus on feminist readings of the novel. Primarily, this research looks at the novel with a feminist lens in order to better understand the female characters and their involvement in the marriage plot. Secondarily, the research goes on to look at the cultural impact of Pride and Prejudice and attempts to understand the ways in which this novel re-appears in different adaptations. Finally, the research suggests that there should be a new way of reading Austen that better fits contemporary society. Despite how far removed Jane Austen’s world may seem, her work remains important and worth studying. This thesis argues in favor of the appreciation of Jane Austen’s work both academically and culturally.

Identifier

FIDC004008

Recommended Citation

Barakat, Kareen, "Unsmiling Lips and Dull Eyes: A Study of Why We Continue to Read Jane Austen" (2017). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3559.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/3559