2026 Essay Contest Open
February 27, 2026
JASNA's 2026 Essay Contest for high school, college, and grad school students worldwide is officially open, and this year Austen's men are in the spotlight!
Topic: Men and Boys in Jane Austen’s Novels
In Austen’s novels, we usually see the world through her heroines’ eyes. For this year's essay topic, we invite you to shift the focus and examine her male characters. Choose two or more from among her heroes, villains, friends, enemies, relatives, comic figures, young boys, etc. Your essay can explore their similarities and/or differences, whether their characters change during the novel, their relations with their siblings, how men tend to treat women, or focus on another area of your choosing. These are only suggestions—you’re welcome to take another approach. We’re excited to see what you have to say!
More Details
- Requirements vary for each student division, so be sure to visit our Essay Contest page for all the contest rules and submission requirements.
- Entry Deadline: June 1, 2026
- Awards: First-, second-, and third-place winners in each division will receive cash scholarships of $1,000, $500, and $250, respectively. The first-place winners will also be offered complimentary registration and two nights' lodging for JASNA's 2026 Annual General Meeting in Tucson, Arizona.
