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Online Course – Feisty Females – Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice

Literature is full of impressive female characters and now you can enjoy four feisty females from your favourite novelists! So join us this autumn/winter for cosy nights in with other literature fans to take a fresh look at Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Shirley from Charlotte Bronte’s Shirley, Margaret from Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South and Esther from George Moore’s Esther Waters.

All four heroines hold fast to their principles and they get what they want by the end of their respective novels. But which one impresses you most? Do any of them sell out? Do they have any weaknesses? And what are their authors saying about the choices that women have in their respective periods?

Join this debate with Sherry Ashworth’s new online course. Each month we’ll focus on one heroine in her novel.

This month’s session will focus on Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

The class will begin with us all reading a key passage together, and then there will be breakout discussion in which everyone gets to express their view. The course is suitable for the general reader who wants to delve deeper into 19th century writing. Knowledge of the novels is desirable but not essential, just a willingness to get stuck in!

Sessions will take place on zoom and numbers are limited to allow an inclusive discussion with the chance for all to take part. Please note these sessions will not be recorded as we do not have permissions from attendees.

Every second Wednesday* of the month September – December 2025, 7-9pm

• Wednesday 10 September – Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice
• Thursday 9 October – Shirley from Charlotte Bronte’s Shirley
• Wednesday 12 November – Margaret Hale from Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South
• Wednesday 10 December – Esther from George Moore’s Esther Waters

*Please note the October session will be on Thursday 9th October.

£13.50 per session

“Learned so much about 19th century novels I was not familiar with. Sherry is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and engages with all the participants. Very inclusive.” Visitor to online events

**Refer to your e-ticket for joining instructions and links. Please check your spam/junk mail for ticket.**

If you have any questions about this event, please see our Frequently Asked Questions.

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is run by Manchester Historic Buildings Trust (charity no. 1080606) and all money gained through private tours, talks, room hire and ticket sales goes towards the ongoing maintenance and running costs of the House. If you would like to support the House with an additional donation you can do so via this link.

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Keeping Elizabeth Gaskell’s House open to the public remains a real financial challenge. Our incredible team needs your help and support to continue the story long into the future. During our anniversary year we are asking our supporters to give £10 to support the House during our anniversary year and to help us raise £10,000. You can make a donation via JustGiving.