Persuasion Discussion
Jane Austen's last novel, Persuasion, begins with a recounting of the history of the Elliot family... through another book called the Baronetage. This detail accomplishes three things; it details the backstory of the characters, establishes their social standing and importance, and points out the vanity of Sir Walter Elliot, who is the father of the protagonist Anne Elliot.
The idea of vanity and self-importance is very clearly emphasized in the first few chapters of Persuasion; Austen even says, "Vanity was the beginning and end of Sir Walter Elliot's character-- vanity of person and of situation" (4). Such a statement could indicate that Sir Walter is a total caricature, and since authors rarely unintentionally point out that their character is a caricature, it seems that his character is meant to be a commentary on vanity.
This pride in social situation causes the Elliots to spend more than their income (something which Anne points out constantly, but her father and sister never listen to her) and they are forced to either downsize, move to Bath, or move to London. Sir Walter is persuaded (hmm... guessing that will probably be an important theme) to move to Bath by a family friend Lady Russell, who is Anne's mentor of sorts. She also persuades Sir Walter to rent out the house to some naval officers returning victorious from the Napoleonic Wars. Sir Walter's biggest concern is the appearance of the renters; he complains, "I never saw quite so wretched an example of what a seafaring life can do, but to a degree, I know it is the same with them all: they are all knocked about, and exposed to every climate, and every weather, until they are not fit to be seen," (17). This emphasis on appearance seems to be another important aspect of Persuasion. Every character's appearance is described in detail, and judgments are cast upon them in relation to their appearance.
The section ends with Sir Walter agreeing to rent out Kellynch Hall, and Anne celebrating who the new tenants are, because they are related to the man she loves.
Is there any depth to be found in the characters of Sir Walter and Elizabeth, or are they simply meant to be foils to Anne's character and to emphasize Austen's points against vanity? Do appearances matter to the plot as much as Austen emphasizes them, or is she only emphasizing them to make a thematic point?
The idea of vanity and self-importance is very clearly emphasized in the first few chapters of Persuasion; Austen even says, "Vanity was the beginning and end of Sir Walter Elliot's character-- vanity of person and of situation" (4). Such a statement could indicate that Sir Walter is a total caricature, and since authors rarely unintentionally point out that their character is a caricature, it seems that his character is meant to be a commentary on vanity.
This pride in social situation causes the Elliots to spend more than their income (something which Anne points out constantly, but her father and sister never listen to her) and they are forced to either downsize, move to Bath, or move to London. Sir Walter is persuaded (hmm... guessing that will probably be an important theme) to move to Bath by a family friend Lady Russell, who is Anne's mentor of sorts. She also persuades Sir Walter to rent out the house to some naval officers returning victorious from the Napoleonic Wars. Sir Walter's biggest concern is the appearance of the renters; he complains, "I never saw quite so wretched an example of what a seafaring life can do, but to a degree, I know it is the same with them all: they are all knocked about, and exposed to every climate, and every weather, until they are not fit to be seen," (17). This emphasis on appearance seems to be another important aspect of Persuasion. Every character's appearance is described in detail, and judgments are cast upon them in relation to their appearance.
The section ends with Sir Walter agreeing to rent out Kellynch Hall, and Anne celebrating who the new tenants are, because they are related to the man she loves.
Is there any depth to be found in the characters of Sir Walter and Elizabeth, or are they simply meant to be foils to Anne's character and to emphasize Austen's points against vanity? Do appearances matter to the plot as much as Austen emphasizes them, or is she only emphasizing them to make a thematic point?
I find it really hard to believe there is any depth in the characters of Sir Walter and Elizabeth. They both seem to stubborn, oblivious, and vain to change their ways, therefore making them excellent commentaries on vanity. As for appearances, I believe Austen is using appearances as a message of how the society of that time, and even today, focuses so much on outward looks and not inward merit.
ReplyDeleteChapter four takes us back to when Anne and her love, Frederick Wentworth, fell in love. Despite their obvious felicity and joy, everyone around Anne disapproved of the marriage due to his low status and fortune. Even Lady Russell, Anne's greatest confidant, did not think the match suitable. However, now Captain Wentworth was quite successful, "He had distinguished himself, and early gained the other step in rank --and must now, by successive captures, have made a handsome fortune" (21). I am assuming that the past history of Wentworth and Anne will be the central focus of the book since it was described in such great detail.
In Chapter five we meet Anne's married sister, Mary (ironic I know). While not as vain as Elizabeth and Sir Walter, Mary is constantly complaining and constantly worried about only herself. Mary is like her family in that she only cares about outward appearances and this is seen when she speaks of the Musgroves. This convinces me that Austen is trying to comment on the vanity of society and its fickle opinion.
As Anne visits her sister, she is constantly being asked to help advise or solve problems people, "One of the least agreeable circumstances of her residence there, was her being treated with too much confidence by all parties" (31). I think this is an interesting quote because it shows that most everyone sees Anne as a reasonable and intelligent woman. This gives more depth to Anne's character compared to someone like Elizabeth, due to her intelligence and wisdom.
As chapter six ends, Anne visits the family renting their house and learns that Captain Wentworth is coming into town. It seems like Anne is looking forward to seeing him again, yet is also understandably nervous over his appearance.
Do you think that we will see any character development in anyone else despite Anne? Or is Austen going to continue to use their flawed characters to make statements?
I believe Anne will get the most character development, but I have a feeling Wentworth will also be a fairly dynamic character. Many of the other characters, however, seem to be fairly one dimensional and static, such as Mary, Elizabeth, and Sir Walter. Not all of these characters are flawed; the Crofts, for example, seem to be representative of an ideal marriage. All the characters have their purpose, but for most everyone besides Anne and Wentworth the purpose is for plot connections or social commentary, not necessarily for the characters themselves.
DeleteWentworth comes to stay at Kellynch Hall with his sister, so naturally the Musgroves invite him over for dinner. Anne desires to see Wentworth but also is apprehensive about it; as it turns out, she doesn't end up going to the dinner. Mary's son has a bad fall and is injured, but neither she not her husband wants to stay with the child, so Anne offers to do it instead. It is hard to tell if this offer comes out of her self-sacrificing spirit or out of a wish to avoid Wentworth. This ambiguity succeeds in making Anne a more complex character.
The next morning, Wentworth comes to Uppercross Cottage where Anne is staying, and they have a very awkward encounter. Austen uses free indirect speech to describe both of their feelings. Anne's distraction is shown when, "Mary talked but she could not attend. She had seen him. They had met. They had been once more in the same room" (52). The narrator slips into Anne's head, demonstrating her fixation on Wentworth's mere presence. The free indirect speech allows Austen to explore Anne's private feelings effectively and helps to show her quiet desperation to reunite with Wentworth. Austen employs the same technique with Wentworth to illustrate, "He had not forgiven Anne Elliot" (53). This is the first time Wentworth has appeared aside from others talking about him, and Austen's use of free indirect speech is necessary to take a step away from Anne's feelings and find out that Wentworth's are different, sowing the seeds for conflict of feelings.
Anne and Wentworth are forced to spend more awkward time together, but they mostly avoid each other. Wentworth does save Anne from the annoyance of a small child, but even that encounter is awkward. Their lack of conversation prolongs the tension between them, creating suspense about when they will finally begin to shift their relationship.
Do you think Wentworth's improved social class has improved Anne's esteem for him, or is her admiration the same as it always was? Are Charles Heyter and Henrietta supposed to represent what Anne and Wentworth could have been if they were married when they were younger?
I think Anne has always been infatuated with Wentworth and that his social standing means nothing to her. As for Charles and Henrietta, since they are not married I cannot say for sure what they represent.
ReplyDeleteWentworth continues to be the center of Anne’s thoughts as time goes on. Anne notices the growing felicity between Wentworth and Louisa and admits that it might end in love. Later, much of the party, including Wentworth, Anne, and Louisa go on a long walk to see Winthrop and meet Charles Hayter. Here, Anne overhears Louisa and Wentworth’s conversation about herself, Mary, and their Elliot pride. Anne soon concludes what Wentworth thinks about her, “He could not forgive her –but he could not be unfeeling” (67). I think we see here the lessening of tensions between Wentworth and Anne as they are beginning to be more accustomed to one another.
Soon the party moves to Lyme to spend time with Captain Harville and Captain Benwick, good friends of Wentworth. While in Lyme, Anne seems to bloom in both looks and character and is observed by everyone, including Wentworth, “He gave her a momentary glance –a glance of brightness, which seemed to say, ‘That man is struck with you, --and even I, at this moment, se something like Anne Elliot again’” (77). I really like this passage because it shows the development of Anne and Wentworth’s relationship past the cold, civil acquaintance they had at the beginning of the book.
However, not all goes to plan. As the whole party goes on a walk after dinner at an inn, Louisa is careless and hits her head on stone. In times of high stress, we see these characters true colors. Wentworth immediately cries for help and Captain Benwick, Anne, and Charles all oblige while Mary and Henrietta lose all control. Despite her severe injury, it is said that Louisa will survive and will recover.
Wentworth quickly looks to Anne to watch over Louisa along with Mrs. Harville, but is pushed out by Mary whose pride refuses to allow her to not be of help. I find it ironic that Wentworth looks to Anne so readily for help, yet he also probably realizes that Anne is a strong, capable woman unlike Mary or Henrietta. I think Anne’s strength makes her much more attractive to Wentworth than Louisa.
What was your reaction when you read that Louisa almost died? Do you think this is where Wentworth and Anne draw closer, or will they drift apart?
I knew the basic story so what happened with Louisa was not a surprise to me, but it definitely is a major event and probably a big turning point in the plot. I think it will cause Wentworth to reexamine what he really wants, and it also gave him an opportunity to see that strength in Anne that he admires so much. I don't know if this exact event will cause him to grow closer with Anne, since in the next few chapters they are separated, but it will cause Wentworth to reexamine his relationships with Anne and Louisa.
ReplyDeleteThis next section is a little difficult to write about because nothing quite so dramatic happens. Anne goes back to Uppercross and spends a few days there, and then goes to stay with Lady Russell to meet the Crofts at Kellynch Hall. It's strange for Anne to be back at her home, but she finds it largely unchanged, aside from "sending away some of the large looking glasses from my dressing room, which was your father's" (111). This quote presents Admiral Croft as a foil to Sir Walter Elliot in terms of vanity; Admiral Croft represents the newer wealth, as he earned his position in society through the Navy and is disgusted by the excessive vanity of Sir Walter. Through this, Austen illustrates a support for class mobility and a dislike of vanity simply because of birth. The Crofts say that they are going away for a few weeks, and since Anne is leaving to go to Bath before they get back, she is reassured that she will not run into Wentworth again. Anne seems to both be relieved and wistful about this; this separation is important because it will probably force one or both of them to make choices about whether they do want to continue any sort of relationship.
Anne leaves for Bath and finds her family very happy there, along with her cousin William Walter Elliot, who is heir to the estate. Anne seems fairly enamored with him in her sensible way; after he leaves, she "could not have supposed it possible that her first evening in Camden Place could have passed so well! "(127). Anne has been the subject of much male attention in this novel, between Charles Musgrove in the past, Captain Benwick, and now William Elliot. Austen seems to be doing this to show that Anne is not undesirable at all. However, as she still holds onto her love for Wentworth, even unconsciously, she has not gotten close to marriage even though society seems to demand it of her.
What do you think of William Elliot and his attentions toward Anne (and isn't it a little weird that they saw him in Lyme?). Where do you think Anne and Wentworth will go from here; will their next meeting be by accident or will it be intentional on one of their parts?
I think William Elliot likes Anne a lot as a person and sees her as a sensible woman, however, I believe he is really pining for the affections of Elizabeth and is trying to get into good relations with all the Elliot's. As for Wentworth, I believe their next meeting will be accidental, but a welcome surprise.
ReplyDeleteAnne soon ascertains what has passed in Camden place. Mrs. Clay has been convinced to stay by Elizabeth which vexes Anne and Lady Russell as Anne is continually treated with indifference. However, Anne finds comfort in other places. Her father remarks on her growing beauty which I think is due to her seeing Wentworth and that it has buoyed her spirits. Anne also find joy in William Elliot who she finds to be more agreeable by the minute. After a disappointing meeting with some royal cousins, Anne and Mr. Elliot talk back and forth about good company and pride. Anne is pleasantly surprised to find out Mr. Elliot agrees with Anne about a lot of subjects, "Though Anne could not believe in their having the same sort of pride, she was pleased with him for not liking Mrs. Clay" (111).
Anne later reconnects with an old friend, Mrs. Smith, who once helped Anne overcome her mothers death. Now Anne is repaying the favor as Mrs. Smith is crippled and a widow. Despite Anne doing a kind thing, Sir Walter disapproves, "an every day Mrs. Smith, of all people and all names in the world to be chosen friend of Miss Anne Elliot" (116). I read this and began to wonder if Austen was commenting on class divisions and how society makes judgement off very little character.
Anne also has trouble with William Elliot as she is soon clued into the fact that he wants to marry her. Anne is at first taken up in this, but soon regains her senses and realizes she doesn't trust Mr. Elliot. He acts too perfect around her family and Anne doesn't trust his past. Anne seems to be a discerning character as she sees everyone in the honest light unlike other Jane Austen protagonists (*cough* Elizabeth Bennet *cough*)
However, Anne has newfound hope that she and Wentworth can be together. A letter form Mary reveals that Louisa and Captain Benwick are to be married which stuns Anne considerably. What makes this even better is that Wentworth will soon arrive in Bath to stay with Mrs. Croft and the admiral. I wonder if this is where we will see Wentworth and Anne finally end up together.
What do you thin about Anne? Is she a better judge of character than Elizabeth Bennet? And do you think it was surprising Captain Benwick and Louisa got married?
Anne is a very sensible person, and does not hold to all the prejudices that Elizabeth Bennet does. She is very assured of her own abilities to judge character, and she trusts her instincts even when they appear to be wrong. Her hesitance about William Elliot proves to be a good judgment in the next few chapters. Anne is very observant and is fairly good at not letting her emotions cloud her judgment. I think Captain Benwick and Louisa's marriage does seem a little bit odd since they are really nothing alike, but that was likely Austen's intention; if she didn't want the marriage to be a surprise, she would have shown at least a little bit of the development of their relationship.
ReplyDeleteAs Anne, Elizabeth, and Mrs. Clay prepare to leave from an evening out, it begins to rain, and Lady Dalrymple's carriage offers to take two of them home. Anne, ever selfless, says that she will walk with Mr. Elliot, although Mrs. Clay tries to also be as selfless (largely with the purpose of walking home with Mr. Elliot). Anne's selflessness wins out, with Mr. Elliot's help. This little exchange is an example of some of the kinds of persuasion in the novel. Anne appeals to emotion when she persuades someone, demonstrating her own self-sacrifice. Mr. Elliot, on the other hand, uses logic by saying that Anne's boots are thicker and better to walk in. The different kinds of persuasion used in the novel reflect who the characters are.
As Anne is waiting for Mr. Elliot to run an errand, she sees Captain Wentworth walking down the street, and he unintentionally comes into the shop where Anne is waiting. Austen slips into free indirect speech again, with "It was agitation, pain, pleasure,-- a something between delight and misery" (156). The free indirect speech reflects that Anne is not entirely sure what to logically think about this encounter, and her emotions are equally divided. He and Anne have a very awkward conversation before Anne leaves with Mr. Elliot.
She does not see Wentworth again until a concert a few nights later, where they have a slightly less awkward conversation. During the concert, Mr. Elliot subtly declares his interest in Anne, but Anne is immediately distracted by Lady Dalrymple and her father praising Wentworth's appearance. Anne had been perfectly happy to talk to Mr. Elliot before, but seeing Wentworth (and hearing his praises sung from her own relatives, who previously had hated him), makes it so that, "She had no longer any inclination to talk to him. She wished him not so near her" (169). This scene shows clearly that despite Anne's attempts to move on and her wish to like Mr. Elliot, her heart is still with Wentworth. However, because Anne is very subtle about her feelings in the scene, Wentworth leaves hurriedly, jealous of Mr. Elliot.
The next day, Anne goes to see Mrs. Smith (partially to avoid Mr. Elliot-- Anne's selfless actions often allow her to avoid people she doesn't want to see), and Mrs. Smith reveals the true character of Mr. Elliot; that he really hates her family and mostly has come back to make sure that Sir Walter does not marry Mrs. Clay and produce a male heir. She also tells Anne that Mr. Elliot ensured her current poverty. Anne's hesitance toward the seemingly perfect Mr. Elliot is now justified.
What do you think of this reveal of Mr. Elliot's character? Will this inspire Anne to finally follow her heart and reinstate her relationship with Wentworth?
I think Mr. Elliot is honestly the worst and most selfish person in all the book. I think Anne realizes this and will chase after Wentworth now and finally seal the knot.
ReplyDeleteAs Anne returns from Mrs. Smith's residence, she does her best to find a time to tell everyone of MR. Elliot's true nature, but is unfortunately unable to as the Musgrove's, Mary and Henrietta all arrive in Bath. Their appearance is a surprise, but not an unwelcome one and I think Austen is using this to make sure all major characters are there to see Anne and Wentworth get married. Later at a party, Charles Musgrove speaks of seeing a play with nine others, including Anne and Wentworth, but is almost instantly shut down by his wife. In response to this, Charles delivers a roast for the ages, "If I would not go for the sake of your father, I should think it scandalous to go for the sake of the heir! What is Mr. Elliot to me?" (167). After this lovely comment, Anne does her best to hint to Wentworth that she has no interest in Mr. Elliot and that she really loves him. Frustratingly, Wentworth seems to be oblivious to the fact and Anne is thoroughly worn down by this.
When Anne sees Wentworth again, she is first captured by Captain Harville who begins talking with Anne on a very interesting topic. They discuss the difference in feeling between men and women and Anne brings up some very true points that bring out my inner feminist, "Men have had every advantage of us in telling their own story. Education has been theirs in so much higher a degree; the pen has been in their hands. I will not allow books to prove anything" (174). Here we see Captain Harville trying to persuade (get it?) Anne to agree with him, but Anne resists which I find interesting.
As we near the end of our story, Wentworth drops a bomb by giving Anne a letter which finally expresses his true love for her and his wish to marry her. Anne is totally shocked and almost insensible by this and is soon walking home with Charles. On the way home, Wentworth is found to be walking along with them. Here, Charles becomes the literal love of my life when he suddenly offers Wentworth the privilege to take Anne home as he has prior engagements. I cannot believe how smooth Charles was here and I wonder how a man like that ended up with Mary. Everything falls into place as Wentowth and Anne explain why they did certain things and the motives behind it.All is explained, forgiven, and laughed at in the end as Anne and Wentworth finally are married.
As the book title suggests, this book is all about persuasion, first appearances, and opinions. Anne is constantly persuaded by others to please their intrests, Sir Walter and Elizabeth constantly obsess over how people look, and nearly every character makes their opinion known some way or another. Perusaion ends on a happy with MRs. CLay leaving Sir Walter, Lady Russell admitting her past mistakes, and Mr. Elliot leaving Bath, and the Elliot family, for good. These are all topped by the marriage of Anne and Wentworth as Anne was finally persuaded (good one right?) to give into her hearts desire.