Jane Austen Society Essay Contest

1. Eligibility

High school students and home-schooled students enrolled at the high school level during the contest year. In addition, there are two other divisions for College/University and Graduate School. 

2. Contest topic

If you have ever attended a formal debate, you know that both sides of a “resolution” are presented, giving everyone an intellectual workout. Here’s yours.

Resolved: That Jane Austen’s novels are still relevant and speak to us after 200 years .

In the first part of the essay you should attack this claim; in the second part defend it. You will be expected to back up each position with quotations and examples from Austen’s works. High school students must cite at least one novel; undergraduate and graduate students will be expected to cite at least two. Citing Austen’s unfinished works is also permitted.

3. Prizes

• First Place: $1,000 scholarship, plus free registration and two nights’ lodging for JASNA’s upcoming Annual General Meeting. (Transportation to the conference is not provided.)
• Second Place: $500 scholarship
• Third Place: $250 scholarship
• Winners will also receive one year of membership in JASNA, publication of their essays on this website, and a set of Norton Critical Editions of Jane Austen’s novels.