Final answer:
Jane Austen's works are celebrated for their combination of sense, wit, and irony, particularly in her narrative techniques and character development. The subject of interest is Austen's ability to utilize irony to engage the reader and critique societal norms, and her unique style and prose that remains unmatched. Austen's enduring popularity stems from her insightful critique of societal attitudes and conventions of her era, particularly regarding women's roles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "very interesting" subject referred to in the context of Jane Austen's letter pertains to her skill in weaving narratives with a mixture of sense, wit, and irony. Austen is noted for her adroit construction of characters and her use of irony as a narrative technique. In novels such as Northanger Abbey, Austen employs irony to both play with readers' expectations and to heighten interest in her characters, who are often positioned as unconventional heroes or heroines. This irony is also used to critique societal norms and the limited roles available to women during her time, which Mrs. Bennet's character illuminates by representing the era's attitude towards marriage as the main avenue for female social advancement and financial security.
The subtleties of Austen's writing make her works enduringly popular, allowing them to resonate with both her contemporaries and modern readers. Critics like Prof. Bladderstock highlight that while many have attempted to imitate Austen's distinct prose and dialogue, none have quite succeeded in capturing her unique style. Austen's works remain inimitable and beloved for their insightful portrayals and complex narrative strategies, including the use of characters like Catherine from Northanger Abbey to challenge literary conventions.