Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius

Episode
Episode Two
Broadcast Info
2025 (59 mins)
Description
At 27, Jane Austen stands at a crossroads. Having rejected a marriage proposal that could secure her financial stability, she chooses to dedicate her life to writing. It is a bold and courageous decision that sets her apart in a world where women are expected to remain in the background. Jane dreams of sharing her voice with the world, even as her masterpieces, Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, remain unpublished. Supported by her well-connected brother Henry and his influential wife Eliza, she enters London’s glittering, fast-paced world. Henry leverages his connections to secure a publication deal for Northanger Abbey with famous publisher Benjamin Crosby. For a moment, Jane’s dream seems within reach. But as her father falls gravely ill, Jane is forced to shift her focus to caring for him. Inspired by the struggles surrounding her, she begins writing The Watsons, a raw and poignant exploration of poverty and familial hardship. Yet, when her father dies, Jane’s creative energy leaves her, and her family is left in financial turmoil. With no inheritance to sustain them, Jane, her sister Cassandra, and their mother are forced to rely on their brothers’ support, underscoring the precarious position of women in Georgian Britain. Jane’s frustration with her stalled writing career intensifies as Northanger Abbey is shelved indefinitely by Crosby. Nearing breaking point she writes a fiery letter to the publisher, demanding action or the return of her manuscript. But his response is cold and dismissive, throwing into stark relief the power imbalance of publishing. Jane’s dire financial situation means she cannot even afford the £10 required to reclaim her work. A glimmer of hope appears when her brother Edward offers the Austen women Chawton Cottage, a modest but permanent home. The stability of Chawton reignites Jane’s creative spark, transforming the cottage into a haven where she begins to rediscover her voice. In this sanctuary, Jane turns her attention back to Sense and Sensibility. Drawing from her personal experiences of financial uncertainty and inheritance, she crafts a novel of remarkable depth and humour. Following the coming of age of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, Jane explores the tension between reason and emotion, capturing readers’ hearts in the process. Her innovative use of a technique known as free indirect speech immerses readers in her characters’ inner worlds, a development that will change literary fiction forever. When Sense and Sensibility is finally published, Jane-now 35-holds her first printed book in her hands. It is a triumph, and the novel’s success encourages her to revisit Pride and Prejudice. This entertaining tale of romance and social satire becomes an instant sensation, propelling Jane into the literary spotlight and winning the admiration of high society, including the Prince Regent. With growing confidence, Jane embarks on her most ambitious project yet: Mansfield Park. Here, she boldly tackles themes of slavery, class inequality, and moral corruption. Its heroine, Fanny Price, embodies quiet strength and resilience as she navigates a world of wealth and privilege. The novel reflects Jane’s evolution as a writer willing to challenge conventions and explore profound societal issues. However, its darker tone and complex themes alienates readers, and the lack of any response from the critics leaves Jane disheartened. Despite personal losses, including the death of her supportive sister-in-law Eliza, Jane remains steadfast. She sets herself the task of finding a new heroine, one who will be able to offer razor sharp social satire while still maintaining her audience’s engagement. She will call her Emma.
Genre
Literature

How to cite this record

The Open University, "Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius". https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ou/search/index.php/prog/253370 (Accessed 21 Oct 2025)