Podcasts

Jane Austen’s novels challenge societal expectations

Blaire Williamson and Catherine Ononye • March 31, 2026

In this episode of King Street Conversations, we explored how Ms. Jane Austen’s novels broke societal norms and fostered independence for women. By crafting intelligent, independent heroine characters, Ms. Austen subtly challenged patriarchal structures. We sat down with Mrs. Sarah Martin, Upper School English Teacher and English Department Chair, who teaches Pride and Prejudice in her tenth grade English Literature Honors class. Mrs. Martin touched upon how Ms. Austen used irony, wit, and a realistic approach to her characters, as well as how Ms. Austen’s works remain relevant today due to these elements. We also met with Caeley Clough ’27, an avid reader of Ms. Austen, and talked about how the 2005 Pride & Prejudice film adaptation emphasizes the high stakes of women’s lives in the nineteenth century, particularly regarding marriage, while also highlighting the independence of Elizabeth Bennet and other free-spirited female characters.

Featured Image by Blaire Williamson ’27

About the Contributors

Blaire Williamson, Opinions Editor

Blaire is thrilled to return to the King Street Chronicle staff this year as opinions editor. During her third year at Sacred Heart Greenwich, Blaire is excited to implement the journalism skills she learned working on the newspaper last year and use them to curate a collaborative environment to guide and inspire this year’s new staff writers. When not writing or editing for the KSC, Blaire serves as a peer writing tutor for underclassmen, a co-head for the Book Buddies and Pink & Gold clubs, and is an avid reader.

Catherine Ononye, Co-Arts & Entertainment Editor

Catherine is thrilled to be returning for her second year at the King Street Chronicle as the co-arts & entertainment editor this year. She looks forward to developing her writing skills, and working alongside her fellow editors and staff writers to create captivating and interesting articles throughout the year. Outside of journalism, Catherine is the arts and entertainment editor for Perspectives. She also enjoys playing volleyball, tennis, and baking.