Watch: Parades and fancy dress as UK marks Jane Austen's 250th birthday

As the United Kingdom prepares to mark the 250th birthday of literary icon Jane Austen, the air is filled with excitement. Ballgowns are being stitched, bonnets brushed, and tea rooms prepped in honour of the beloved author, whose works have captivated readers for over two centuries. From her humble beginnings in the small Hampshire village of Steventon, where she was born on December 16, 1775, Jane Austen's influence on literature and culture grew more vigorous.

It's remarkable how Austen, born into a world so different from ours, has continued to enchant generations of readers in an ever-changing world. Her six novels, written during the early 19th century, resonate today—so much so that quotes from her works have made their way onto T-shirts, mugs, and badges. The author, who wrote with wit and precision about love, manners, and the complexities of social structures, has captured the imaginations of fans not only in the UK but across the globe.

"Her novels are concerned with wider moral issues," explained Kathryn Sutherland, a researcher and professor at the University of Oxford. "People feel Austen is accessible, even though she is a great literature writer, and you can read her books many times, and each time, you find something new in them."

Sutherland attributes much of Austen's enduring popularity to the rich moral themes within her works, which transcend the specific societal rules of the 19th century. From the impetuousness of love to the importance of social propriety, Austen's stories strike a universal chord with readers. Furthermore, the seemingly simple settings and characters of her novels have been revealed to have profound depths, keeping readers and scholars engaged for centuries.