Your Topic Proposal is a one-page summary of your research project. You will need to do some basic research to complete this document. You will need to complete a basic investigation/basic research of

Shannon Student

ENGL 1302

Dr. Jones

August 27, 2012

Jane Austen

Thesis: Jane Austen shocked Victorian readers with her frank discussion of the shortcomings of marriage and her obvious disdain for the limited role women were allowed in contemporary society.

Outline:

1. Biography: Jane Austen lived a comfortable, yet not wealthy, life in Victorian England.

1. Jane Austen was born in London.

2. Jane Austen had four sisters, with whom she was very close.

3. Her father educated all four daughters, an unusual practice in England at the time.

4. She never married.

1. Works: Jane Austen is best known for her novels; this paper will focus on two Emma and Pride and Prejudice.

1. The eternal conflict between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy.

2. Heroines constantly refuse to marry without love.

3. Known for flat male characters and societal stereotypes.

1. Style: Jane Austen’s style is famous for her dialogue, her characterization and her themes.

1. Her most famous characters are strong women who refused to bend to society’s norm.

2. Her novels contain witty dialogue that portrays women as intelligent.

3. Her novels criticize the Victorian dependence upon manners and public behavior, especially for women.

1. Significance: Jane Austen became a successful female novelist, a difficult task in patriarchal Victorian England.

1. Jane Austen was able to support herself with her writing.

2. Jane Austen created enduring female characters that are relevant in the 21st century.

3. Jane Austen influenced changes in English society concerning women and arranged marriage.