Reading Jane Austen

Harriet and Ellen
  • 4.8 (69)
  • BOOKS

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.

  1. S05E08 Persuasion, Chapters 19 to 20

    OCT 7

    S05E08 Persuasion, Chapters 19 to 20

    In this episode, we talk about private communications in public spaces, Wentworth’s possible feelings in the encounter at Mollands and in the Assembly Room, the question of whether Lady Russell was legitimately trying to identify a set of curtains, and Anne’s feelings towards Mr Elliot. The character we discuss is Elizabeth Elliot. In the historical section, Michael talks about the Bath Assembly Rooms, and for popular culture Harriet discusses the 2023 independent film Persuasion. Things we mention: General discussion: Janet Todd and Antje Blank [Editors], The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Persuasion (2006)Historical discussion: Blackadder the Third (1987)YouTube video: Dr Timothy Moore, ‘Change & Challenge: The History of Bath’s Assembly Rooms‘, Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 30 July 2024Assembly Rooms floorplan (Source: http://www.victoriahinshaw.com/victorias-vibes—-a-blog/archives/05-2019)Popular culture discussion: Persuasion (2023, Agatha Films) – starring Skylar Pierce and Dan BrownCreative commons music used: Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. Adagio.Extract from Joseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006. File originally from IMSLP.Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto Grazioso. File originally from Musopen.Extract from George Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. Allegro. File originally from Musopen.Extract from Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major. File originally from Musopen.

    56 min
  2. S05E07 Persuasion, Chapters 16 to 18

    AUG 25

    S05E07 Persuasion, Chapters 16 to 18

    In this episode, we talk about the upward and downward social interactions taking place, what the implications are behind the Dalrymples being Irish aristocracy, the introductions of Mrs Smith and Nurse Rooke, the comedy of Mary’s letter and Admiral Croft’s meeting with Anne, and the fact that in the book’s timeline it is only a month before Napoleon Bonaparte will escape from Elba. The characters we discuss are Admiral and Mrs Croft. In the historical section, Ellen talks about nurses, and for popular culture Harriet discusses the 2020 television movie Modern Persuasion. Things we mention: General discussion: Janet Todd and Antje Blank [Editors], The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Persuasion (2006)Maria Edgeworth, Castle Rackrent (1800)Character discussion: Walter Scott, Waverley (1814)Patrick O’Brien, Master and Commander (1969) and sequels in the Aubrey and Maturin seriesHistorical discussion: Charles Dickens, Martin Chuzzlewit (1844)Elizabeth Fry (19th century English prison reformer, social reformer, philanthropist and Quaker)Wellcome Collection in LondonPopular culture discussion: Modern Persuasion (2020, Tangerine Entertainment) – starring Alicia Witt and Shane McRaeCreative commons music used: Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. Adagio.Extract from Joseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006. File originally from IMSLP.Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto Grazioso. File originally from Musopen.Extract from George Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. Allegro. File originally from Musopen.Extract from Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major. File originally from Musopen.

    1 hr
  3. S05E06 Persuasion, Chapters 13 to 15

    JUN 16

    S05E06 Persuasion, Chapters 13 to 15

    In this episode, we talk about these transitional chapters between the events at Lyme and the move to Bath. We consider the position of the old nurse in the Musgrove household, how Anne is feeling a bit sorry for herself, the delightful scenes with the Crofts and with Charles and Mary, how Mr Elliot is described as ‘underhung’, and the way Anne and Mr Elliot get on well with each other. The characters we discuss are Mr and Mrs Musgrove. In the historical section, Ellen talks about Bath, and for popular culture Harriet discusses the 2019 YouTube series Rational Creatures. Things we mention: General discussion: Janet Todd and Antje Blank [Editors], The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Persuasion (2006)Noel Streatfeild, Gran-Nannie (1976) and Ballet Shoes (1936)Novels of Charlotte M. YongeEvelyn Waugh, Brideshead Revisited (1945)Alexander Pope, ‘The Rape of the Lock‘ (1712)Historical discussion: The Venerable Bede (c.672-735)Nennius (9th century Welsh monk)Google map of locations in Persuasion, zoomed in on BathPopular culture discussion: Rational Creatures (2019, YouTube) – starring Kristina Pupo and Peter GiesslHarriet’s interview with the creators of Rational CreaturesCreative commons music used: Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. Adagio.Extract from Joseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006. File originally from IMSLP.Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto Grazioso. File originally from Musopen.Extract from George Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. Allegro. File originally from Musopen.Extract from Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major. File originally from Musopen.

    1 hr
  4. S05E05 Persuasion, Chapters 11 and 12

    APR 28

    S05E05 Persuasion, Chapters 11 and 12

    In this episode, we talk about Lyme, the connection between Anne and Captain Benwick, whether these chapters make us wonder if Anne will end up with someone other than Captain Wentworth, and Louisa’s fall from the steps. The characters we discuss are Captains Harville and Benwick. In the historical section, Ellen talks about romantic poetry, and for popular culture Harriet discusses the 2022 Netflix film adaptation of Persuasion. Things we mention: General discussion: Janet Todd and Antje Blank [Editors], The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Persuasion (2006)Samuel Johnson, The Rambler (periodical, published 1750-1752)Dr John GregoryHester ChaponeStairs on the CobbThe stairs closest to the shore (used in the 1971 adaptation)The middle set of stairs, known as ‘Granny’s teeth’ (used in the 1995 adaptation)The third set of stairs (used in the 2007 and 2022 adaptations)Google map of the steps on the Cobb For a list of references in the Historical and Popular culture sections, see this episode on our website.

    1 hr
  5. S05E04 Persuasion, Chapters 9 and 10

    MAR 18

    S05E04 Persuasion, Chapters 9 and 10

    In this episode, we talk about how how Jane Austen has solved the problem of the infodump, the realism of the scene with little Walter, how she shows the relations within families, and how events on the walk to Winthrop affect Wentworth’s feelings. The characters we discuss are Louisa and Henrietta Musgrove. In the historical section, Ellen talks about curates, and for popular culture Harriet discusses the 2007 ITV film adaptation of Persuasion. Things we mention: General discussion: Janet Todd and Antje Blank [Editors], The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Persuasion (2006)Maria Edgeworth (reference in the Persuasion footnotes is to A Memoir of Maria Edgeworth with a Selection from her Letters (1867), vold. 2, pp. 5-6.)Character discussion: Irene Collins, Jane Austen and the Clergy (2002)Historical discussion: Anthony Trollope, The Last Chronicle of Barset (1867)Stipendiary Curate Act 1713 Popular culture discussion: Clerkenwell Films, Persuasion (2007) – starring Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry-JonesWatch on YouTubeStairs on the Cobb (photo)Louisa’s fall (this YouTube video shows the same scene from four different adaptations of Persuasion)Creative commons music used: Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. Adagio.Extract from Joseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006. File originally from IMSLP.Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto Grazioso. File originally from Musopen.Extract from George Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. Allegro. File originally from Musopen.Extract from Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major. File originally from Musopen.

    1 hr
  6. S05E03.5 Persuasion, EXTRAS from Chapters 7 and 8

    FEB 17

    S05E03.5 Persuasion, EXTRAS from Chapters 7 and 8

    This is an in-between ‘extras’ episode. Our episodes are normally not more than an hour in length, which means that we usually have to cut a certain amount of material in the editing. But for Episode 3, we had much more material than usual. So we kept the episode down to an hour, but decided to release an ‘extras’ episode, with some of the bits we edited out. It’s a bit disjointed, but we hope you enjoy it. THINGS WE MENTION Character discussion: Sheila Kaye-Smith and G.B. Stern, Talking of Jane Austen (1943) and More Talk of Jane Austen (1950)Historical discussion: The Aubrey & Maturin novels of Patrick O’BrienAdmiral Thomas Cochrane (1775-1860)Popular culture discussion: BBC Film, Persuasion (1995) – starring Amanda Root and Ciarán HindsThe Bounty (1984)CREATIVE COMMONS MUSIC USED Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. Adagio.Extract from Joseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006. File originally from IMSLP.Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto Grazioso. File originally from Musopen.Extract from George Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. Allegro. File originally from Musopen.Extract from Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major. File originally from Musopen.

    26 min
  7. S05E03 Persuasion, Chapters 7 and 8

    FEB 3

    S05E03 Persuasion, Chapters 7 and 8

    In this episode, we talk about how how Jane Austen tells us about the feelings of Anne and Captain Wentworth, and how the narrator captures Anne’s emotions; the building up of the relationship between Charles and Mary, and their reaction to Little Charles’ accident; Mrs Musgrove’s feelings about her son; and Mrs Croft’s travels. The character we discuss is Captain Wentworth. In the historical section, Harriet’s partner Michael talks about the Navy, and for popular culture both Harriet and Michael discuss 1995 BBC film adaptation of Persuasion. Things we mention: General discussion: Janet Todd and Antje Blank [Editors], The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Persuasion (2006)Google map of locations in PersuasionCharacter discussion: First Impressions podcast, ‘Ep 17: Persuading Kristin to Like Persuasion‘, 22 January 2017.Historical discussion: The Aubrey & Maturin novels of Patrick O’BrienThe Hornblower novels of C.S. ForesterAdmiral Thomas Cochrane (1775-1860)Security to Merchant Ships Act 1707 (6 Ann. c. 65), generally known as the Cruisers and Convoys Act 1708Distribution of prize money: see table on our websitePopular culture discussion: BBC Film, Persuasion (1995) – starring Amanda Root and Ciarán HindsWatch on YouTubeStairs on the Cobb (photo)Louisa’s fall (this YouTube video shows the same scene from four different adaptations of Persuasion)The Bounty (1984)Creative commons music used: Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. Adagio.Extract from Joseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006. File originally from IMSLP.Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto Grazioso. File originally from Musopen.Extract from George Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. Allegro. File originally from Musopen.Extract from Christoph Willibald Gluck, Orfeo ed Euridice. File from IMSLP.Extract from

    1 hr
  8. S05E02 Persuasion, Chapters 4 to 6

    12/17/2024

    S05E02 Persuasion, Chapters 4 to 6

    In this episode, we talk about how the backstory of Anne and Wentworth is presented without comedy, and yet is absolutely enjoyable. We then move on to the introduction of Mary, and why she is the way she is, the generational change we see in the Musgrove family, and the very unsympathetic portrayal of Dick Musgrove. The character we discuss is Lady Russell. In the historical section, Ellen talks about social precedence, and for popular culture Harriet has watched the 1972 Spanish television adaptation of Persuasion. Things we mention: General discussion: Janet Todd and Antje Blank [Editors], The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Persuasion (2006)George Eliot, Middlemarch(1872)Maria Edgeworth, The Good French Governess (1801)Charlotte M. Yonge, The Daisy Chain (1856)Ethel Turner, Seven Little Australians(1894)Historical discussion: Anthony Powell, The Acceptance World (1955)The Right Hon. the Countess of *******, Mixing in Society: A Complete Manual of Manners (1870)Debrett’s Tables of PrecedencePopular culture discussion: TVE, Novela: Persuasión (1972) – starring Maite Blasco and Juan DiegoWatch on YouTube: PlaylistCreative commons music used: Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. Adagio.Extract from Joseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006. File originally from IMSLP.Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto Grazioso. File originally from Musopen.Extract from George Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. Allegro. File originally from Musopen.Extract from Christoph Willibald Gluck, Orfeo ed Euridice. File from IMSLP.Extract from Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major. File originally from Musopen.

    1 hr
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Harriet and Ellen
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Reading Jane Austen
  • Show Website
    Reading Jane Austen

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