It’s a Dog’s Life: An Austentatious Suggestion

To celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, Teddy muses over some literary career similarities, as his human interpreter Helen Stockton explains 

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, and, as a literary fur, I reckon we’ve a few things in common.

For starters, Jane Austen’s writing uses humour, and we Border Terriers are naturals at providing some droll entertainment. ‘Her Indoors’ says that you’ve got to have a sense of humour to own a Border Terrier which I’m sure is a compliment if you view it in the right light. The apprentice might live her life to the constant refrain of ‘Bear, what have you got there?’ and ‘No, Bear, NO, drop it!’ but she does make ‘Them Indoors’ smile. 

Additionally, both Jane and I have connections in Hampshire and Sussex. Jane Austen lived in Chawton then moved to Winchester in the latter stages of her life, for medical treatment. I’ve not yet been to Chawton, but I’ve been to Winchester many times as ‘Her Indoors’ parents live nearby. 

This summer, Winchester College, who own the house where Jane Austen died, are temporarily opening it to the public. ‘Them Indoors’ have tickets to look round, but as furs are not allowed, I shall have to view it from the outside only. Apparently, they are erecting a new statue of Jane near to the house, so I’ll be able to visit that and endorse it in the usual doggy fashion! Jane Austen also stayed in Worthing and used it as the setting for her last, unfinished novel, Sanditon. 

I also have a rather strong Sussex coastal affiliation myself as I live just ten minutes’ drive from the sea. In fact, I think if Jane Austen had fur, she might have appeared on my pedigree! 

In terms of her literature, Jane Austen has been criticised for writing that is placed within the world that she knew, and which doesn’t connect with the wider issues of her time. I too favour this approach, although I do venture an opinion on politics and world issues if they impact on me. Every dog knows that they are the centre of the universe so, naturally, anything outside of that immediate sphere can’t possibly be of interest to anyone. Writers are always exhorted to write what they know so I am following in a fine literary tradition. 

So, we shall be joining in the 250th anniversary celebrations and if anyone wants me to emerge out of a lake in a wet shirt, (although that scene does not actually exist within the covers of Pride and Prejudice), I’m happy to oblige, just call me Darcy! 

And if Historic England feels the need to put a blue plaque on our house, like Jane Austen’s, that’s fine too – although hopefully not for a few years yet, and for future reference, my birthday is 10 April. Just saying...!