Jane Austen's Letters Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. Jane Austen enjoys gossip.
Part 1) Describe this gossip. Why is this gossip included in many of her letters? What is her reason for telling others this gossip?

Part 2) How is this gossip like our own? How is it different?

Part 3) When have you gossiped? Why did you gossip? How does this help you relate to Jane?

2. Jane enjoys reading.
Part 1) Describe five of the books she has read. What might these book have in common?

Part 2) Why does Jane mention books she has read? Why is this...
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