Danny Lavery welcomes Wendy Lee, an associate professor in the English Department at New York University. She studies and writes about the history of the novel and philosophies of emotions and is currently working on a new book called Jane Austen & the End of Life.

Lavery and Lee tackle two letters. First, from someone who wants to have a third child, despite her husband’s concern about passing along a rare genetic condition. Another letter writer is depressed about getting cut off by her close friend, and is wondering how much she can push for answers. Plus Lavery and Lee discuss Jane Austen and her devoted fans, or “Janeites”.

Slate Plus members get another episode of Big Mood, Little Mood every Friday: sign up now!

Need advice? Send Danny a question here.

Email: [email protected]

Production by Phil Surkis

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices