Here's why:
* Setting: Her novels are almost exclusively set in the English countryside and in the homes and social circles of the landed gentry and upper-middle class.
* Themes: Austen's novels often explore themes of marriage, societal expectations, social mobility, and the importance of family and community, all within the context of these specific social groups.
* Focus on Manners and Morals: Austen meticulously observes and satirizes the conventions, customs, and moral codes of these classes, offering insightful commentary on their behavior and values.
While other realist writers also engage with upper-class and middle-class themes, Austen's work is particularly known for its detailed exploration of these specific social spheres and their impact on individual lives.