Lucy Worsley on The Death of Jane Austen: The trailblazer

The transcript discusses a talented woman who faced psychological challenges despite material stability. Her decision to reject a marriage proposal after selling her first novel marked a significant moment in history, inspiring future female authors. She was a trailblazer in publishing, influencing the acceptance of female manuscripts. Her connections with other writers, like Frances Burney, highlight her early support for female authors.

What was the main psychological challenge faced by the young woman discussed in the first section?

• Family disapproval

• Inability to find a publisher

• Societal expectations and norms

• Lack of financial support

What significant decision did the woman make that influenced her career as a writer?

• She rejected a marriage proposal

• She moved to a different country

• She accepted a marriage proposal

• She changed her writing style

How did the woman's decision to become a professional writer impact other female authors?

• It led to a decline in female readership

• It set a precedent for female authorship

• It caused a backlash against female writers

• It discouraged them from writing

Which of the following authors was influenced by the woman's trailblazing efforts?

• J.K. Rowling

• George Eliot

• William Shakespeare

• Charles Dickens

What was the significance of the woman's support for Frances Burney?

• It was her first public appearance

• It marked her first appearance in print

• It was her first published novel

• It was her first financial investment