Analysis of Persuasion by Jane Austen
Plot Account
Persuasion opens with a concise history of the Elliot family as recorded in Sir Walter Elliot's #1 book, The Baronetcy. We discover that the Elliots are a regarded, named, landowning family. Woman Elliot, Sir Walter's better half passed on fourtee n years prior and left him with three girls: Elizabeth, Anne, and Mary. Both Elizabeth and Anne are single, yet Mary, the most youthful is hitched to a well off man named Charles Musgrove; they live nearby. Sir Walter, who luxuriously overspend s, has brought the family into extraordinary obligation. At the point when Lady Russell, a confided in family counselor, proposes that the Elliots lessen their spending, Sir Walter is sickened. He is really vain and can't tolerate imagining existence without his standard solaces. Be that as it may, wi th no other alternative, the Elliots conclude they should move to a house in Bath where their costs will be more reasonable. They expect to lease the family bequest, Kellynch Hall.
They before long discover magnificent inhabitants to lease their home; Admiral and Mrs. Croft are rich and respectful Navy individuals who have a model marriage. Sir Walter is mitigated that the Admiral is an attractive man. In spite of the fact that Sir Walter hates that the Navy br ings "men of dark birth into excessive qualification," he is happy with Admiral and Mrs. Croft as occupants for his home. Anne Elliot, the center little girl, is likewise eager to meet the Crofts; Mrs. Croft is the sister of the man Anne loves. Eight years prior, she was locked in to be hitched to Captain Frederick Wentworth, however Lady Russell convinced her that Captain Wentworth was not of sufficiently high result, and Anne canceled the commitment. With the Crofts at Kellynch, Anne desires to see Captain Wentwor th once more.
Sir Walter, Elizabeth, and Mrs. Earth (a bereft, fairly lower-class companion of the family) leave for Bath. Anne goes to remain with her sister Mary at Uppercross Cottage for a time of two months. Mary gripes frequently and Anne persistently tunes in to her sister's concerns. At Uppercross, Anne discovers the Musgrove family totally awesome. Mr. what's more, Mrs. Musgrove have three developed kids: Charles (Mary's significant other), Henrietta, and Louisa. Anne wonders about the clamoring idea of the family and the Musgroves' unmistakable fondness for their youngsters. Before long news comes that Captain Wentworth has gotten back from ocean and is remaining with his sister at Kellynch. Captain Wentworth befriends Mr. Musgrove, and he turns into an every day guest at Uppercross. A nne is from the start restless to see him again after so long, however his activities toward her are simply confined and pleasant. He appears to be more stricken with Henrietta and Louisa Musgrove. Anne surrenders to the possibility that she has lost Captain Wentworth's lo ve for eternity.
Captain Wentworth suggests that they all go on an outing to Lyme to go visit his companions the Harvilles. While they are there, a gorgeous noble man pays heed to Anne; they later find that this man is Mr. Elliot, Anne's cousin and Sir Walter' s beneficiary to Kellynch. The gathering chooses to take a morning stroll on the sea shore. Louisa Musgrove has a terrible fall and is thumped oblivious. Anne keeps a level head and does everything she can to really focus on Louisa. The specialist discovers that Louisa will recuperate, however sh e should stay in Lyme for a while. Captain Wentworth faults himself for Louisa's fall and attempts to help the Musgrove family. Anne gets back to Uppercross to help Mr. also, Mrs. Musgrove care for their more youthful kids. Following half a month, she le aves to remain with Lady Russell.
After Christmas, Lady Russell and Anne conclude that they should rejoin the remainder of the Elliot family in Bath, sadly. Sir Walter and Elizabeth care minimal about her, yet they are happy to have her come to Bath. In Bath, she is officially introduc ed to her cousin Mr. Elliot, who finds made harmony with his once antagonized uncle, Sir Walter. In spite of the fact that she questions Mr. Elliot's thought processes in his abrupt statement of regret, she acknowledges him as a satisfying courteous fellow. Mr. Elliot is remarkably energetic about Anne, and I t is soon evident that he tries to make her his significant other. While in Bath, Anne gets reacquainted with an old fashioned companion, Mrs. Smith, who has as of late been bereaved and run into some bad luck. From Mrs. Smith, Anne finds out about Mr. Elliot's covered up past; she discovers that he has abused Mrs. Smith and that he intends to wed Anne to guarantee that he turns into the sole beneficiary of the Kellynch baronetcy. Mr. Elliot fears that Sir Walter will wed Mrs. Earth, have a child, and along these lines deny him of his title. He plots to guarantee that he will remain Sir Walter's beneficiary. Anne is dismayed to hear this news.
The Crofts show up in Bath with information on two commitment; Henrietta will wed her cousin Charles Hayter, and Louisa will wed Captain Benwick, a man she met at Lyme while she was convalescing. Anne is thrilled that Captain Wentworth isn't promis ed to Louisa and is free indeed. Captain Wentworth before long shows up in Bath. He is presently a lot more extravagant man than he was eight years prior and Sir Walter hesitantly concedes him into their group of friends. Wentworth becomes desirous in light of the fact that he trusts Anne is join ed to her cousin Mr. Elliot. However he composes Anne an adoration letter in which is pours portrays his actual, consistent, and undying affection for her. Anne is excited and they become locked in. Mr. Elliot is stunned that his arrangement to wed Anne has been thwarted. He and Mrs . Mud leave Bath; it is reputed that they are together. There could be not, at this point any risk that Sir Walter will wed underneath his station. Sir Walter and Lady Russell give their endorsement for the marriage among Anne and Captain Wentworth
Summary
The baronet of Kellynch Lobby, Sir Walter Elliot, lives with his little girls Elizabeth and Anne. Elizabeth, the oldest little girl, has directed the illicit relationships of Kellynch Corridor since her mom's passing thirteen years prior. Sir Walter feels nearest to Elizabeth, who shares his qualities and great looks. Anne's assessment is esteemed practically nothing. Concerning the most youthful little girl Mary, she lives with the Musgroves — her significant other Charles' family — at Uppercross.
After Woman Elliot's demise, the Elliots have aggregated obligation consistently. At the novel's opening, the obligation has arrived at a point that requires the Elliots to change their way of life altogether. Two family companions, Mr. Shepherd and Woman Russell, are brought in for guidance. After some conversation and dealings, it is concluded that the Elliots will let Kellynch Corridor to Chief of naval operations Croft and move to a more modest spot in Shower.
At Shower, the Elliots will ready to keep a stately way of life at lesser cost. Unexpectedly, it is concluded that Mrs. Mud will go with Sir Walter and Elizabeth to Shower. Mrs. Earth is a little girl of Mr. Shepherd who dominates at the specialty of satisfying (at any rate at Kellynch Corridor). Despite the fact that she is a widow and not exceptionally lovely, Anne and Woman Russell dread that she and Sir Walter may get associated with her sincerely. Anne, then, goes to Uppercross at Mary's solicitation.
At Michaelmas, the Crofts move into Kellynch Corridor. Incidentally, Mrs. Croft is the sister of Frederick Wentworth, with whom Anne began to look all starry eyed at seven years prior. The tender sentiments between Captain Wentworth and Anne were valid and solid. At that point, nonetheless, the captain had neither fortune nor title to his name. Anne was accordingly convinced by Woman Russell to sever the relationship. Presently, Captain Wentworth has gotten back to visit the Crofts at Kellynch Corridor. Mr. also, Mrs. Musgrove are anxious to meet Captain Wentworth on the grounds that their expired child Richard once served under him. When the colleague is made, the captain's fine character pleases the Musgroves. The captain subsequently turns into a regular guest at Uppercross, where the youthful Miss Musgroves Henrietta and Louisa take pleasure in his organization. While Henrietta was already on especially great standing with Charles Hayter — a cousin and minister — she currently gives her thoughtfulness regarding Captain Wentworth. Concerning Anne, she trades just well mannered comments with Captain Wentworth. Neither Anne nor the captain offer a hint that one remaining parts keen on the other. At last, Henrietta gets back to Charles Hayter and imprints Louisa for Captain Wentworth.
At some point, a gathering from Uppercross chooses to visit Lyme, where Captain Wentworth's companion Captain Harville lives. Everybody is dazzled by the genuine welcome that the Harvilles stretch out to their visitors. On this excursion, Captain Wentworth seems to develop nearer to Louisa, while Anne makes the associate of Captain Benwick and goes through the evening talking about heartfelt verse with him.
The following day, the gathering understands that they have been remaining at a similar motel as Mr. Elliot, the beneficiary hypothetical of the Elliot family. Mr. Elliot was recently expected to wed Elizabeth yet rather decided to wed an affluent everyday person. Later in the day, Louisa has a mishap and gets extreme wounds to the head. It is concluded that she should stay with the Harvilles to recuperate. Anne gets back to Uppercross with Captain Wentworth, who is intrigued by her smoothness during the fallout of Louisa's episode. Anne leaves Uppercross with Woman Russell on the next day.
At the point when Anne shows up at Camden Spot in Shower, where the Elliots have taken a house, she is met with a surprisingly warm gladly received. Sir Walter and Elizabeth are in especially positive feelings from their new compromise with Mr. Elliot. While Woman Russell thinks that its regular for Mr. Elliot to wish to be on acceptable standing with Sir Walter, Anne presumes that he has ulterior intentions in visiting Camden Spot. Regardless, he is a reasonable, developed man, and his organization is wonderful. What stresses Anne is the good position that Mrs. Mud appears to have gotten according to Sir Walter.
One morning, the Shower papers report the appearance of Matron Viscountess Dalrymple and her little girl, the Noteworthy Miss Carteret. As the two are identified with Elliots and are peers, Sir Walter and Elizabeth seek after their associate perseveringly. Then, Anne restores an old companionship with Mrs. Smith, who has been left down and out by her late spouse's overspending.
In February, a letter from Mary reports Louisa's commitment to Captain Benwick. The news the two shocks and satisfies Anne — Captain Wentworth, all things considered, is currently free. At the point when the Crofts show up at Shower, Chief of naval operations Croft proclaims that they should have Captain Wentworth come to Shower also. At some point, Anne runs into the captain at the nearby confectionary. In spite of the fact that they trade just short words, they meet again at a gathering facilitated by Woman Dalrymple. Throughout the span of the evening, it turns out to be obvious to Anne that Captain Wentworth actually cherishes her — and that he is desirous of Mr. Elliot. At the point when Anne visits Mrs. Smith the following day, she adapts surprisingly about Mr. Elliot's past. Mrs. Smith knows Mr. Elliot well, as her better half was old buddies with him. She discloses to Anne why Mr. Elliot chose to wed a rich lady rather than Elizabeth. What's more, she gives a record of how Mr. Elliot demolished her better half. After Mr. Smith's passing, Mr. Elliot would not assistance Mrs. Smith recover some property of hers in the West Indies.
The following morning, Anne embarks to see Woman Russell and enlighten her concerning Mr. Elliot. Before she can take off from the house, notwithstanding, Mary and Charles Musgrove show up on an unexpected visit. An entire gathering, truth be told, has come from Uppercross to remain at the White Hart in Shower. At the point when Anne visits them the following morning, she discovers Captain Wentworth in the room also. As the Captain Wentworth makes a letter, Captain Harville connects with Anne in discussion about the idea of long haul connection and how people vary. A short time later, Captain Wentworth hands Anne a letter subtly. He cherishes her — and she should communicate her reaction to him.
The peruser can envision what follows straightaway. Anne and the Captain are accommodated cheerfully. They choose to wed, this time absent a lot of opposition from anybody. Sir Walter and Elizabeth don't dissent; Mary is glad; and Woman Russell fosters a comprehension for the circumstance. After the marriage, Captain Wentworth figures out how to help Mrs. Smith recuperate her property in the West Indies. With respect to Mr. Elliot, he gets back to London with Mrs. Smith.
Characters in Persuasion
Captain Frederick Wentworth
Captain Wentworth is the prototype of the 'new gentleman.' Maintaining the good manners, consideration, and sensitivity of the older type, Wentworth adds the qualities of gallantry, independence, and bravery that come with being a well- respected Naval officer. He has made his own fortune through hard work and good sense, in direct contrast to Sir Walter who has only wasted the money that came to him through his title. Without land or high birth, Captain Wentworth is not the traditional match for a woman of Anne Eliot's position. But in true Austenian fashion, his fine personal qualities are enough to surmount the now divide which separates his position from that of Anne. In the novel, Captain Wentworth develops, eventually overcoming his pride and shame at being once refused, in order to make another ardent overture to his chosen bride. This development is a sign of a promising future for their relationship. Like Admiral Croft, who allows his wife to drive the carriage alongside him and to help him steer, Captain Wentworth will defer to Anne throughout their marriage. Austen envisions this kind of equal partnership as the ideal marriage
Anne Elliot
The protagonist of the novel, Anne Elliot is the sensible, gentle, and capable middle daughter of the aristocratic Elliot family at Kellynch Hall. Unlike her vain and spendthrift father, she possesses a calm mind and kind heart resembling her deceased mother. She is often overlooked by her superficial father and sister, who prize beauty, wealth, and blood above subtler character graces. While Anne also possesses a sense of family pride, it is moderated by her recognition of the deeper dignity of integrity, honor, and charity. Though Anne harbors a steadfast and passionate love for Captain Wentworth, she yields to the persuasion of her mentor and friend, Lady Russell, prioritizing duty and prudence in breaking off the engagement with her beloved. She poses a mature, compassionate, and levelheaded contrast to the younger Musgrove daughters, as she balances the humble consideration of others’ feelings and advice with her own dedication to principle, practicality, and duty.
Sir Walter Elliot
The baronet of Kellynch and the father of Elizabeth, Mary, and Anne. Having lost his wife Lady Elizabeth thirteen years ago, Sir Walter remains a widower to this day. This fact plays a passive but important role in the novel, as Mrs. Clay ingratiates herself with the Elliots in hopes of winning Sir Walter over. The narrator states from the beginning that "vanity was the beginning and end of Sir Walter Elliot's character" (4). This vanity is both of his person (the Crofts are surprised by the number of mirrors in his room) as well as of his rank (he generally does not deign to treat those below him in rank very well). Sir Walter's vanity even influences the way he treats his own daughters. He favors Elizabeth heavily because she has inherited both her mother's good looks and her father's sense of pride. He sees a great deal of himself in her and presents her proudly as an Elliot, whereas the same cannot be said of Anne and Mary.
Elizabeth Elliot
Elizabeth is often paired with her father, and they do have a lot in common: both are self-centered snobs who wouldn’t know kindness if it hit them on the head. The social position that allows that snobbery, however, is a lot less stable for Elizabeth than it is for Sir Walter. While the only thing that could knock Sir Walter off his perch is bankruptcy, Elizabeth doesn’t have her status cemented until she marries someone at least as high-ranked as herself. In fact, if Sir Walter died, Mr. Elliot would get to move into Kellynch Hall and Elizabeth would be left homeless.
With all that at stake, it’s not surprising that Elizabeth keeps trying to catch Mr. Elliot. Her choice of that particular bachelor, however, is worth looking at further: why him? One answer to that question is suggested by Elizabeth’s fawning behavior when faced by the Dalrymples, who are a few rungs up the social ladder; faced by someone she acknowledges as a superior, she has to act like, well, an inferior. But those inferior to her are definitely not marriage material. The only way to be certain that she’ll have neither the pain of marrying someone below her, nor the pain of herself being the someone below, is to marry someone exactly her equal – and who is more equal than someone actually related to her, who will take over her father’s position?
William Elliot
As a young law student before the novel begins, William Elliot snubbed Sir Walter and Elizabeth Elliot, who saw him as a suitor. A desire for wealth led him to marry a rich woman of lower social standing. His youthful rudeness to the Elliots has alienated him from Sir Walter. Years later as a widower he encounters Anne Elliot by chance and becomes enamored with her. Now rich, his new interest is obtaining Sir Walter's baronetcy, and he has been ingratiating himself with Sir Walter and Elizabeth, who thinks he might have romantic intentions toward her. Anne suspects his charming manners and ease in conversation mask something less positive; her suspicions are confirmed when she learns of his evil doings that ruined her friend's husband. William Elliot's deception and guile are uncovered when he and Mrs. Clay go off together.
Mary Elliot Musgrove
Mary is the youngest Elliot daughter and married to Charles Musgrove with two children. While she is not as vain and unjust to Anne’s merits as Elizabeth, she does possess a strong dose of “Elliot pride.” Petulant and self-absorbed, she often imagines herself sick or slighted, and she is a rather irresponsible mother. Her family often finds her complaints and arrogance wearisome
Charles Musgrove
Mary's husband, and heir to the great house at Uppercross, Charles is a relatively good-natured man who patiently endures his wife's trials. He would have preferred to marry Anne Elliot.
Louisa Musgrove
Louisa is Charles’s younger sister and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Musgrove. Just returned from boarding school, she is generally accomplished and carefree. She is exuberant and headstrong, but also very impressionable in matters of the heart, as she easily shifts her passions from Captain Wentworth to Captain Benwick.
Henrietta Musgrove
Younger sister of Charles and older sister of Louisa, Henrietta is also young and fun-loving. Though she is not as decisive as Louisa, Henrietta sees the charms both of her cousin Charles Hayter and of the dashing Captain Wentworth.
Mr. & Mrs. Musgrove
The parents of Charles, Henrietta, and Louisa, the Musgroves have provided a balanced, happy home for their children at Uppercross. They are a landed family, second in rank in the parish only to the Elliots. They are practical, and want only happiness for their children.
Captain Benwick
The friend of Captain Wentworth from the navy, Captain Benwick is scholarly and reserved. He was engaged to Captain Harville’s sister, Fanny, who passed away while he was at sea. Despite his melancholy manner, he gets over his mourning with some help from Anne and pretty soon afterwards falls in love with Louisa Musgrove.
Admiral Croft
Admiral Croft is an example of a good man made better by a great wife (imagine what Homer Simpson would be like without Marge). Anne sees in their driving a symbol of their relationship: the Admiral has the reins, but it’s Mrs. Croft who keeps them from crashing. When Mrs. Croft mentions an incident from their early life together, she refers to him as "Captain Croft then" (8.53), allowing us to imagine that the Admiral and Mrs. Croft are what Wentworth and Anne might grow up into
Lady Russell
A widow of "steady age and character, and extremely well provided for" who lives in Kellynch (4). She is one of the Elliots' most highly valued family friends and has fulfilled her role as godmother after Lady Elliot's death. Although she loves all of the Elliot girls, she is particularly fond of Anne and continues to serve as adviser and friend on a daily basis. Lady Russell's influence on Anne is a positive one, since she possesses a discerning mind and fine, understanding character. Occasionally, however, she places too much emphasis on such values as rank, family, and propriety. She plays an critical role in the plots of the novel, as it is she who advised Anne against marrying Captain Wentworth seven years ago.
Charles Hayter
Cousin to the Musgroves (his mother is the sister of Mrs. Musgrove), the Hayter family is nevertheless enmeshed in a much lower social circle because of their 'inferior, retired, and unpolished way of living.' Charles Hayter, the eldest son, however, chose to be a scholar and a gentleman, and consequently has much more refined manners. He will one day inherit his family's land, and he hopes to court his cousin Henrietta and make her his wife
Mrs. Harville
Very similar in character to her husband Captain Harville, Mrs. Harville makes up for her lack of refinement with her good will. When Louisa takes a fall at the Cobb, Mrs. Harville proves herself to be an excellent nurse and plays an instrumental role in Louisa's recovery.
Fanny Harville
Captain Harville's sister. She was engaged to Captain Benwick but died before his return from sea. Captain Wentworth describes her as a "very superior creature" (121).
Lady Dalrymple
Dowager Viscountes Dalrymple arrives in Bath with much pomp and circumstance. Despite her title, however, "there was no superiority of manner, accomplishment, or understanding" in her or her daughter Miss Carteret. As the narrator notes: "Lady Dalrymple had acquired the name of 'a charming woman,' because she had a smile and a civil answer for every body" (99).
Miss Cartaret
Honorable Miss Cartaret, daughter of Lady Dalrymple. She is described as "so plain and awkward, that she would never have been tolerated in Camden-place but for her birth" (99).
Mr. Smith
The late Charles Smith was a man who spent his money too freely. He was an intimate friend of Mr. Elliot's and often gave him money.
Mrs. Smith
A former classmate of Anne's, though three years her elder. During her school days, Mrs. Smith helped Anne through her homesickness and loneliness. After school, Mrs. Smith married and lived the life of a young woman of society. Her husband's extravagant spending, however, has left her with no money upon his death. Despite her unenviable situation, she remains largely cheerful, agreeable, and sensible. A woman with a penchant for gossip, she renews her friendship with Anne through the latter's frequent visits to her in Bath.
Mrs. Rooke
The sister of Mrs. Smith's landlady at Bath, she is friend of Mrs. Smith's. Mrs. Smith describes her as "shrewd, intelligent, sensible woman" who has a gift for observing human nature that is "infinitely superior to thousands of those who have only received 'the best education in the world'" (102-103).
Themes in Persuation
The Theme of Persuasion
The novel asks whether it is better to be firm in one's convictions or to be open to the suggestions of others. After being dismissed by Anne eight years ago, Captain Wentworth believes strongly that any woman he marries will have a strong character and independent mind. While Anne believes that these are good qualities, she is also receptive to a sense of obligation and duty. She concludes that it was right for her to allow herself to be persuaded because "a strong sense of duty is no bad part of a woman's portion." In the end, Austen allows the reader to judge whether persuasion is a positive or negative force in the novel
The Theme of Status and Social Class
Persuasion, like many of Austen’s novels, is a study in 18th century English society, and its nuances of class rigidity and social mobility. Status and independence are composed of a combination of wealth, ancestry, and occupation: certain characters achieve independence through marrying into wealth, as is the case with Mr. William Elliot’s first marriage, while others such as Captain Frederick Wentworth achieve status and wealth through climbing the Naval ranks. Sir Walter Elliot prides himself on his “ancient and respectable” lineage, baronetcy, and wealthy estate; he is greatly preoccupied that his manner of living and ensuring that the people with whom his family associates will befit his high status, although these concerns lead him into excessive debt and undiscerning connections.
Considerations of class also affect characters of less vanity and more prudence, such as Lady Russell and the protagonist Anne Elliot. Lady Russell judiciously advises Anne about the importance of marrying a man who matches her station and can adequately provide for her, and, based on this counsel, Anne conscientiously refrains from marrying the man she loves. Austen’s novel—for all of its romantic wisdom about matching temperaments and love in marriage—also highlights and supports the importance of “marrying well” as a concern that none of the characters can escape, and one that inevitably takes into considerations of class and wealth.
Status and social class both motivate and restrict the actions that characters are able to take in fulfilling their desires. From the start of the novel, Sir Walter Elliot’s vanity and luxurious spending in order to live according to his status leads him into financial debt and require him to rent his estate. Mr. William Elliot is motivated to marry Anne out of a lately developed appreciation for his inheritance and baronetcy. Captain Wentworth strikes out to sea in order to make his fortunes through the Navy. One of the most striking examples of how status and class influence agency is in the tragedy of Mrs. Smith, Anne’s girlhood friend who is crippled by debt, widowhood, and illness. In the eyes of society, she has essentially nothing and relies on the more privileged Anne’s kindness, friendship, and charity.
The Theme of Marriage
In a novel with many unmarried and young woman, marriage is naturally an important theme. The central premise behind the novel is the thwarted engagement between the heroine and hero, Anne and Captain Wentworth. Although they are very much in love, the marriage is judged imprudent from a financial perspective. Much of the narrative builds up a weighty force against such a judgment, suggesting that somewhat imprudent marriages can still lead to happiness. This is a conclusion that is stated explicitly at the end by Mrs. Musgrove and Mrs. Croft. At the same time, the novel also deals with of marriages (or hopes of marriage) that have no purpose other than the social or financial benefit of one party. Such is the case of Mr. Elliot and his first wife, for example, or Mrs. Clay's desire to marry Sir Walter. In a society in which family plays such an important role, marriage is necessarily a complicated negotiation
The Theme of Class Rigidity and Social Mobility
The issues of class rigidity and social mobility are the most important themes in Persuasion. Marriage and the naval profession are two means by which individuals may improve their social class. Austen is not a revolutionary; she defends the values and traditions of respect for the social structure. Yet she is subtly subversive in her support of greater social mobility. The Navy's role in gradually increasing class flexibility is stated to be one of its "domestic virtues." But there are rules and limits to social ambition in Austen's world. Mr. Elliot and Mrs. Clay are punished for the selfishness they show in overstepping their bounds and breaking these rules. Austen is conservative in her respect for class traditions, yet practically she recognizes the advantages of greater social flexibility.
The Theme of Silly Parents
Silly parents play an important role in Persuasion, and are a recurring theme in many of Jane Austen's novels. Here, Sir Walter's imprudence and insensible extravagance cause the initial conflict that force the Elliots to leave their homes and "retrench" in Bath. Sir Walter is not a source of guidance for his daughters; he is so vain and self-involved that he is unable to make good decisions for the family. He has transmitted his 'silliness' to both Elizabeth and Mary. Elizabeth shares his vanity and self-importance; Mary is so filled with self-pity that she thinks everything a personal slight. Her children are uncontrollable because she takes little interest in teaching them. Although Anne has the good sense and strength of character to avoid the silliness, she is nevertheless inconvenienced by it. Children who must put up with irresponsible or ridiculous parents are a consistent theme in the novel.
The Theme of Foolishness
Austen builds this theme in Persuasion by having all characters act foolish at one time or another. After following Lady Russell's advice Anne Elliot suffers for it, and her foolishness is said to have "clouded every enjoyment of youth." In London Mrs. Smith tells of having participated in frivolous spending with her husband and now alone bears the weight of their actions. Despite afflicting his family with financial ruin, Sir Walter Elliot exhibits no common sense whatsoever and upholds the outward appearances of his title, perpetuating his money problems. By the novel's end, characters either address their foolishness or ignore it, and those who understand and endeavor to repair the consequences of their mistakes are rewarded with happiness.
The Theme of Upward Mobility
The two modes of upward mobility featured in Persuasion are military rank and marriage. As characters navigate the gendered paths of their society, friends and family members (both immediate and through marriage) often involve themselves in romantic decisions because of strict social limitations. In Chapter 4 the narrator reveals that Lady Russell, who has influenced Anne Elliot to break her engagement to Captain Wentworth, has urged her to marry Charles Musgrove. Lady Russell favors for her goddaughter a man Anne doesn't love because as Mr. Musgrove's first-born son, his "landed property and general importance, [a]re second, in that county, only to Sir Walter's." More often than not engagements seem more like a game of strategy, and love is rare.
Despite cordiality a tension exists between social circles, even those with ties through marriage such as the Musgroves and the Hayters. The upwardly mobile navy men in the novel (Admiral Croft, Captain Benwick, and Captain Wentworth) are only grudgingly accepted by higher social circles, and then only when they have achieved a high rank and significant fortune.
The Theme of Appearances
Appearances can be deceiving – but they can also be revealing. What they reveal, however, can be more about the observer than the observed. Beauty is really about attractiveness, which is about desire – what one person wants from another. The characters who receive compliments from others on their appearances are often those who have something the others desire to have or share.
The Theme of The Changing Ideal of the Gentleman
Two distinct versions of the English gentleman are present in this novel. We have Sir Walter on one hand: he is a titled, landowning, and traditional man who only cares for comfort. Captain Wentworth and Admiral Croft are examples of the other kind of gentleman. They are both hard-working men who have made their fortunes through their careers. Both of these men have excellent manners, but they will never have Sir Walter’s social rank. Persuasion reflects the way the definition of “gentleman” was fluid and changing in Regency England.