45 episodes
Reading Jane Austen Harriet and Ellen
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4.8 • 56 Ratings
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Ellen and Harriet are a mother and daughter who have been talking about Jane Austen together since Harriet was first old enough to read her. In this podcast, we will be doing a close reading of the books.In each episode, we will look at a few chapters. As well as talking about anything that strikes us in the chapters, we will also pick a favourite sentence, have a discussion about one of the characters, and then Ellen will give a social historian perspective about some element of the nineteenth century that seems pertinent, and Harriet will talk about the chapters in pop culture adaptations of the book.
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S04E11 Emma, Chapters 51 to 55
In this episode, we finish up Emma with chapters 51 to 55. We talk about the decision for Mr Knightley to move to Hartfield, the resolution of Harriet’s story, and the final scenes between Mr and Mrs Elton. We also reflect on the insights we have gained through this close reading of Emma, and how it has changed our views of the novel.The character we discuss is Jane Fairfax. In the historical section, Ellen briefly revisits her earlier comments about vicars, and then talks about magistrates. ...
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S04E10 Emma, Chapters 46 to 50
In this episode, we are joined by Harriet’s partner, Michael, and read chapters 46 to 50 of Emma. We talk about Emma’s emotional roller coaster, reactions to the Frank-Jane revelation, the proposal scene and Emma’s commitment to her father.The character we discuss is Frank Churchill, and then Michael talks about the changing lifestyle of Regency gentleman. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about three books that are modernised versions of Emma.Things we mention:Character discussio...
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S04E09 Emma, Chapters 42 to 45
In this episode, we read chapters 42 to 45 of Emma. We talk about the dropping of clues about Jane and Frank, Donwell Abbey and Mr Knightley’s arrangements for the strawberry picking, how nobody is enjoying themselves at Box Hill, and the pressures on Jane.The character we discuss is Emma, and in the historical section Ellen talks about watering places. In the popular culture section, Harriet reflects back on the screen adaptations of Emma, considering her favourite moments from each version,...
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S04E08 Emma, Chapters 37 to 41
In this episode, we read chapters 37 to 41 of Emma. We talk about the parallel narratives, the ball at the Crown, Emma’s awareness of Mr Knightley, the section from Mr Knightley’s point of view and the tension between Jane and Frank.The character we discuss is Mr Knightley, and in the historical section Ellen talks about poverty and the labouring classes. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about the 2017 YouTube series The Emma Agenda.Things we mention:General and character discuss...
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S04E07 Emma, Chapters 32 to 36
In this episode, we read chapters 32 to 36 of Emma. We talk about the civil society of Highbury, why Jane puts up with Mrs Elton, and Emma’s dinner party.The character we discuss is Mrs Elton, and Ellen talks about governesses. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about the 2013 YouTube series Emma Approved .Things we mention:Character discussion:Diana Birchall, In Defense of Mrs Elton (1999) John Mullan [Editor], The Oxford World’s Classics Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: ...
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S04E06 Emma, Chapters 27 to 31
In this episode, we read chapters 27 to 31 of Emma. We talk about the entwined group of people who visit one another, how so many scenes read differently the second time through, Miss Bates’s monologues, Jane and the piano, reactions to the plan of having a ball, and Emma encouraging Harriet to stop thinking about Mr Elton. The character we discuss is Harriet Smith, and Ellen talks about illegitimacy. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about the 1995 modernisation Clueless.Als...
Customer Reviews
Wonderful mother daughter discussions!!
Finding new ways of looking at Jane Austen’s work from their close readng!!
My favorite podcast
This is the podcast where I make coffe, get comfortable, and listen carefully to every word. The care and intelligence with which Ellen and Harriet examine the canon is exquisite, from explanations of what was happening in the historical period to examinations of specific sentences for clues and plot points. The breadth of their knowledge and understand is absolutely wonderful; I cannot express adequately how grateful I am to the work they put in to share their appreciation of the novels and of Austen’s skill and cleverness with us.
Just what I’ve been looking for
As someone who has just started reading Jane Austen in my 30s, I’m having a bit of a deep dive and am in want of people to talk to about it all. With this podcast I feel I am getting the commentary, historical context and analysis of adaptations that I’ve been craving. Thank you for the smart and engaging content!