Jane Austen, the celebrated author whose name has become synonymous with timeless literary British works, was born into a family that revered knowledge and the written word. With remarkable talent and insight, Austen delved into the intricate webs of human emotions, exploring themes of love, societal status, and marriage within the context of the 18th-century landed gentry.
Her novels, such as the beloved “Pride and Prejudice,” “Sense and Sensibility,” and “Emma,” not only captivated readers with their compelling narratives. But they also offered a glimpse into the lives of ordinary individuals navigating their way through the complexities of their time.
St. Valentine
Valentine's Day is such a popular day all around the world and is often associated with love and romance. But many don't know that much about the Saint that inspired the annual celebration. The 3rd-century Roman saint of courtly love is well known for the holiday named after him which takes place every February 14th and makes us all make a frantic dash to the supermarket for some last-minute chocolate and flowers.
But the real St. Valentine was a clergyman who cared for persecuted Christians. He was martyred and his remains were buried at a Christian cemetery in the north of Rome, on February 14, which has been observed as the Feast of Saint Valentine, the basis of the modern holiday.
Be My Valentine
There are some romantic aspects to the life of the saint. He performed secret marriage ceremonies after they were banned by Emperor Claudius II. The emperor believed that if he kept young men from marrying and having children, he would have more soldiers for his army. Marriage ceremonies, especially Christian ones were still new, and Valentine was caught, imprisoned, and tortured.
There is a legend that Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and before he died left her a note that was signed ‘from your valentine’. Here we see a statue depicting the saint, sheep at his side, in the Parish church, St. Veit, Austria.
Classical Depiction
In addition to her exploration of love and societal status, Jane's literary prowess also illuminated the precarious reliance women of her time placed on marriage as a means to attain a semblance of security. Her works, characterized by their exquisite prose and astute observations, have transcended the boundaries of time and continue to be revered as enduring literary masterpieces.
They resonate deeply with scholars, critics, and readers across generations, capturing the essence of human experiences with remarkable precision. The Jane Austen Centre in Bath, paying meticulous attention to detail, employed a combination of Jane Austen's brother's portraits, cutting-edge forensic technology, and expertly crafted waxwork.
Joan of Arc
From peasant poverty to being canonized as a Saint by the Roman Catholic church, Joan of Arc is a historical icon. Not to mention the fact that there might not be a woman more revered by the French people than her. Throughout her short life, Joan allegedly heard voices.
She believed that God has given her the responsibility to ensure that Charles VII of France ascended to the throne to save France. After convincing Charles to allow her to do so, Joan led the French army to victory over England in the city of Orléans. Did we mention this was all at the tender age of 17!