Austen Quote by Arnold Bennett
““Jane Austen? I feel that I am approaching dangerous ground. The reputation of Jane Austen is surrounded by cohorts of defenders who are ready to do murder for their sacred cause.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Reputation of Jane Austen, 1910
Jane Austen’s legacy is fiercely defended, sometimes to an extreme, creating a contentious literary battleground.
In simple terms: Literary fame can spark intense loyalty.
Key Takeaway
Respect diverse perspectives.
Themes
literature
fan culture
critique
Mood
thoughtful
skeptical
Type
critical
analytical
When to use this quote
- book clubs
- academic debates
- online forums
- teaching literature
Key Concepts
authorial legacy
cultural canon
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we cling to literary icons?
- How can critique be constructive?
A Different Perspective
Defensive fandom may stifle open discussion.
![“[On Jane Austen:] To believe her limited in range because she was harmonious in method is as sensible as to imagine that when the Atlantic Ocean is as smooth as a mill-pond it shrinks to the size of a mill-pond.” quote by Rebecca West](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8d4/rebecca-west-1248_atlantic-ocean_on-jane-austen-to-believe-her-limited-in_215037.jpg)
![“[Jane] Austen was not a novelist for nothing: she knew that our stories are what make us human, and that listening to someone else's stories -- entering into their feelings, validating their experiences -- is the highest way of acknowledging their humanity, the sweetest form of usefulness.” quote by William Deresiewicz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2bb/william-deresiewicz-15471_austen_jane-austen-was-not-a-novelist-for-nothi_62623.jpg)
