Austen's Powers
For anyone who has ever taken an English class, Jane Austen is a familiar name.
Books such as "Pride and Predjudice" have been popular with generations of readers.
But even for those unfamiliar with Austen's literary works, commonly rented films like "Emma," "Mansfield Park," "Persuasion" and "Sense and Sensibility" featuring Hollywood movie queens such as Gwenyth Paltrow prove the timelessness of her tales.
Even a film set in modern times, such as "Clueless," borrows its plot from Austen's courtship stories.
While the romantic imagery Austen is known for doesn't seem to connect with the concept of war, English Prof. Claudia Johnson of Princeton University will find a way to tie them together in her lecture entitled "Jane Austen and War."
"It's kind of a catchy title," said English graduate student Ben Lee.
Johnson's lecture, discussing the reception of Austen's books during the early 20th century, particularly World War I, will take place Thursday at 4:30 p.m. in Newcomb Hall's South Meeting Room as part of the English Department Lecture Series.
"I consider her one of the most renowned academics in the country," English Department Chair Michael Levenson said.
Johnson wrote a "ground-breaking" work on Austen called, "Jane Austen: Women, Politics, and the Novel," and Levenson called her a leader in the field of 18th century literature and feminist studies.
Stephen Arata, chairman of the English Department's Speakers Committee, said the English Department Lecture Series is a long-standing program that brings four to six lecturers to the University each year.
"We are mostly looking for interesting and lively people," Arata said.
Compiled by Julie Hofler
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