Which English novelist is known for works of romantic fiction focusing on the landed gentry?

The choice of Jane Austen as the English novelist known for works of romantic fiction focusing on the landed gentry is insightful because her novels vividly depict the lives, manners, and courtships of the British upper middle class during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Austen's narrative style combines wit and keen social commentary, which allows her to explore themes of class, marriage, and morality within this societal context.

Her most notable works, such as "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," and "Emma," feature protagonists who navigate romantic entanglements and societal expectations, highlighting the importance of social status and economic considerations in the relationships of her characters. This focus on the landed gentry and their interactions gives her a unique place in English literature, one that captures both the romantic elements of personal relationships and the realities of social structure.

In contrast, the other authors listed have different thematic focuses: Charlotte Brontë often delves into gothic elements and the emotional struggles of her characters; Virginia Woolf is renowned for her modernist approach and exploration of consciousness and identity; and Mary Shelley is celebrated for her contributions to the gothic genre and science fiction, particularly through works like "Frankenstein." Each of these writers has made