Jane Austen’s conclusions have often perplexed her readers, who at times perceive her novels’ endings as hasty or overly simplistic. However, a closer examination reveals that her final chapters are meticulously crafted, serving as critical touchstones that redefine the entire narrative.Theresa M. Kenney's book Last Impressions offers an in-depth analysis of the literary strategies Austen employs to conclude her novels.
Last Impressions explores recurring techniques such as securing parental consent, the absence of dramatised scenes and the use of rhetorical devices such as Socratic irony and metalepsis, uncovering meaningful patterns that highlight Austen’s artistry. By illuminating the intentionality behind the endings of all six of Austen’s major novels, as well as her epistolary novella Lady Susan, this book provides valuable insights into her narrative architecture.
In a literary landscape that has frequently dismissed Austen’s conclusions, Last Impressions asserts that her final chapters demand critical engagement, challenging readers to reconsider their interpretations and appreciate her enduring complexity.
