The aim of this Master’s thesis is to investigate the modern Swedishreader’s possibilities to understand the literary allusions in Jane Austen’sfirst three novels in light of young people’s decreasing readingand understanding of classic literature. This is done by examining historicaloverviews of literature written in Swedish, curriculums forliterature courses at three Swedish universities and library holdings inSwedish libraries, both public and academic.In the thesis three different elements are combined – informationabout the alluded authors and texts, a comparison between the Swedishand the English versions of the novels and the result from theabove mentioned investigation. The description of the alluded authorsand texts provide information about the connotations that can be madeby an allusion to them. The comparison between the English and theSwedish novels show whether or not the allusions still exists in thetranslated text and if there are any differences that might affect theunderstanding of the novels.The theoretical framework is based upon literary sociology, especiallythe work of Escarpit. His concept creative treason is an inspiration forthe thesis. The hermeneutic theory of understanding is also consulted.That previous understanding effect the interpretation of a text is afundamental idea upon which the importance of the three chosen resources(curriculums, historical overviews of literature, library holdings)are based. / Program: Bibliotekarie