![]() ![]() ![]() Kind of like how modern day readers would like to believe that Bronte was inspired by Austen, with the second 19th century female author that most people can name carrying on the novel-writing mantle left by the first. ![]() In short, Bronte criticized Austen so fiercely because critics kept attempting to put her and Austen into the same category of "lady writers," criticizing her not on the strength of her own work, but based on the idea that she and Austen must be similar and pursue the same narrative goals. But the persistence of this myth is interesting (or troubling, depending on your perspective), because of why Charlotte Bronte appeared to hate Austen so much. And even if she didn't, her letters suggest she didn't read any of Austen's work until after Jane Eyre was published. Of course, it's complete nonsense. Charlotte Bronte hated Austen's books, vocally and repeatedly. ![]() Not only is it often presented as a defence of fanfiction, but the "fact" feels like a wonderful easter egg, bringing a sense of continuity and neatness to the female literary canon. It's easy to see the appeal of the statement. Every once in a while, a post travels around Tumblr, declaring that Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre was inspired by the character of Jane Fairfax in Austen's Emma. ![]()
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