Podcast Summary: The History of Literature | Episode 706: Living with Jane Austen (with Janet Todd) | A Listener Changes His Life | Bored Parents
Release Date: June 2, 2025
Host: Jacke Wilson
Guest: Janet Todd, Professor Emerita at the University of Aberdeen and Author of "Living with Jane Austen"
1. Introduction and Listener Story
Jack Wilson opens the episode by highlighting the timeless relevance of Jane Austen's novels, emphasizing how her keen observations of human nature continue to resonate with readers across generations.
At [01:25], Jack introduces the episode's special guest, Janet Todd, and delves into an inspiring listener story from Nate, a long-time fan of the podcast.
Nate's Story:
- Initial Struggles: Nate shares his journey, starting as an enthusiastic Dostoevsky fan from a small town. At 19, he reached out to the podcast and later entered a PhD program in Comparative Literature.
- Academic Challenges: By 25, Nate found academia draining his love for reading, leading to a hiatus where he hadn't read voluntarily in months.
- Rediscovery: Returning to the podcast revitalized his passion for literature, prompting him to leave his PhD program to pursue writing, music, and adventurous endeavors like commercial fishing in Alaska.
Notable Quote:
"I haven’t read a book or a poem voluntarily in months. [...] Then after stopping for a couple years, I returned to your podcast and you have given me my strength back."
— Nate [01:04-02:10]
Jack's Response: Jack empathizes with Nate's experience, sharing his own proximity to academic pressures through his sister Emma's PhD journey. He acknowledges the difficulty of maintaining passion in academia and offers cautious advice about the dangers of fishing, recounting a cautionary tale about mishandling equipment leading to broken headlights.
Notable Quote:
"You have to confess and take your medicine. But that's a much tougher conversation to have to say."
— Jack Wilson [05:59-06:22]
2. Discussion on Parents and Reading to Children
Transitioning from Nate's story, Jack presents concerning findings from a Nielsen and HarperCollins survey, as reported by The Guardian, indicating that less than half of parents enjoy reading to their children. The survey highlights a decline in parent-child reading sessions since 2012, attributing it to the rise of digital distractions and the perception of reading as a mere literacy skill rather than a joyous activity.
Notable Quote:
"Less than half of parents find it fun to read aloud to their children."
— Jack Wilson [06:22-07:45]
Janet Todd's Insights: Janet reflects on her own parenting experiences, emphasizing the importance of personal connection over structured activities. She recounts reading to her own children from the womb and observing their early fascination with books, underscoring the lasting impact of shared literary experiences.
Notable Quote:
"Kids have their own minds and their own personalities and their own needs. [...] Spend that time. It goes so fast, but there's so much richness in there."
— Janet Todd [10:00-12:05]
Janet advocates for integrating reading into daily life in flexible ways—whether through audiobooks during car rides or finding moments to share stories that captivate children’s imaginations. She underscores the reciprocal benefits of this practice, highlighting how it fosters growth and mutual appreciation between parent and child.
3. Interview with Janet Todd: Exploring "Living with Jane Austen"
At [20:37], Jack reintroduces Janet Todd, who discusses her latest book, "Living with Jane Austen", celebrating Jane Austen's 250th birthday. Janet provides an overview of her academic background and her extensive work on female authors, setting the stage for an in-depth conversation about Austen's enduring legacy.
a. The Intimacy of Jane Austen's Writing
Janet Todd explores the profound connection readers feel with Austen’s characters and narrative voice. She identifies two key elements:
- Extraordinary Heroines: Characters like Elizabeth Bennet invite readers to see themselves in their struggles and triumphs.
- Ironical and Clever Narration: Austen's narrative voice engages readers intellectually, making them feel a part of the story.
Notable Quote:
"When we read them and we think we get them, we feel bright. We feel, you know, we feel we're on a level. And I think she's flattered us in some ways, intellectually."
— Nate [21:12-22:32]
b. Psychological Observations and Timeless Human Nature
Janet discusses how Austen's keen psychological insights transcend her era, allowing readers to relate her characters' motivations and flaws to contemporary experiences. She emphasizes Austen's ability to critique human nature lightly and humorously, making her work consistently relevant.
Notable Quote:
"She writes comedies of human folly. And I think she's very good at letting us see the folly in other people and in ourselves, but in a very light and amusing sort of way."
— Nate [24:20-25:44]
c. Jane Austen vs. Mary Wollstonecraft
A significant portion of the discussion contrasts Austen with Mary Wollstonecraft, a pioneering feminist writer. Janet argues that while both women critically examine societal norms, Austen's approach is more nuanced and cautiously progressive.
- Austen's Caution: Reflecting a post-war society, Austen emphasizes prudence and societal stability.
- Wollstonecraft's Radicalism: Advocating for sweeping political and social reforms, Wollstonecraft embodies a more confrontational stance.
Notable Quote:
"Jane Austen is just willing to not try to create an idyllic life or idyllic world, but trying to deal with the world as it exists."
— Janet Todd [65:07-65:43]
d. Austen's Personal Life and Its Influence on Her Work
Janet delves into Austen's personal relationships, particularly her close bond with her sister Cassandra. She highlights how Austen's unmarried status and rich familial interactions influenced her portrayal of relationships and societal structures in her novels.
Notable Quote:
"I think she saw that marriage would not work with her writing. I think it is a choice. And I think she does suggest to us that there is happiness."
— Nate [44:28-48:20]
e. Themes of Memory and Emotion
Janet examines recurring themes in her book, such as memory control and the balance between mind and body. She draws parallels between Austen’s characters and contemporary societal pressures on self-expression and emotional regulation.
Notable Quote:
"Jane Austen has come after such a period and has moved a little away from it, perhaps, and she shows it."
— Nate [57:00-58:20]
4. Reflections on Austen’s Legacy and Modern Relevance
The conversation shifts to how modern readers and scholars interpret Austen’s work, particularly in the context of feminism and societal expectations. Janet contemplates how Austen might view contemporary self-help movements and the emphasis on self-expression.
Notable Quote:
"She didn't speak to me and I wish very much that she had because I think I would have made some life choices that were really more sensible."
— Nate [31:38-33:48]
Janet asserts that Austen’s works offer valuable lessons through both positive and negative character portrayals, encouraging readers to introspect and recognize their own flaws and strengths.
Notable Quote:
"It's a very real possibility that she won't find that happiness."
— Janet Todd [37:19-37:26]
5. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the interview concludes, Janet shares her hopes for readers engaging with her book and Austen's novels. She emphasizes the deep intellectual and emotional connections that literature fosters, advocating for a balanced appreciation of classic works as tools for personal growth and understanding.
Notable Quote:
"I hope they will take away my huge enthusiasm for Jane Austen."
— Nate [67:31-68:13]
Jack wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude to Janet and Nate, previewing upcoming topics, and reaffirming his passion for exploring diverse literary landscapes with his audience.
6. Episode Highlights
- Listener Transformation: Nate's journey from academic burnout to rediscovering his love for literature through the podcast.
- Parenting and Literature: The critical role of reading aloud in child development and the challenges posed by digital distractions.
- In-Depth Literary Analysis: Janet Todd’s exploration of Jane Austen's narrative techniques, character development, and enduring relevance.
- Historical Context: Comparing Austen's cautious societal observations with Wollstonecraft's radical feminist ideas.
- Personal Reflections: Insights into Austen's personal life and its profound influence on her literary creations.
7. Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
"I haven’t read a book or a poem voluntarily in months. [...] Then after stopping for a couple years, I returned to your podcast and you have given me my strength back."
— Nate [01:04-02:10] -
"You have to confess and take your medicine. But that's a much tougher conversation to have to say."
— Jack Wilson [05:59-06:22] -
"Kids have their own minds and their own personalities and their own needs. [...] Spend that time. It goes so fast, but there's so much richness in there."
— Janet Todd [10:00-12:05] -
"When we read them and we think we get them, we feel bright. We feel, you know, we feel we're on a level. And I think she's flattered us in some ways, intellectually."
— Nate [21:12-22:32] -
"She writes comedies of human folly. And I think she's very good at letting us see the folly in other people and in ourselves, but in a very light and amusing sort of way."
— Nate [24:20-25:44] -
"Jane Austen is just willing to not try to create an idyllic life or idyllic world, but trying to deal with the world as it exists."
— Janet Todd [65:07-65:43] -
"I think she saw that marriage would not work with her writing. I think it is a choice. And I think she does suggest to us that there is happiness."
— Nate [44:28-48:20] -
"Jane Austen has come after such a period and has moved a little away from it, perhaps, and she shows it."
— Nate [57:00-58:20] -
"It's a very real possibility that she won't find that happiness."
— Janet Todd [37:19-37:26] -
"I hope they will take away my huge enthusiasm for Jane Austen."
— Nate [67:31-68:13]
8. Resources and Further Reading
- Janet Todd’s Book: Living with Jane Austen – Available in bookstores and online retailers.
- Podcast Website: historyofliterature.com
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Final Note: This episode masterfully intertwines personal listener experiences with scholarly insights, offering a rich exploration of Jane Austen’s literary genius and her profound impact on both individual lives and broader societal norms.