Novelist. Her novels (Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, etc) may be enjoyed simply for the magic of the language, the resourceful plotting, the wit and gently satirical style. But they also illustrate the social values of the traditional, non-commercial, middle and upper class English life of her time, especially the challenges and restricted choices confronting young women. In her own life, she resisted intense pressure to marry, which would have permanently ended her career, and even broke off a short engagement. By choosing the greater but still very restricted independence of remaining unmarried, she gave up social position and any chance to improve her pinched finances, but was able to have her career and keep writing until her untimely death.