Yesterday's talk in the CNPPA series at the University of Cumbria, was given by Dr Nada Saadaoui. The talk was very engaging and interesting and focussed on the significance of acts of walking in Jane Austen, in particular, and the Romantic period more generally.
Nada's talk examined how pedestrian movement in Austen’s novels—whether through muddy fields, walled gardens, or coastal promenades—functions as both a practical and symbolic act. Central to her work is the question of how walking becomes a site of autonomy, resistance, and emotional expression for Austen’s heroines. Nada’s project situates these moments within broader eighteenth- and nineteenth-century discourses on health, gender, class, and landscape aesthetics, positioning walking as a quietly radical act within Austen’s wider critique of female mobility.
It is interesting that we most often think of male writers when we talk about walking, especially Rousseau, Wordsworth and Coleridge. But what does walking mean when shaped by women? Walking is never merely a physical activity but one that demonstrates how women navigate spaces. Nada explored the many and varied acts of simple walking which occur in Jane Austen's novels. None of them are simply about getting from A to B; all are symbolic of something else.
Often walking is a plot device to move the action along or an assertion of freedom and independence. In Pride and Prejudice Lizzie's walk to Netherfield Park to visit Jane when she has become unwell, shocks Caroline Bingley who comments that Lizzie is "above her ankles in dirt" and alone. Miss Bingley's outrage is in sharp contrast to Darcy's reaction. Though her muddy hem shocks polite society, her devotion to her sister and glowing complexion only serve to further attract Mr. Darcy to her.
The theme of Elizabeth walking runs deep throughout Jane Austen's novel, often symbolising her independent spirit, vitality, and disregard for strict societal conventions.
Walking enables women to engage with their surroundings, creates a place of intimacy; can be used to assert liberty and independence. Marianne Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility is known for her passionate love of the outdoors and her most famous quote about walking is "Is there a felicity in the world superior to this?"
The two Dashwood sisters approach walking differently. Marianne Dashwood loves long walks in all weather. Her walks express her emotional, romantic nature and her desire to experience intense feelings. She often ignores practical concerns. Elinor Dashwood is more cautious and reasonable. Her attitude to walking reflects her self-control and good judgement.
There is such a lot to write about this fascinating subject that I could carry on through all of Austen’s novels, and then onto more Romantic women writer. But, I’ll stop here, and simply say that I really enjoyed this talk and it has given me much to think about.