With special reference to Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, and Mansfield Park, this article examines the concept of family as a major component in Jane Austen's books. The paper examines how Austen portrays the family as a moral and ideological organization that profoundly affects individual conduct, particularly in women, in addition to being a social unit. The article emphasizes Austen's criticism of the patriarchal and class-based systems of Regency England by looking at how families influence marriage possibilities, uphold social class, and impact personal development. Austen's portrayal of family as a place of both support and restraint ultimately shows that moral character and personal integrity can transcend social expectations.  

Jane Austen, family, social class, marriage, women, morality, gender roles, Regency era.

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Austen, J. (1811). Sense and Sensibility. T. Egerton.

Austen, J. (1815). Emma. J. Murray.

Austen, J. (1814). Mansfield Park. T. Egerton.

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