Janeite facts for kids
The word Janeite is used to describe someone who really loves the books of Jane Austen. However, sometimes people use it to show they don't approve of how much someone likes her. Claudia Johnson, a writer, says that "Janeitism" means a very strong, almost worship-like love for Jane Austen and everything about her.
Contents
How the Word "Janeite" Started
The idea of being a "Janeite" didn't really begin until after 1870. That's when J. E. Austen-Leigh published a book called A Memoir of Jane Austen. After this book came out, Jane Austen became much more popular.
This sudden popularity worried some important writers and thinkers. They felt they needed to show that their liking for Austen was different from the "masses" (the general public).
Who First Used "Janeite"?
The word Janeite was first used by a literary expert named George Saintsbury. He used it in 1894 in the introduction to a new edition of Austen's famous book, Pride and Prejudice. Another Austen expert, Deidre Lynch, explained that Saintsbury wanted to show off his deep love for Austen. He wanted to wear it like a "badge of honor."
Early Janeites Were Mostly Men
In the early 1900s, being a Janeite was mostly something that men enjoyed. These men were often publishers, university professors, and other literary figures. Even the famous writer Rudyard Kipling wrote a short story called "Janeites." This story was about a group of World War I soldiers who were big fans of Jane Austen's novels.
How the Meaning Changed
In the 1930s and 1940s, Jane Austen's books became part of school lessons. Around this time, the meaning of the word "Janeite" began to change. It started to be used for people who liked Austen in a way that others thought was "wrong."
Today, according to Deidre Lynch, the word is often used to talk about or against other people. It can sometimes suggest that someone's love for Austen is too much or not serious enough.
