Jane Austen

Jane Austen, an English novelist known for her keen social commentary and masterful use of irony, remains one of the most widely read and beloved writers in English literature. Here are some Jane Austen fun facts:
Jane Austen
1

Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775, in Steventon, Hampshire, England.

2

She published six major novels: 'Sense and Sensibility,' 'Pride and Prejudice,' 'Mansfield Park,' 'Emma,' 'Northanger Abbey,' and 'Persuasion.'

3

Austen's novels primarily explore the lives of women in the early 19th century and focus on themes of love, marriage, and social class.

4

She wrote under the pseudonym 'A Lady' to maintain her anonymity.

5

Austen began writing as a teenager, and her family provided her with support and encouragement.

6

Her novels were published in a very specific order: 'Sense and Sensibility' (1811), 'Pride and Prejudice' (1813), 'Mansfield Park' (1814), 'Emma' (1815), 'Northanger Abbey' and 'Persuasion' (both published posthumously in 1817).

7

'Pride and Prejudice' is often regarded as her most famous and beloved work.

8

Austen never married, though she did receive and reject a marriage proposal from Harris Bigg-Wither in 1802.

9

Her works were not widely recognized during her lifetime, but they have since become literary classics.

10

Austen's novels have been adapted into numerous films, television series, and stage productions.

11

She had a close relationship with her sister, Cassandra, who remained her confidante throughout her life.

12

Austen's writing is known for its biting irony, wit, and realism.

13

Her unfinished novels, 'Sanditon' and 'The Watsons,' provide insight into her evolving literary style and themes.

14

Austen's health declined in 1816, and she died on July 18, 1817, at the age of 41, likely from Addison's disease.

15

She is buried in Winchester Cathedral, and her legacy continues to influence and inspire writers and readers around the world.

George Washington

George Washington, the first President of the United States from 1789 to 1797, is known as the 'Father of His Country.' He led American forces to victory during the Revolutionary War and presided over the Constitutional Convention. Here are some George Washington fun facts:
George Washington
1

Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia.

2

He served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.

3

Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

4

He was unanimously elected as the first President of the United States.

5

Washington refused to serve more than two terms as president.

6

His leadership set many precedents for the national government and the presidency.

7

Washington is the only president to have been unanimously elected by the Electoral College.

8

He is often depicted as a paragon of civic virtue and leadership.

9

Washington's farewell address warned against political parties and foreign alliances.

10

He owned a large plantation at Mount Vernon in Virginia.

11

Washington was a Freemason and held in high regard within the fraternity.

12

He declined a salary for his military service but accepted expenses.

13

Washington's image is on the one-dollar bill and the quarter coin.

14

He is celebrated annually on Presidents' Day, along with Abraham Lincoln.

15

Washington passed away on December 14, 1799, at his Mount Vernon estate.

Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa, a Roman Catholic nun and missionary, is renowned for her charitable work with the poor and sick in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India. She founded the Missionaries of Charity and was canonized as a saint in 2016. Here are some Mother Teresa fun facts.
Mother Teresa
1

Mother Teresa was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, now part of North Macedonia. Her birth name was Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu.

2

She joined the Sisters of Loreto at the age of 18 and took the name Sister Mary Teresa after St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

3

In 1946, she experienced a 'call within a call' to leave the convent and work directly with the poor.

4

She founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, which grew to include over 4,500 sisters and was active in 133 countries by the time of her death.

5

Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian work.

6

She opened her first hospice in Calcutta in 1952, providing free care for the sick and dying.

7

Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity also established orphanages, leper houses, and clinics for the poor.

8

She was known for her simple lifestyle, often wearing a white sari with blue borders.

9

Mother Teresa met with numerous world leaders and addressed the United Nations General Assembly in 1985.

10

She was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, in 1980.

11

Mother Teresa faced criticism for her views on contraception and abortion, as well as the conditions in her hospices.

12

Her life and work have been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films.

13

Mother Teresa was canonized as a saint by Pope Francis on September 4, 2016.

14

She passed away on September 5, 1997, in Calcutta, India.

15

Mother Teresa's legacy continues through the ongoing work of the Missionaries of Charity and the inspiration she provides to people worldwide.