It turns out science fiction movies aren’t just science fiction now with the arrival of ChatGPT, an AI language model that can produce content on just about any topic you give it.

The program has been making headlines internationally as its applications are quickly being used to replace human workers, sparking debates about how the program should be regulated. Education around the world has already seen drastic changes with schools banning the use of ChatGPT for written assignments, and the Writers Guild of America has been on strike for over a month, protesting the program being used to replace human writers, among other issues. Even Amazon has seen an increase in children’s e-books written by ChatGPT with over 200 listed as “AI written” between November, when the program launched, and February of this year.

ChatGPT’s sudden emergence should make society reconsider what literacy is and how it functions. Could the program soon be advanced enough to write a book at the same level as Pride and Prejudice? For this issue, we decided to see what kind of article ChatGPT could write. The guidelines were “write a 750-word article for the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation journal, Pride & Possibilities.” The following content was written by the bot in one minute.

Title: Pride and Possibilities: Jane Austen's Legacy of Empowerment and Social Change

Introduction:

Jane Austen, a literary pioneer of the 19th century, left an indelible mark on the world of literature with her timeless novels. While her works are often associated with romance and societal norms, they also subtly explore themes of empowerment, individuality, and the pursuit of happiness. In this article, we delve into the notion of "Pride and Possibilities" within Jane Austen's narratives, examining how her characters' pride in themselves and their ambitions open doors to new possibilities, challenging societal constraints and fostering personal growth.

Pride and Self-Awareness:

Austen's protagonists often exhibit a sense of pride in their own abilities and principles, which contributes to their personal growth and empowerment. Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice is a prime example. Despite her family's social standing, she takes pride in her intelligence, wit, and independent thinking. This self-awareness enables her to navigate societal expectations, challenge conventional norms, and ultimately find true love and happiness. Austen's heroines teach us that acknowledging and embracing our own strengths is the first step towards realizing our full potential.

Pride and Social Mobility:

Austen's novels also explore the theme of social mobility, highlighting the possibilities that arise when individuals rise above their circumstances and strive for personal growth. Fitzwilliam Darcy, the enigmatic hero of Pride and Prejudice, exemplifies this journey. Initially seen as arrogant and aloof, Darcy's pride stems from his privileged upbringing. However, through introspection and personal growth, he learns to set aside his prejudices, leading to a transformation that transcends societal barriers. Austen reminds us that pride in one's heritage should not hinder personal growth or prevent connections with individuals from different backgrounds.

Pride and Female Agency:

Austen's novels offer a glimpse into the limited roles available to women in Regency-era society. However, her female characters challenge these constraints and assert their own agency. Emma Woodhouse in Emma defies societal expectations by remaining unmarried and pursuing her own passions, such as matchmaking and self-improvement. Despite initial missteps, Emma's pride in her abilities fuels personal growth, allowing her to recognize her flaws and find true love. Austen's heroines inspire us to value our own desires and ambitions, reminding us that pride in oneself can lead to the empowerment of women.

Possibilities through Relationships:

Austen's novels present relationships as catalysts for personal growth and positive change. Through the exploration of romantic connections, she emphasizes the transformative power of love and companionship. In Sense and Sensibility, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood's contrasting approaches to love reveal the importance of finding a balance between reason and emotion. By embracing their individuality and pursuing relationships that align with their values, they find happiness and personal fulfillment. Austen demonstrates that pride in one's choices and the possibilities of love can shape a fulfilling life.

Pride and Social Commentary:

Beyond the realm of personal growth, Austen's works offer astute social commentary on the rigidity of class distinctions, gender roles, and societal expectations. Through her characters' pride and determination, Austen critiques the limitations imposed by society and advocates for change. Her novels shed light on the need to challenge societal norms, fostering a more inclusive and egalitarian society. Austen's legacy extends far beyond her time, inspiring readers to question the status quo and strive for a world where possibilities are not limited by social constructs.

Conclusion:

In the Jane Austen Foundation journal, "Pride and Possibilities" aptly encapsulates the essence of Austen's works. Her novels depict characters who embody pride in themselves, their abilities, and their aspirations. Through their journeys, we witness the transformative power of self-awareness, social mobility, female agency, and relationships. Austen's narratives not only entertain but also challenge societal constraints, advocating for personal growth and social change. As we celebrate Austen's enduring legacy, let us embrace the pride within ourselves and explore the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.

Pride and Possibilities conducted this experiment because we wanted to acknowledge the rapid change our world is currently experiencing. We will never use chatbots to simply generate content, but instead thought this could be an opportunity to discuss writing and literacy with our readers since more and more people, especially authors, feel uncertain about ChatGPT.

We want to hear from you. Is there anything in the article that makes it easy to see it is written by AI? How do you think AI language programs will affect writers in the future? Let us know your thoughts on this generated content in the comments below. 

© Sophie Spruce, Editor of Pride and Possibilities

Jane Austen Literacy Foundation Projects

100% of donations is spent on literacy activities and programs. We have recently funded:

• The sixth Anganwadi Centre in Delhi to participate in the Worldreader Read to Kids literacy program

• 10 remote Indigenous children in Australia to participate in the Indigenous Reading Program

• A teacher for a year for Schools for Syria, for Syrian refugee children in Lebanon

The Jane Austen Literacy Foundation works with our literacy partners to make sure our donations are spent directly on improving literacy in developing communities.

Works Cited:

Anonymous, “Jane Austen’s Novels.” Jane Austen’s House, 2023, https://janeaustens.house/novels/. Accessed June 24, 2023.

Clendenin, Jay L., “Writers’ strike: Here are some of the cleverest signs from the WGA picket lines.” Los Angeles Times, 2023, https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-05-03/writers-strike-best-signs-picket-lines-writers-guild-america-wga. Accessed June 24, 2023.