Is Jane Austen a satirist? This week, hundreds flocked to Bath’s Royal Crescent to immerse themselves in the vivid world of Jane Austen’s novels on the 250th anniversary of her birth.
Bonnet bonanza for 250 years of Austen
Austentatious: People of all ages and genders gather together in Bath every year to celebrate the enduring appeal of Jane Austen's books, works of fiction with themes that still resonate with lives today. Comprehension quiz
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What does the word “epistolary” mean when applied to a novel or novella (shorter work of fiction)?
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Which word is the closest synonym for “irreverent”?
A: disrespectful
B: serious
C: traditional
D: critical
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According to the text, why is Jane Austen considered an idealist?
A: She wrote about her strong belief in friendship and love without holding back.
B: She believed that love could conquer all social barriers.
C: She thought that marriage should always be based on affection, not money.
D: She believed in a simpler time without modern-day problems.
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What does the article suggest is the primary reason for the enduring appeal of Jane Austen’s novels?
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According to the article, what is one of the main themes of Pride and Prejudice?
A: The main character’s pride in her social status.
B: The difficulties of being a woman in the 19th century.
C: The relationship between Mr Darcy and Mr Knightley.
D: Elizabeth Bennet’s realisation that her pride has affected her judgment.
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The article mentions several aspects of Austen’s work that contribute to her fame. What are two of these aspects?
A: Her realism and small body of work.
B: Her social critique and her humour.
C: Her use of irony and historical accuracy.
D: Her commentary on gender relations and her popularity in her lifetime.
Answers
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1. That it is written in the form of letters., 2. A, 3. A, 4. The timeless nature of her social satire., 5. D., 6. B.
1. That it is written in the form of letters., 2. A, 3. A, 4. The timeless nature of her social satire., 5. D., 6. B.
Glossary
Netherfield - Netherfield Park is a fictional country estate in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, where a ball is held.
Regency - A situation in which someone takes the place of a monarch who is too young or no longer able to rule.
Epistolary - Involving or made up of letters.
Posthumously - After death. It derives from two Latin words meaning after and ground.
Irreverent - Lacking respect for things which are normally taken seriously.
Satirist - Someone who writes or performs satire — the use of exaggeration and humour to criticise human flaws.
Eponymous - Things that are named after a person or place, etc.
Protagonist - Main character.