Name: Why Jane Austen is as relevant as ever
Uploaded: 2025-12-22T02:17:32.699Z
Duration: 2 min 33 s
Description: 2025 marks 250 years since the birth of famed English author Jane Austen. Her stories — from Pride and Prejudice to Emma and more — are classics, and many say they are as relevant and as loved as ever.

2025 marks 250 years since the birth of famed English author Jane Austen. Her stories — from Pride and Prejudice to Emma and more — are classics, and many say they are as relevant and as loved as ever.

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Jane Austen remains a prominent figure in literature and popular culture, 250 years after her birth. Celebrations in England, including themed events and new editions of her works, reflect her lasting appeal, while improv troupes and academic courses continue to draw audiences and students.

Austen's relevance is further supported by numerous film and television adaptations, which introduce her stories to younger generations. Experts and fans attribute her enduring popularity to her humor, social commentary, and relatable characters, particularly in her portrayal of women's experiences.

Why Jane Austen is as relevant as ever

So Jane Austen, she is, as they say in modern parlance, having a bit of a moment. Born 250 years ago this month, she's been fetid in England all year round. From dress-up parties and balls to new additions of old favourites. Not that she needs the boost. I'll avert my eyes. Just ask the cast of Austentatious, an improv comedy troupe devoted to Austen and filling seats for nearly 15 years. Because she's funny, she's witty and she writes about humanity. I think the thing that we find constantly is that our audience is sometimes better equipped with Jane Austen's work than some of us are. She's already on the £10 note and is a top member of Britain's literary canon, part of the cultural industry. Drawing tourists to the places she once lived or wrote, like Jotunhaus. I think she's terribly relevant today. I think she's marvellous. Do you dance, Mr Darcy? Not if I can help it. And so do many younger fans, helped along no doubt by myriad film and television adaptations. You have bewitched me, body and soul. Why is it there are so many unmarried women in their 30s these days, Bridget? Some easier to recognize than others. He gave me a C minus. Well, he gave me a C which drags down my entire average. Film adaptations, they do have it slightly easier in some regards because they can have a soundtrack. The Jane Austen class at the University of York is one of the most in demand. Carried away by this kind of romantic hero figure. Professor Alison O'Byrne admits film adaptations and Austen's reputation as the original rom-com writer are sometimes the draw. Film critics often talk about Pride and Prejudice as being almost the origin text for every romantic comedy with a kind of battle of the sexes element. But she says Austen's keen eye for social satire, commentary about the challenges women faced and the relatability of her characters is what students come away with. A lot of the issues they go through really do relate to people like now who are reading it. Family members going, oh have you got a boyfriend yet? You know, how's your love life going? I think she just gets it. I think she gets what it's like to be a woman. At the end of the day, a good yarn is still a good yarn. Margaret Evans, CBC News, London.

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