Jane Austen and the Comedy of Complaint

Dr. Linda Zionkowski explores the humorous role of complainers in Jane Austen's work. Austen's novels censure characters who are truly insensible to the pains and misfortunes of others, those disturbed by a minor illness, a poorly cooked meal, or a drafty window fall into her group of whiners. This well-populated category of individuals is distinctive to Austen's fiction, but not unique among critiques of high life in her time. James Beresford's best-selling treatise, The Miseries of Human Life (1806), delighted readers by detailing the art of whining in all its varieties. Beresford's focus on complainers offered a model for a wholly original source of comedy—one that Austen incorporated to perfection in her work.

Registration is required: https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/jane-austen-talk-19041

You may also like the following events from Licking County Library:

• This Monday, 24th November, 04:30 pm, Pastel Leaf Art in Newark
• This Saturday, 29th November, 12:00 pm, Puzzle & Board Game Swap in Newark
• Next Monday, 1st December, 10:00 am, Family Photo Op in Newark

Also check out other Comedy events in Newark, Arts events in Newark.