1. George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans):
* Similarities: Both Austen and Eliot were keenly interested in the social dynamics and moral complexities of their times. Eliot, like Austen, created vivid portraits of characters facing social pressures and moral dilemmas. She delves into themes of love, marriage, social class, and individual conscience.
* Examples: Eliot's masterpiece "Middlemarch" is often considered a direct descendant of Austen's social commentary, focusing on the lives and relationships of individuals within a specific community.
2. Anthony Trollope:
* Similarities: Trollope shares Austen's sharp wit, detailed social observations, and focus on everyday life. Both authors created characters who are believable, flawed, and relatable. Trollope, like Austen, often explored the complexities of marriage and the dynamics of social class.
* Examples: Trollope's series of novels set in the fictional county of Barsetshire, such as "The Warden" and "Barchester Towers," echo Austen's focus on the social and moral life of a particular community.
While it's difficult to definitively say that these authors were *directly* influenced by Austen, it's clear that they were part of a literary tradition that valued her sharp observations, witty prose, and focus on the human condition.