Identifier	Thesis 2575
Author	Alicandro, Erin E. (Erin Elizabeth), 1983-
Title	The Power of Gossip in Jane Austen's Novels
Publisher	Central Connecticut State University
Date of Publication	2016
Resource Type	Master's Thesis
Abstract	The bibliography of Austen continues to grow, but seminal texts of Austen criticism are often based on the Austen biography in an effort to frame Austen the person. In fact, most recent scholars are particularly interested in how Austen frames the eighteenth-century woman; that is, whether Austen is a conservative or a traditionalist. The historical approach is a constructive starting point, but sometimes critics use period history to first draw conclusions about the authoress and then, only secondly, about her writing. One area that is nascent but underdeveloped is the study of gossip in Austen's novels—the study of what is said and its implications. I propose that gossip is a prevalent force in Austen's six completed novels; it defines style, structure, and theme, so it needs further investigation. Gossip, traditionally bound to women as a domestic pastime, can appear insignificant, yet its ability to manipulate and draw upon others' perceptions makes it a subversive tool that works within the limits of eighteenth-century feminine mores and beyond; both male and female characters gossip. According to Patricia Spacks, "Novels insist on the need to pay attention" to even the most trivial details of human interaction or "life's surfaces"—often revealed through gossip—in order for "readers to…reach the profound" (Gossip 20, 19). Despite gossip's pivotal role in the novel, it remains largely overlooked in academia. The study of gossip did not enter the humanities until the twentieth century. Contemporary eighteenth-century scholars have offered a limited examination of gossip in Austen since they focus on Emma. These studies consider gossip an intangible collective that self-policies, but my study demonstrates that gossip satisfies the individual's need to assert him or herself and/or influence others. Furthermore, this study explores the etymology and history of gossip and then examines instances of gossip between and among characters (often through dialogue) in Austen's writing.
Notes	"Submitted in Partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in English."; Thesis advisor: Jaclyn Geller.; M.A.,Central Connecticut State University,,2016.; Includes bibliographical references (leaves 178-183).
Subject	Austen, Jane, 1775-1817. Gossip.
Department	Department of English
Advisor	Geller, Jaclyn
Type	Text
Software	System requirements: PC and World Wide Web browser.
Language	eng
OCLC number	981765942
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The Power of Gossip in Jane Austen's Novels

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