“Realistic” novel
What becomes clear is that word choice and character development, setting,
and codes of social conduct, all coalesce in the “Realistic” novel, which is itself a
product of its historical period, social conditions, and the expectations and desires
of a “reading public” who consume these literary products. If George Eliot is
correct in her observations that “Merit and nobility of nature must exist” and that
the Realistic novel concerns itself with “philosophic reflections,” and the class
handout is accurate in that the Realistic novel confronts “privileged society” with
“deep moral and intellectual problems,” then it becomes clear that morality is
central to an understand of a Realistic novel, such as Jane Austen’s Lady Susan.
So, can we, as readers, observe the behaviors and thoughts of an amoral or
sociopathic character, such as Lady Susan Vernon, and see her as an engaging and
attractive person? In short, can we see this mercenary, manipulative individual as
a hero? Can we find a vulnerability in her expression of thoughts and feelings
which provide us with insight into her character and appreciate why she behaves
the way she does? What particular statements, key words, or phrases help us to see
“the other side” of Austen’s character?
