The Life and Works of Jane Austen Season 1 Episode 3 Juvenilia: Austen's Raucous Early Works

In season 1 episode 3 of The Life and Works of Jane Austen, titled Juvenilia: Austen's Raucous Early Works, viewers are given a glimpse into the playful and irreverent writing of the young Jane Austen. Before she became known for her mature and insightful novels like Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, Austen honed her craft by writing short stories, plays, and poems that showcased her wit and sense of humor.

The episode begins with a brief overview of Austen's teenage years, which were spent largely in the company of her six brothers and sister. As the youngest daughter in the family, Jane was often indulged by her siblings, who encouraged her love of writing and storytelling. The show then delves into Austen's early works, which were written between the ages of 12 and 18 and are collectively known as her juvenilia.

The first piece of juvenilia that the episode explores is Austen's novel "Lady Susan," which was written when she was just 19 years old. Unlike Austen's later novels, "Lady Susan" is written entirely in the form of letters between its various characters. The novel's eponymous protagonist is a charming but manipulative widow who schemes to find wealthy husbands for her daughter and herself. The show's hosts analyze the novel's themes of class, gender, and morality, and note how Austen's use of the epistolary form allowed her to experiment with different narrative voices and perspectives.

Next, the episode turns to Austen's satirical narrative poem "The History of England," which she wrote at the age of 15. The poem pokes fun at various English monarchs, from William the Conqueror to George III, and displays Austen's biting wit and irreverent humor. The show's hosts point out how Austen's portrait of English history reflects her own views on politics and power, and how her use of parody and caricature allowed her to critique current events in a lighthearted and entertaining way.

The episode also explores some of Austen's shorter works, such as her play "Sir Charles Grandison" and her story "The Beautifull Cassandra." Both of these works are more whimsical and light-hearted than "Lady Susan" or "The History of England," and showcase Austen's gift for creating memorable and endearing characters. The hosts analyze the ways in which Austen uses language and dialogue to convey character and emotion, and note how her early works foreshadow the more nuanced and complex characters of her later novels.

Throughout the episode, the show's hosts provide historical context and literary analysis to help viewers understand the significance of Austen's juvenilia. They also offer insights into Austen's life and personality, drawing on letters and anecdotes to paint a picture of the young writer as a witty, vivacious, and talented individual. By the end of the episode, viewers will have a newfound appreciation for Austen's early works and the formative role they played in shaping her later literary masterpieces.

Overall, season 1 episode 3 of The Life and Works of Jane Austen offers a fascinating look at the young writer's early works and the unconventional and irreverent spirit that infused them. Whether you're a longtime fan of Austen's novels or a newcomer to her works, this episode is sure to deepen your understanding and appreciation of one of the greatest writers in English literature.