The wicked wit of Jane Austen - Iseult Gillespie

English novelist Jane Austen’s beloved works, like “Pride and Prejudice,” explored the dependence of women on marriage in British high society.

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Whether she’s describing bickering families, quiet declarations of love, or juicy gossip, Jane Austen’s writing often feels as though it was written just for you. Her dry wit and cheeky playfulness informs her heroines, whose conversational tone welcomes readers with a conspiratorial wink. Iseult Gillespie explores the sly societal satire and unique tongue-in-cheek humor of Jane Austen.

Lesson by Iseult Gillespie, directed by Compote Collective.

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[saraangel]

The most insulted i have ever been was when someone called me a 15 year old girl because i said my favorite author was Austen. My problem is not with the age, but because they implied that Austen was childish and girls only. Unsurprisingly, they said their favorite author was Bukowski, completely insufferable.

[lotusgal]

What’s most impressive about Jane Austen is she managed to become a published author in a period where misogyny was highly dominant in the world. Kudos for her

[coffeetea]

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen is one of the greatest writers of all time.

[poweroffriendship.]

*Every Disney Villains:* I am the most wicked and wittier than ever.


*Jane Austen:* Hold my tea...

[joycemo]

i'll never forget this thing i read that "austen writes male characters the same way female characters are traditionally written" and that her male characters would fail a reverse Bechdel test, big ooft

[SuicideBunny]

I had to read Emma and Pride and Prejudice for literary courses and thought the romantic love stories weren't gonna be my thing, but it was so much more and better than I expected! Guess I had some pride and prejudices myself ...

[vanmars]

"I would have everybody married if they can do it properly, I don't like have people throw themselves that's my aunt

[b_uppy]

In some ways Jane Austen was tragic in her personal life, parts of what she wanted, she never attained. So close yet so far. Her writings were very good.

[raghavbhatia]

You confound me, Ted-Ed. There's no way of knowing whether the narration is better, or the animation, or the editing, or the sardonic wit, or the golden content, or . . . Well, you get it.
An earnest salute and thanks to all at Ted-Ed for these wonderful videos!


EDIT: Wow, a lot of people want to thank Ted-Ed!

[brandymoore]

Jane Austen is my favorite author. My daughter, Emma, is named after Emma Woodhouse - a lady whose sharp wit, good nature, and intelligence I greatly admired.

Emma wasn’t a common name in 2000 ...something I really enjoyed. Then came Friends, and now it’s the #1 baby name in America.
I swear, if one more person asks if I got Emma’s name from Ross and Rachel, I’ll scream.

[harleyq]

Please do a segment on the Bronte sisters. Charlotte especially.

[sorayaabrahim]

What I love about Jane Austen was other than her deliciously acerbic wit, her astute observation of societal pretences & hypocrisies which made for many a comic moments, I felt she understood deeply the vulnerabilities of a human heart.

[monroerobbins]

Honestly, respect to Jane Austen, her writing is very realistic and funny. :) Social commentary, fantastic writing skills, a beautiful sense of humor we need today, it’s lovely! Seriously, this is the stuff we should read in school, not just as idols for young girls, but a great way to show the next generation how to screw over the romanticized ideals, but also to not be perfect. :) it’s great!

[vermithraxpejorative]

TED-Ed, I'm mad at you. Every time I see one of your fantastic videos about great literature, I in turn add that author to my ever growing list of books and authors that I feel I must read before I die, knowing I will never live long enough to complete the task.

[arushdubey]

Has Ted-Ed ever disappointed? I don't think so. You guys never fail to amaze.

[mahimatulsi]

Ahhh. Jane Austen and her delightful sense of humor 👌🏻

[jasonbailey]

I may need to check my "man card", but I have enjoyed every Jane Austen book I've read and need to read more. Growing up I imagined them as "chick flick"/"rom com" type books. But her books have much more to offer--true insight into relationships and society....and very clever dialog.

[Aesuuki]

I live about 15 minutes away from her house - I've always loved Austen's writing, but having her so close to us makes the books that much more special

[suntzu]

Simply can't resist clicking on a new TED ED video

[ellyrd]

"Her characters act naturally, and often awkwardly"



































Me: *cough* Mr. *cough* Darcy. *cough*