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Paper #2: The Author Unmasked

 


INTRO: In many ways, we can regard Persuasion and Sanditon as unfinished drafts of novels, since Persuasion was only published after her death (before she could definitively revise it—other than writing a second ending) and of course Sanditon breaks off after Chapter 12. Many writers tend to be more revealing and emotional in first drafts, and later on, revise and cover up their tracks in revisions. With that in mind, let’s assume that these novels as they stand reveal the ‘real’ Austen, unguarded, and with a minimum of fictional makeup. This is especially true of Sanditon, where the narrator talks directly to the audience and seems to assume center stage, much as we find in the earlier book, Northanger Abbey (which, coincidentally, was also published after her death—so maybe it, too, wasn’t properly finished).

PROMPT: Based on these two ‘unrevised’ books, what can we say about Austen’s character and beliefs? How does she reveal her ideas through her narration and her protagonists? Related to this, why might we assume that Anne Eliot and Charlotte Heywood are stand-ins for Austen herself? Why do the book tempt us to see her through each character? Focus on a few scenes that seem to be specifically transparent and autobiographical, in the sense that they reveal her personal opinions, beliefs, and values. You might also think about how these works develop themes and ideas we’ve seen in earlier works, but maybe in a more overt, and less disguised manner.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • At least 3-4 pages, double spaced
  • Close reading, as in the previous essay, using MLA guidelines.
  • Be sure to introduce each work and provide enough context so we can understand the quotation (no floating quotations, etc.).
  • DUE Wednesday, July 20th by 5pm

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