The new £10 note featuring novelist, Jane Austen, was officially unveiled yesterday on the 200th anniversary of her death at Winchester Cathedral, where the English novelist was laid to rest in 1817.
Jane Austen will be the only female – other than of course, the Queen, to feature on banknote after the old £5 notes (featuring Elizabeth Fry)* *have all been withdrawn. More than 35,000 people had signed a petition requesting that the new £10 note to have a female face. Is this a step closer to gender equality? Or am I pushing it? Jane is also, the first female writer to feature. Male novelists such as William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens have featured, but never a female writer.
However, since the release of the new £10 note it has caused a complete storm. Controversy sparking for two reasons – for the chosen photo and quote. And, I agree with the response. Why? Well, the chosen quotation is:
‘I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading!’
This could have been a perfect quote. But unfortunately, this quote was said by one of Jane’s most deceitful characters, *Caroline Bingley *in *Pride and Prejudice (1813), *who actually didn’t care about books. Character Caroline Bingley says this when seeking approval from Fitzwilliam Darcy. Jane's novels are well known for exporing women's dependence. So why choose a quote that does't represent her beliefs?
Supporters of Jane are furious and took twitter by storm:
Furthermore, campaigners are complaining that Jane is ‘airbrushed.’ The original photograph is said to show Jane with rosy cheeks and relaxed expression. The portrait was commissioned in 1870 by her nephews based on a drawing by Jane’s sister, Cassandra. However, fans believe that she has been made to look “prettier.” This raises the obvious question: Has this ever been done to a male? Probably not.
Mark Carney is yet to comment on controversy regarding the chosen portrait. Liked this? You may also be interested in:
Jane Austen Has Had An Unwelcome Makeover On The New £10 Note
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.