Jane Austen, the literary icon whose novels have charmed readers for over two centuries, is often celebrated for her wit, social commentary, and timeless romances. But behind the polished prose and the Regency-era ballrooms lies a treasure trove of lesser-known facts about her life, loves, and quirks that make her all the more fascinating. Let’s take a delightful dive into the world of Jane Austen, where we’ll uncover some surprising tidbits about her family, her passions, her writing struggles, and even her romantic misadventures. Spoiler alert: it’s not all Mr. Darcy and happy endings.
First, let’s talk about Jane’s family dynamics. Jane was the seventh of eight children born on December 16, 1775, in Steventon, England. Her parents, George and Cassandra Austen, were lively, but one of the lesser-known aspects of her family life involves her older brother George. Born in 1766, George had epilepsy and learning difficulties and was likely deaf. In a practice that was sadly common then, he was fostered elsewhere and lived apart from the family. Despite this separation, the Austens maintained contact with him, visiting regularly and providing financial support. George was eventually buried in an unmarked grave, a poignant reminder of the complexities of Jane’s family life. It’s a side of her story that adds depth to our understanding of the woman who wrote so eloquently about family ties and societal expectations.
Now, let’s shift gears to Jane’s personal interests, because, believe it or not, she wasn’t just sitting around writing novels all day. Jane had a pet canary named Tom, whom she mentioned in her letters. Imagine the author of Pride and Prejudice cooing over a little yellow bird—adorable, right? She also had a sweet tooth, particularly for Bath buns, a buttery, brioche-like treat best enjoyed warm. Jane even collected recipes, proving that her talents extended beyond the written word and into the kitchen. And if that weren’t enough, she was known for her manual dexterity. She excelled at sewing, folding letters (a skill that’s sadly lost in the age of email), and playing bilbocatch, a cup-and-ball game. In fact, you can still see her bilbocatch on display at Jane Austen’s House Museum in Chawton. Who knew Jane Austen was a multitasking queen?
Speaking of her novels, Jane had a unique relationship with her literary creations. She once referred to Pride and Prejudice as her “darling child” and described Sense and Sensibility as unforgettable, like a “sucking child.” Clearly, she saw her writing as a deeply personal and almost maternal endeavor. But don’t let her confidence fool you—Jane was her harshest critic. After finishing Pride and Prejudice, she worried it was “too light and bright and sparkling.” Imagine Jane Austen, of all people, doubting her brilliance! And here’s a fun fact for aspiring writers: her original drafts were far from perfect. They were riddled with spelling mistakes and poor punctuation, a far cry from the polished works we know today. It’s a comforting reminder that even the most outstanding authors start with messy first drafts.
Financially, Jane’s writing career didn’t take off overnight. In fact, she earned nothing from her work until she was 36, when Sense and Sensibility was published. Even then, she had to cover the printing costs with the help of her brother, Henry. It’s a stark contrast to the millions of copies her novels sell today, but it’s also a testament to her perseverance and belief in her craft.
Jane’s life wasn’t without its challenges. Her gravestone in Winchester Cathedral, where she was buried after her death on July 18, 1817, at 41, doesn’t even mention her as an author. It wasn’t until 1872 that a brass memorial was added to acknowledge her literary achievements. Talk about a posthumous plot twist! Jane was also a theater enthusiast, influenced by family dramas and even writing plays as a teenager. And here’s a quirky detail: she was born a month later than expected and baptized in April 1776 due to cold weather. Astrology buffs might note that she was a Sagittarius, a sign known for its wit and love of adventure—traits that certainly shine through in her writing.
One of the most dramatic moments in Jane’s life came in 1783 when, as a child, she nearly died from diphtheria. She was saved by her cousin Jane Cooper, who tragically died from the infection herself. This brush with mortality undoubtedly left a lasting impression on young Jane. Later in life, she faced another upheaval when her family moved to Bath in 1800. Jane was less than thrilled about leaving the countryside, and her disdain for the bustling city is evident in her letters. It’s a reminder that even the most eloquent writers have their off days—or, in this case, off years.
Now, let’s talk about Jane’s love life because what’s a Jane Austen story without a bit of romance? While she never married, Jane had her fair share of romantic entanglements. In 1795, she flirted with Tom Lefroy, a dashing law student. Their relationship has been the subject of much speculation, with some scholars suggesting it was a fleeting infatuation and others arguing it was a deeper connection. Regardless, it ends when Tom’s family sends him away, likely due to Jane’s lack of fortune. Cue the dramatic sigh. (Watch the movie Becoming Jane to learn more… and don’t forget to admire James McAvoy, the real-life dashing guy.)
In the summer of 1802, Jane had a seaside romance with an unidentified clergyman, possibly Dr. Samuel Blackall. This budding relationship took a tragic turn when the clergyman died suddenly, leaving Jane heartbroken. And then there was Harris Bigg-Wither, who proposed to Jane in December 1802. She initially accepted, but she changed her mind the next day. It seems Jane valued affection over practicality, a theme that resonates in her novels. While her love life didn’t lead to marriage, it certainly provided plenty of material for her stories.
So there you have it—a glimpse into the lesser-known life of Jane Austen. From her complex family dynamics and domestic hobbies to her writing struggles and romantic misadventures, Jane was far more than just the author of Pride and Prejudice. She was a woman of depth, humor, and resilience, whose life was as rich and nuanced as the characters she created. The next time you curl up with one of her novels, remember that behind every Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is a Jane Austen who lived, loved, and laughed in her extraordinary way.
Written by Ashish for the Featured Author platform