The Independent Jane For all the love, romance and scandal in
Jane Austen’s books, what they are really about is freedom and
independence. Independence of thought and the freedom to choose.
Elizabeth’s refusal of Mr. Collins offer of marriage showed an
independence seldom seen in heroines of the day. Her refusal of
Mr. Darcy while triggered by anger showed a level of
independence that left him shocked and stunned. The freedom she
exhibited in finally accepting him in direct defiance of Lady
Catherine and knowing her father would disapprove was unusual
even for Austen. In her last book Anne Elliot is persuaded to
refuse Captain Wentworth at Lady Russel’s insistence. Although
Jane played by the rules of the day, all of her writing is
infused with how she wanted life to be. She ‘screams’ her
outrage at the limitations for women in Emma. When accosted by
Mrs. Elton, Jane Fairfax says, “Excuse me, ma’am, but this is by
no means my intention; I make no inquiry myself, and should be
sorry to have any made by my frie