The Moral Imagination of Jane Austen

Course Description

The conservative intellectual tradition in the English-speaking world contains not only great works of political thought but also significant cultural and imaginative contributions. As Russell Kirk taught, conservatives hold that the “moral imagination” is a power of ethical perception that discerns and aspires toward right order in the soul and in society. Such an imagination is nurtured through poetry, art, religion, and the great tradition of humane letters.­

Therefore, this seminar explores Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park as a brilliant expression of the moral imagination. Written in the middle of Austen’s career, Mansfield Park is a rather strange novel: experimental, counterintuitive, and intentionally provocative of strong reactions. Indeed, its heroine has likely provoked more vitriol and impassioned defense than any other literary character, and Austen’s narrative choices in this novel have surprised and perplexed readers since its publication. This novel, as students will see, puts forward a complex moral vision that cannot be reduced to a stark ideological reading.

In this course, students will consider the perennial task of recognizing and reconciling the claims of permanence and change, and discuss many other themes such as manners, virtue, marriage, and morality. Finally, students will see how Mansfield Park is a novel in which Austen discovers and develops narrative techniques of subtle but remarkable power. Through close reading and the give-and-take of conversation, this course will investigate the effect of Austen’s stylistic decisions upon the reader’s imagination.

Open to students, teachers, young professionals, and lifelong learners, this online class is an initiative of the new School of Conservative Studies at the Russell Kirk Center. Enrollment is limited to no more than 15 participants to ensure a high-quality learning experience.

Applications are due by October 30, 2025. Please send a letter of interest and resume to Darrell Falconburg, our Academic Program Officer, at dfalconburg@kirkcenter.org.

Dr. Leta Sundet is an Assistant Professor of English at Hillsdale College. She earned her B.A. in Liberal Arts from New Saint Andrews College in 2012, followed by an M.A. in Theology and Letters in 2013. She went on to receive a second M.A. in English Literature (2015) and a Ph.D. in English Literature (2022) from the University of Dallas. Dedicated to both scholarship and teaching, Dr. Sundet is a popular teacher in person and online. She is known for her engaging, thoughtful instruction and her ability to guide students into a deeper appreciation of imaginative literature.