Jane Austen remains an author whose witty, romantic novels have flourished for centuries. Her works are taught in college English classes around the world and many have been adapted into successful modern day movies. (If you watch "Pride and Prejudice," make sure it’s the BBC six hour version and NOT the Keira Knightly version.) One of the most prominent themes throughout her novels is marriage and how it relates to women at the time. During the early 1800s, the timeline in which Austen wrote and based her novels, marriage defined a woman’s worth. Since women were not typically encouraged or able to pursue careers, if they did not marry, they rid themselves of the opportunity to establish themselves as successful women. Without a husband, society viewed women in a negative light. Marriage determined their social status, wealth, security, and overall value as an individual. Despite this, Jane Austen never married. Instead, she became a successfully published author. Whether or not she was aware of the widespread success and impact her novels would have, she remains a woman who defied social standards and promoted women’s rights through her writing and personal example.

Obviously, society has changed since the early 1800s. However, many issues that Austen touches on still exist today. It makes me wonder, if Jane Austen were to view society now, in the 21st century, what would she think? How would she feel about women’s relationships and rights in modern day?

I can see Jane Austen now, as a bestselling author living in her own glamorous London apartment. I think Jane would be proud of how far women have come. She would be pleasantly shocked to see how successful women are able to be without the assistance of a husband or an inheritance. Austen would see that the possibilities for women are now endless. Women can become doctors, lawyers, or anything they desire if they work hard enough to achieve their goals. She would praise the fact that we may even have a woman president! However, most importantly, she would admire that many women are able to live successful lives without the assurance from a relationship.

Yet sadly, she would also recognize that gender equality still has a long way to go. She would see that women continue to face similar issues within relationships and society as the women described in her novels. Of course, now women do not need a wedding ring to establish themselves in society or to become successful in whatever career path they choose. However, a majority of women still experience discrimination in their workplace and stereotyping in society. Additionally, many women feel as though their worth is defined by whether or not they are in a relationship (Reminder: it’s not). This would disappoint Austen, although I think she would understand and relate to these women.

Although Austen herself never married, I am sure it was not an easy choice, if a choice at all. I wonder the reasoning behind it. Perhaps she only desired to marry for love like her character Lizzy, the witty sister in "Pride and Prejudice," and never found it. Maybe, as a result, she lived vicariously through the novels she wrote. Yet even Lizzy, who promotes independence for women and acts as an advocate for women’s rights at the time, ends up marrying one of the richest and most suitable husbands. What does this mean for Jane Austen? Did she truly believe women could find happiness apart from a relationship?

I think she did. Yet, I am sure she had a desire to get married as well. However, that does not mean she allowed her desire to influence her joy or success in life.

My friends and I often tease that the real reason we attend college is to receive our “Mrs. Degree.” Although we are partially joking, the seriousness behind this issue relates to the same themes that Jane Austen frequently references throughout her novels and may have experienced in her own life. Obviously my friends and I desire to achieve successful careers, however, we also wonder, what if we don't get married? Would that really be the end of the world? No, it wouldn't. However, it is a legitimate fear that many women experience. I'm sure Jane Austen had that fear, too.

Ultimately, now, Jane would realize that despite drastic changes like the invention of airplanes, cell-phones, and the Internet, many aspects of society still remain the same. I believe if she lived in the 21st century, she would continue to promote women's rights through her writing, similar to authors like Lena Dunham, and she would emphasize that women are important and worthy regardless of their relationship status on Facebook.