Jane Austen and the Buddha : Teachers of Enlightenment.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Duncan, Kathryn.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Austen, Jane, 1775-1817--Criticism and interpretation.

Austen, Jane.

Buddhist philosophy in literature.

Genre:

Literary criticism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (201 pages)

Place of Publication:

Jefferson : McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers, 2021.

Summary:

"Jane Austen wrote six books that were published at the beginning of the nineteenth century, all known for their happy endings. Yet below the courtship novels' sparkling wit and dance scenes flows an undercurrent of suffering. Austen had a deep understanding of the sources and cure for suffering that shares much in common with Buddhism. Though not intentionally writing through the lens of Buddhism, Austen intuitively understood the Buddha's most fundamental teaching of the Four Noble Truths: that life contains suffering, that we can discover the causes of suffering, and that we can stop suffering by following the Eightfold Path described by the Buddha. In this book, Austen fans or those who wish for a deeper understanding of how stories can alleviate suffering will discover a combination of psychology and Buddhism alongside accessible close readings of Austen. This unique approach offers insight into Austen's enduring popularity and lessons we might apply to our own lives to find happiness--just like Austen's heroines"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Why Stories Matter: The Evolution and Narrative of Anxiety

A Buddhist Solution

Pride and Prejudice and Poison

Sense and Sensibility and Love

The Secret to the Happy Ending: Compassion in Jane Austen's Emma

Catherine as Child of Nature in the Consumer Culture of Northanger Abbey

Powerful Not Poor: Fanny Price as Bodhisattva

Persuasion: Why I Didn't Want to Be Anne Elliot and Why I Now Aspire to Be Her.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

Other Format:

Print version: Duncan, Kathryn Jane Austen and the Buddha

ISBN:

9781476644455

OCLC:

1288211747