by Jane Austen

Despite her popularity, critics have argued that Jane Austen's works remain apart from the political, intellectual, and artistic revolutions of her era. Her Pride and Prejudice does not, in fact, make any direct reference to political events. The development of the novel, however, does reflect changes in English society. Rewritten over a period of years from 1797 to 1813, Austen's story begins with strict observance of the social codes that dominated her society. Its conclusion, however, inspired perhaps by the French Revolution and its aftereffects (1789- 1815), shows some defiance of these codes.

Events in History at the Time of the Novel

The French Revolution. The French Revolution began in 1789, a number of years prior to the publication of Austen's work, but its social impact was felt long after its inception. Before the Revolution, social boundaries in England, as in the rest of Europe...