There are some questions in life that don’t require an answer, and one of those is which of Jane Austen’s novels is superior. Okay, maybe it requires an answer for some people. But for me, at least objectively, it doesn’t.
That’s not to say I don’t have a favorite Austen novel. What I mean is, I’m not really interested in the debate that analyzes which is truly the best of her works (I am aware most people would say Pride and Prejudice though). To me, each Austen novel is wonderful in its own way. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways I can rank them, and share those rankings right here just because I can.
So, let’s just start with the most expected ranking. My favorite Austen novels from first to last. (Do i even need to add the disclaimer here that they’re all wonderful?)
My Favorite Austen Novels:
Northanger Abbey
Mansfield Park
Persuasion
Pride and Prejudice
Sense and Sensibility
Emma
Northanger Abbey wins for me because of the satire, the wholesome love story, the clever wordplay, and, obviously, Mr. Tilney. It's also ridiculous that Emma is in last place because I recently read it and enjoyed it so much. But it had some tough competition. I guess it ends in last place because I definitely relate to Emma the least out of all of Austen's heroines. Speaking of, that leads us to the next list.
My Favorite Austen Heroines:
Anne Elliot
Lizzie Bennett
Elinor Dashwood
Catherine Morland
Marianne Dashwood
Jane Bennett
Emma
Anne's quiet integrity and emotional depth is what lands her in the top spot for me. She just so happens to be my age too. I don't feel that I relate to Lizzie in too many ways, but we can all admit that she's amazing and one of the best role models Austen ever wrote.
My Favorite Austen Leading Men:
Mr. Knightley
Henry Tilney
Edmund Bertram (I know this is an unpopular choice and I think I have to defend it haha)
Captain Wentworth
Mr. Darcy
Edward Ferrars
Colonel Brandon
This is extremely close and I almost want to tie Mr. Knightley and Mr. Tilney. But Mr. Knightley goes first because he spends his entire novel being kind and considerate towards everyone, and his integrity is unmatched. As for Edmund Bertram, he's not perfect, but his kindness to Fanny redeems him for me. I also think MP gets a bad rap because Edmund and Fanny's principles seem quite outdated to modern readers. But if we consider the Crawford siblings' actions in light of their time, Edmund and Fanny were in the right. Finally, Colonel Brandon is last simply because there's a part of me that will always be slightly bothered by the age difference between him and Marianne, so I don't know what else to say about that (I know there's a big difference between Knightley and Emma too, but they always felt more like equals to me).
My Favorite Austen Adaptations
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Northanger Abbey (2007)
Sense and Sensibility (2008 BBC series)
Emma (2020)
Mansfield Park (1999)
Obviously I'm not a purist when it comes to adaptations. The Joe Wright version of Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite movies. Yes, part of it is the flawless aesthetics and unmatched soundtrack. But I love the way the story is told in that film, even if some liberties were taken. I think the changes made (Lizzie's long, loose hair, for example) fit within the context of the film. And it's just beautiful to watch. Also, I just have to say I hope someone someday will make a version of Mansfield Park that doesn't completely change Fanny's character from what Austen wrote. But the 1999 version is a lovely movie to watch anyway, so that's why it's on here.
Anyway, share all of your Austen opinions with me below and feel free to disagree with my choices. :)
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