Jane austen was born in 1775, the seventh of eight children born to a clergyman in steventon, a country village in hampshire, england. she was very close to her older sister, cassandra, who remained her faithful editor and critic throughout her life. the girls had five years of formal schooling, then studied with their father. jane began writing stories as young as age 12, completing an early novella at age 14. jane concealed her writing from most of her acquaintances, slipping her writing paper under a blotter when someone entered the room. though she avoided society, she was charming, intelligent, and funny. she rejected at least one proposal of marriage. she published several more novels before her death, including pride and prejudice, mansfield park, and emma. she died at age 42, of what today is thought to be addison’s disease.

a

vapid praise

b

servile commendation

c

cautious adulation

d

unqualified admiration