Ahead of her time

For my women's studies class, we read a chapter about media and the way women are represented in the media.  Of course, we just watched the film "Miss Representation" in this class, so we are all aware of the way women are portrayed in the media.  Let's just say it's not always the best.  One article that I read was about Jane Austen and how she was ahead of her times.  Her first 6 books became popular in 1811, and again in recents years.  There are many movies and series based on her books.  Her female characters are both feminists and romantics, something we don't see as often in media today.  Her characters were strong and independent, yet also fell in love and desired to be married, although back in those days, poverty was a very real reality if a woman wasn't married.  But still, Austen provides good female characters in literature, back in the day when women were not looked upon favorably.  Way to go jane!!  Thanks for your great Emma's, Elinor's, Elizabeth Bennet's, and Marianne's.  We are so grateful for your work and giving us (women) the opportunity to see that it's ok to be feminist and romantic at the same time.