Jane Austen stands as one of the most celebrated novelists in the English language. Born in 1775, this clergyman's daughter from Steventon crafted stories that continue to captivate readers 250 years later. Her sharp wit, keen social observations, and unforgettable characters have inspired countless adaptations, academic studies, and a devoted global following known affectionately as "Janeites."
Ready to discover how well you know the Queen of Regency Romance? Our Jane Austen quiz features 15 questions covering her life, novels, and lasting legacy. Whether you've read every novel multiple times or simply adore the film adaptations, this Jane Austen trivia challenge will put your knowledge to the test. Grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let's begin—we've included detailed explanations with every answer so you'll learn something new along the way.
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Quiz :
Jane Austen's Life and Legacy
Now that you've tested your knowledge, let's explore the fascinating life behind the beloved novels. Understanding Austen's world enriches the reading of her work, and might help you score even higher next time!
Early Life and Family Background
Jane Austen was born on 16 December 1775 in Steventon, Hampshire, where her father George Austen served as the local rector. She was the seventh of eight children in a lively, close-knit family that valued education and literature.
The Austens frequently staged theatrical performances and read aloud together — an environment that nurtured Jane's storytelling talents from an early age.
Her closest companion throughout life was her elder sister Cassandra. The two shared a bedroom, exchanged countless letters, and remained devoted to one another until Jane's death.
Cassandra later destroyed many of Jane's letters to protect her privacy, though the surviving correspondence offers precious glimpses into the author's daily life, opinions, and sense of humour.
Literary Career and Major Works
Austen's six completed novels explore themes of love, marriage, social class, and moral growth within the world of the British landed gentry. Her writing style combines elegant prose with biting social satire, often delivered through free indirect discourse—a technique that allows readers intimate access to her characters' thoughts.
| Novel | Written | Published | Notable Characters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sense and Sensibility | 1795–1811 | 1811 | Elinor Dashwood, Marianne Dashwood |
| Pride and Prejudice | 1796–1797 | 1813 | Elizabeth Bennet, Mr Darcy |
| Mansfield Park | 1811–1813 | 1814 | Fanny Price, Edmund Bertram |
| Emma | 1814–1815 | 1815 | Emma Woodhouse, Mr Knightley |
| Northanger Abbey | 1798–1799 | 1817 | Catherine Morland |
| Persuasion | 1815–1816 | 1817 | Anne Elliot, Captain Wentworth |
Her novels were published anonymously, credited simply as "By a Lady." Austen earned modest sums from her writing during her lifetime—approximately £630-£684 in total—never knowing the extraordinary fame that awaited her work.
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.
Opening line of Pride and Prejudice
Posthumous Recognition and Adaptations
Jane Austen died on 18 July 1817 in Winchester, from an unidentified illness (various theories include Addison's disease and Hodgkin's lymphoma), at just 41 years old. She was buried in Winchester Cathedral. Northanger Abbey and Persuasion were published posthumously later that year, with a biographical note by her brother Henry that finally revealed her identity to the public.
Her reputation grew steadily throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, and today she enjoys near-universal acclaim. Her novels have never been out of print.
Jane Austen appears on the Bank of England £10 note, introduced in 2017 to mark the 200th anniversary of her death. The note features a quote from Pride and Prejudice and an illustration of her writing desk.
Modern adaptations have introduced Austen to new generations. The 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice (starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle) sparked a major revival of interest. Perhaps most creatively, the 1995 film Clueless reimagined Emma in a Beverly Hills high school setting, proving that Austen's insights into human nature translate perfectly to contemporary life.
Continue Your Austen Journey
Want to dive deeper into Jane Austen's world? Whether you're looking for a comprehensive biography or an accessible introduction for a younger reader, these recommendations will help you continue your journey with the beloved author.
Biographies:
- Jane Austen: A Life by Claire Tomalin — widely considered the definitive biography, beautifully written and thoroughly researched
- Becoming Jane Austen by Jon Spence — focuses on Austen's early life and possible romantic influences
For Younger Readers:
- Who Was Jane Austen? by Sarah Fabiny — an accessible introduction for children and teenagers
Which Jane Austen novel is your favourite?
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