Many female novelists writing during the Regency era (and beyond) focused on money. Gaping inequality was a huge issue. So, like many, Austen was a pragmatist. Her heroines wanted financial security, but mostly... they wanted companionship. Love, yes. But specifically, companionship. At a time of tremendous socioeconomic inequality - for the lower orders and for women - it was the clear desire of many heroines and their novelists to not only be provided for but to use the influence they'd find through marriage to improve the home (and, by extension, society), both morally and materially. They became able to do this through achieving mutual respect and intellectual companionship with their husbands, which is what they most desired. And THIS is what Austen's novels are about.
After two years of unimaginable loss and suffering for Israeli families and the people of Gaza, we should all be encouraged and relieved that an end to the conflict is within sight; that those hostages still being held will be reunited with their families; and that vital aid can start reaching those inside Gaza whose lives have been shattered. More than that, though, it now falls on Israelis and Palestinians, with the support of the U.S. and the entire world community, to begin the hard task of rebuilding Gaza – and to commit to a process that, by recognizing the common humanity and basic rights of both peoples, can achieve a lasting peace.
Taylor Swift tells Jimmy Fallon why she hasn’t done the Super Bowl halftime show yet:
“We’re always able to tell [Jay-Z] the truth, which is that like, I am in love with a guy who does that sport on that actual field. Like, that is violent chess. That is gladiators without swords, that is dangerous. The whole season I am locked in on what that man is doing on the field. Can you imagine if like he’s out there every single week like putting his life on the line, doing this very dangerous, very high pressure, high intensity sport and I’m like, ‘I wonder what my choreo should be.’ […] And this is nothing to do with Travis, he would love for me to do it. I’m just too locked in.”