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Reading Jane Austen

Harriet and Ellen

55 episodes

3 weeks ago

In this episode, we talk about private communications in public spaces, Wentworth’s possible feelings in the encounter at Mollands and in the Assembly Room, the question of whether Lady Russell was legitimately trying to identify a set of curtains, and Anne’s feelings towards Mr Elliot. The character we discuss is Elizabeth Elliot. In the historical section, Michael talks about the Bath Assembly Rooms, and for popular culture Harriet discusses the 2023 independent film Persuasion. Things we m...

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In this episode, we talk about private communications in public spaces, Wentworth’s possible feelings in the encounter at Mollands and in the Assembly Room, the question of whether Lady Russell was legitimately trying to identify a set of curtains, and Anne’s feelings towards Mr Elliot. The character we discuss is Elizabeth Elliot. In the historical section, Michael talks about the Bath Assembly Rooms, and for popular culture Harriet discusses the 2023 independent film Persuasion. Things we m...

Show more...

Episodes (20/55)

Reading Jane Austen

S05E08 Persuasion, Chapters 19 to 20

In this episode, we talk about private communications in public spaces, Wentworth’s possible feelings in the encounter at Mollands and in the Assembly Room, the question of whether Lady Russell was legitimately trying to identify a set of curtains, and Anne’s feelings towards Mr Elliot. The character we discuss is Elizabeth Elliot. In the historical section, Michael talks about the Bath Assembly Rooms, and for popular culture Harriet discusses the 2023 independent film Persuasion. Things we m...

3 weeks ago

56 minutes

Reading Jane Austen

S05E07 Persuasion, Chapters 16 to 18

In this episode, we talk about the upward and downward social interactions taking place, what the implications are behind the Dalrymples being Irish aristocracy, the introductions of Mrs Smith and Nurse Rooke, the comedy of Mary’s letter and Admiral Croft’s meeting with Anne, and the fact that in the book’s timeline it is only a month before Napoleon Bonaparte will escape from Elba. The characters we discuss are Admiral and Mrs Croft. In the historical section, Ellen talks about nurses, and f...

2 months ago

59 minutes

Reading Jane Austen

S05E06 Persuasion, Chapters 13 to 15

In this episode, we talk about these transitional chapters between the events at Lyme and the move to Bath. We consider the position of the old nurse in the Musgrove household, how Anne is feeling a bit sorry for herself, the delightful scenes with the Crofts and with Charles and Mary, how Mr Elliot is described as ‘underhung’, and the way Anne and Mr Elliot get on well with each other. The characters we discuss are Mr and Mrs Musgrove. In the historical section, Ellen talks about Bath, and f...

4 months ago

59 minutes

Reading Jane Austen

S05E05 Persuasion, Chapters 11 and 12

In this episode, we talk about Lyme, the connection between Anne and Captain Benwick, whether these chapters make us wonder if Anne will end up with someone other than Captain Wentworth, and Louisa’s fall from the steps. The characters we discuss are Captains Harville and Benwick. In the historical section, Ellen talks about romantic poetry, and for popular culture Harriet discusses the 2022 Netflix film adaptation of Persuasion. Things we mention: General discussion: Janet Todd and Antje Bla...

6 months ago

59 minutes

Reading Jane Austen

S05E04 Persuasion, Chapters 9 and 10

In this episode, we talk about how how Jane Austen has solved the problem of the infodump, the realism of the scene with little Walter, how she shows the relations within families, and how events on the walk to Winthrop affect Wentworth’s feelings. The characters we discuss Louisa and Henrietta Musgrove. In the historical section, Ellen talks about curates, and for popular culture both Harriet discusses the 2007 ITV film adaptation of Persuasion. Things we mention: General discussion: Janet T...

7 months ago

59 minutes

Reading Jane Austen

S05E03.5 Persuasion, EXTRAS from Chapters 7 and 8

This is an in-between ‘extras’ episode. Our episodes are normally not more than an hour in length, which means that we usually have to cut a certain amount of material in the editing. But for Episode 3, we had much more material than usual. So we kept the episode down to an hour, but decided to release an ‘extras’ episode, with some of the bits we edited out. It’s a bit disjointed, but we hope you enjoy it. THINGS WE MENTION Character discussion: Sheila Kaye-Smith and G.B. Stern, Talking of J...

8 months ago

26 minutes

Reading Jane Austen

S05E03 Persuasion, Chapters 7 and 8

In this episode, we talk about how how Jane Austen tells us about the feelings of Anne and Captain Wentworth, and how the narrator captures Anne’s emotions; the building up of the relationship between Charles and Mary, and their reaction to Little Charles’ accident; Mrs Musgrove’s feelings about her son; and Mrs Croft’s travels. The character we discuss is Captain Wentworth. In the historical section, Harriet’s partner Michael talks about the Navy, and for popular culture both Harriet and Mic...

9 months ago

59 minutes

Reading Jane Austen

S05E02 Persuasion, Chapters 4 to 6

In this episode, we talk about how the backstory of Anne and Wentworth is presented without comedy, and yet is absolutely enjoyable. We then move on to the introduction of Mary, and why she is the way she is, the generational change we see in the Musgrove family, and the very unsympathetic portrayal of Dick Musgrove. The character we discuss is Lady Russell. In the historical section, Ellen talks about social precedence, and for popular culture Harriet has watched the 1972 Spanish television ...

10 months ago

59 minutes

Reading Jane Austen

S05E01 Persuasion, Chapters 1 to 3

In this episode, we talk about the publishing history of Persuasion, the precise dates we are given in the book, the fact that we learn very little about Anne in the first chapters, and how well Mr Shepherd is managing Sir Walter.The character we discuss is Sir Walter Elliot. In the historical section, Ellen talks about baronets, and for popular culture Harriet gives an overview of the screen adaptations of Persuasion, and then talks in more detail about the about the 1971 BBC adaptation.Thin...

11 months ago

57 minutes

Reading Jane Austen

Persuasion season starting in November

Just a quick update to let you know that our Persuasion season will be starting in November. We've recorded the first few episodes, but Harriet has been too busy at work to finish editing them. She's going to be away for a few weeks, but will start releasing the episodes on her return in November.We've added the new season to the website menu, with a provisional episode listing.

1 year ago

Reading Jane Austen

S04E11 Emma, Chapters 51 to 55

In this episode, we finish up Emma with chapters 51 to 55. We talk about the decision for Mr Knightley to move to Hartfield, the resolution of Harriet’s story, and the final scenes between Mr and Mrs Elton. We also reflect on the insights we have gained through this close reading of Emma, and how it has changed our views of the novel.The character we discuss is Jane Fairfax. In the historical section, Ellen briefly revisits her earlier comments about vicars, and then talks about magistrates. ...

1 year ago

59 minutes

Reading Jane Austen

S04E10 Emma, Chapters 46 to 50

In this episode, we are joined by Harriet’s partner, Michael, and read chapters 46 to 50 of Emma. We talk about Emma’s emotional roller coaster, reactions to the Frank-Jane revelation, the proposal scene and Emma’s commitment to her father.The character we discuss is Frank Churchill, and then Michael talks about the changing lifestyle of Regency gentleman. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about three books that are modernised versions of Emma.Things we mention:Character discussio...

1 year ago

59 minutes

Reading Jane Austen

S04E09 Emma, Chapters 42 to 45

In this episode, we read chapters 42 to 45 of Emma. We talk about the dropping of clues about Jane and Frank, Donwell Abbey and Mr Knightley’s arrangements for the strawberry picking, how nobody is enjoying themselves at Box Hill, and the pressures on Jane.The character we discuss is Emma, and in the historical section Ellen talks about watering places. In the popular culture section, Harriet reflects back on the screen adaptations of Emma, considering her favourite moments from each version,...

1 year ago

58 minutes

Reading Jane Austen

S04E08 Emma, Chapters 37 to 41

In this episode, we read chapters 37 to 41 of Emma. We talk about the parallel narratives, the ball at the Crown, Emma’s awareness of Mr Knightley, the section from Mr Knightley’s point of view and the tension between Jane and Frank.The character we discuss is Mr Knightley, and in the historical section Ellen talks about poverty and the labouring classes. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about the 2017 YouTube series The Emma Agenda.Things we mention:General and character discuss...

1 year ago

59 minutes

Reading Jane Austen

S04E07 Emma, Chapters 32 to 36

In this episode, we read chapters 32 to 36 of Emma. We talk about the civil society of Highbury, why Jane puts up with Mrs Elton, and Emma’s dinner party.The character we discuss is Mrs Elton, and Ellen talks about governesses. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about the 2013 YouTube series Emma Approved .Things we mention:Character discussion:Diana Birchall, In Defense of Mrs Elton (1999) John Mullan [Editor], The Oxford World’s Classics Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: ...

1 year ago

59 minutes

Reading Jane Austen

S04E06 Emma, Chapters 27 to 31

In this episode, we read chapters 27 to 31 of Emma. We talk about the entwined group of people who visit one another, how so many scenes read differently the second time through, Miss Bates’s monologues, Jane and the piano, reactions to the plan of having a ball, and Emma encouraging Harriet to stop thinking about Mr Elton. The character we discuss is Harriet Smith, and Ellen talks about illegitimacy. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about the 1995 modernisation Clueless.Als...

2 years ago

59 minutes

Reading Jane Austen

S04E05 Emma, Chapters 22 to 26

In this episode, we read chapters 22 to 26 of Emma. We talk about Frank’s arrival, the dinner at the Coles, and the way so much looks different in a second reading, The characters we discuss are Mr and Mrs Weston, including a consideration of what we know of Mrs Weston’s pregnancy. Ellen talks about social customs, including calling and dinner parties. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about the 2020 Working Title Films adaptation of Emma.Things we mention:General discussion:...

2 years ago

59 minutes

Reading Jane Austen

S04E04 Emma, Chapters 16 to 21

In this episode, we are joined by Harriet’s partner, Michael, and read chapters 16 to 21 of Emma. We talk about the mystery plots, Emma’s fantasies, Emma and Mr Knightley’s interactions, and Harriet’s encounter with Mr Martin (which had us revisiting the map of Highbury).The character we discuss is Miss Bates, and then Michael talks about army widows and orphans. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about the 2009 BBC adaptation of Emma.Things we mention:General discussion:John Mulla...

2 years ago

59 minutes

Reading Jane Austen

S04E03 Emma, Chapters 11 to 15

In this episode, we read chapters 11 to 15 of Emma. We talk about the introduction of John and Isabella Knightley, how Emma really doesn’t understand the social world, the clash between Isabella and Mr Woodhouse about health – and how Emma and Mr Knightley are running interference – and the way in which the Frank/Jane plot is beginning to be introduced before the Harriet/Mr Elton plot is resolved.The character we discuss is Mr Elton, and then Ellen talks about apothecaries. In the popular cul...

2 years ago

59 minutes

Reading Jane Austen

S04E02 Emma, Chapters 6 to 10

In this episode, we read chapters 6 to 10 of Emma. We talk about the hints Jane Austen gives us about Emma’s blunders, Emma’s manipulation of Harriet after Mr Martin’s proposal, the argument between Emma and Mr Knightley, Harriet’s riddle book, Emma’s and Mr Elton’s respective views of his place in the social hierarchy, and Emma’s lack of need to get married. (There was also a lengthy discussion of ‘Kitty, a fair but frozen maid’, which we ended up editing out, and just pointing to Lona Manni...

2 years ago

59 minutes