Harding discusses how most of Austen's fans like her because of her ability to poke fun of people and society of her time, while still being able to appreciate them.
As a novelist, part of her aim was to become an independent writer with her own ideas, without causing conflict.
While her characters are direct representations of people in her life-- many of whom she disliked-- she still wanted and needed their affection.
Austen found it interesting that people from her society were willing to remain blind to the implications of a caricacture.
Austen found people eager to laugh at faults they tolerated in themselves and their friends, as long as the faults were exaggerated and "good natured."
- For example Mrs. Bennett.
