Jane Austen was an English novelist known primarily for her six major novels, which interpret, critique, and comment upon the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Her plots often explore the dependence of women on marriage in the pursuit of favorable social standing and economic security. Works such as 'Pride and Prejudice,' 'Sense and Sensibility,' and 'Emma' are celebrated for their wit, social observation, and use of free indirect speech. Although she published her books anonymously during her lifetime, she gained immense posthumous fame. Today, she is one of the most widely read and beloved authors in history, with her works inspiring countless films and television adaptations.