By Linda Darden
JASNA- NC was invited to participate in a Jane Austen Talk and Tea at the Paddison Memorial Branch Library in Kernersville, NC on February 16, 2023. A panel discussion moderated by Stephanie Marson from the library included Charlie Lovett, playwright and author of the novel First Impressions. Linda Darden, long-standing member of JASNA and the North Carolina region, represented JASNA-NC on the panel.
Several challenging questions created an enjoyable discussion on Jane Austen’s perspective as
an author, particularly as to whether she might be described as progressive or even feminist for her time. Examples from her novels demonstrated characters behaving outside the bounds of expected behavior of young women of the era, deploying spirit, reason, and independence of mind to remain true to their personal goals. The panel also discussed the particular effectiveness of free-indirect discourse in Austen’s novels to better understand the thoughts and feelings of her heroines.
Mr. Lovett shared his experiences with character development for his novels, including his approach to reading Austen’s works to craft her character and voice in First Impressions. Spending time in Steventon helped Lovett to provide additional perspective on her life, while also renewing his admiration for Austen’s ability to create fascinating characters despite having a limited social circle at times.
Ms. Darden highlighted opinions other authors have shared on Austen’s skill, including presentations from JASNA’s Annual General Meetings (AGMs) over the years. The discussion and tea were enjoyed by 25 attendees, including several in lovely Regency-era attire, and the group discussed the ongoing appeal of Austen’s works to many generations and cultures. Issues such as class distinctions, financial challenges, and interpersonal relationships make Austen’s works relevant to issues of today, and the humanist approach of her writing results in characters we feel we know. The library curated a display of Austen and Regency-related books for attendees to consider, and the selection of teas and snacks were enjoyed by all.