Review of Persuasion by Jane Austen

Persuasion (1817) by Jane Austen is a sophisticated and poignant romance novel that explores themes of regret, second chances, social class, and the consequences of family influence on personal choices. It is Austen’s final completed novel, and while it maintains the sharp wit and social commentary that define her work, it also offers a more mature reflection on love and the passing of time. The story follows Anne Elliot, a woman in her late twenties who is still emotionally affected by her broken engagement to Frederick Wentworth, a young naval officer whom she was persuaded to reject years earlier by her family. When they meet again, Anne finds herself torn between her feelings for Wentworth and her newfound wisdom and independence. Unlike many of Austen’s other heroines, Anne is more reflective and emotionally reserved, which makes her character arc particularly compelling as she navigates the complexities of love, social expectations, and personal growth. Persuasion is a delicate exploration of how personal decisions are influenced by society, family pressure, and regret, and how second chances can offer redemption and happiness.

Themes in Persuasion

  1. Second Chances in Love: At its heart, Persuasion is a story about second chances and rediscovery of love. Anne Elliot and Captain Frederick Wentworth were once in love but were separated by Anne’s decision to break off their engagement due to the persuasion of her family. After eight years, they meet again, and their feelings for each other have not completely faded. The novel explores the idea that true love can endure over time, and that circumstances and social expectations can sometimes lead people to make decisions they later regret. Persuasion suggests that true love is not easily extinguished and that it can grow stronger and more meaningful over time, especially when accompanied by personal growth and self-awareness.

  2. Regret and the Consequences of Persuasion: A key theme in Persuasion is the impact of regret and the consequences of being persuaded to make decisions that go against one’s own feelings. Anne’s initial rejection of Wentworth was influenced by the advice of her family and the societal pressures of her time, which emphasized wealth and social standing over emotional fulfillment. As Anne reflects on the years that have passed and the opportunity she lost, the novel delves into the emotional toll of regret and the process of coming to terms with decisions made in youth. This theme is contrasted with Wentworth’s journey, as he struggles with his own feelings of resentment and hurt from Anne’s rejection, illustrating how pride and miscommunication can complicate relationships.

  3. Social Class and Marriage: Like many of Austen’s works, Persuasion deals with issues of social class and the role it plays in relationships and marriage. Anne’s family, the Elliots, are obsessed with maintaining their status in society, and this obsession affects their perceptions of marriage, wealth, and worth. Anne’s earlier engagement to Wentworth was discouraged because he did not have the fortune and title that her family thought would be a suitable match. The novel critiques the social hierarchies of Regency-era England, where a person’s status and financial standing were often prioritized over personal happiness. The book suggests that true love transcends social rank, and that happiness in marriage depends more on compatibility and mutual respect than on material wealth or social expectations.

  4. Personal Growth and Self-Awareness: Anne Elliot’s journey is one of personal growth and self-discovery. At the beginning of the novel, Anne is portrayed as a woman who has been silenced and shaped by the expectations of her family and society. Over time, Anne’s experiences—both the loss of her first love and the realization that she deserves to be happy—lead her to a greater sense of self-worth. Anne evolves from a woman who is passive and easily influenced to one who understands her own desires and is willing to take action to secure her happiness. This theme of self-empowerment and growth resonates deeply in the novel, especially as Anne becomes more confident in her decision to pursue love on her own terms, rather than conforming to the expectations of others.

  5. Family and Influence: Family dynamics and the influence of others are also important themes in Persuasion. Anne’s family, particularly her father, Sir Walter Elliot, and her younger sister, Elizabeth, are characterized by vanity and an obsession with appearance and social standing. Their attitudes influence Anne’s earlier decision to break off her engagement with Wentworth, and their behavior continues to affect her throughout the novel. The theme of family influence is explored in relation to Anne’s ability to assert her own desires, particularly in her relationships with her sisters, who embody different approaches to life and love. Anne’s relationship with her family, especially her sister Mary, highlights the novel’s commentary on the tension between individuality and family loyalty.

Character Roles in Persuasion

  1. Anne Elliot: Anne Elliot is the novel’s heroine, and her character arc revolves around personal growth and the rediscovery of her true desires. Anne is intelligent, compassionate, and sensitive, but for much of the novel, she is overshadowed by her family and constrained by societal expectations. She initially appears to be a more passive protagonist compared to other Austen heroines, but over time, she reveals her strength, particularly in her ability to reconcile her feelings of regret and hope. Anne’s journey of reclaiming her agency, both in love and in life, serves as a powerful narrative of self-discovery and empowerment. She represents the quiet strength of women who often had to navigate societal constraints in silence.

  2. Frederick Wentworth: Frederick Wentworth is the male protagonist of Persuasion and Anne’s former fiancé. He is a naval officer who, after being rejected by Anne, rises to wealth and prominence. His character is defined by pride, determination, and bitterness towards Anne after she broke off their engagement, and he initially views her with disdain. As the novel progresses, Wentworth’s feelings for Anne resurface, and his emotional struggle—torn between resentment and longing—becomes central to the plot. Wentworth’s development is marked by his realization that his love for Anne never truly faded, and his willingness to forgive and move on reflects the novel’s themes of second chances and emotional growth.

  3. Sir Walter Elliot: Sir Walter Elliot is Anne’s father and represents the theme of vanity and social status. Obsessed with his appearance and his family’s reputation, Sir Walter embodies the superficial values of the upper class. His character serves as a critique of noble class values in Regency England, where appearances often mattered more than personal substance or moral character. Sir Walter’s behavior is largely detached from the concerns of his children, and his self-absorption contrasts sharply with Anne’s introspection and self-awareness.

  4. Elizabeth Elliot: Elizabeth Elliot, Anne’s older sister, is a more rigid and proud character who shares many of her father’s values. Elizabeth represents the societal ideal of a woman who is preoccupied with social status and outward appearances. Her relationship with Anne is somewhat strained, as Elizabeth resents Anne’s quiet intelligence and independence, qualities that she views as unimportant in the pursuit of a good marriage. Elizabeth’s character underscores the theme of social climbing and family pressure, and her choices contrast with Anne’s more thoughtful and emotionally intelligent approach to life and love.

  5. Mary Musgrove: Mary Musgrove, Anne’s younger sister, is self-absorbed and frequently complains about her various ailments, embodying the self-centeredness of the upper class. Mary’s character provides some comic relief, but she also serves to contrast Anne’s more mature and selfless nature. While Mary represents a certain naivety and lack of emotional depth, Anne’s ability to navigate family tensions with grace highlights her more grown-up sensibility and emotional intelligence.

Linguistic Tools in Persuasion

  1. Epistolary Elements: While not strictly an epistolary novel, Persuasion includes several important letter exchanges that reveal the characters' emotions and develop the plot. Letters in Austen’s novels often serve as a way to advance romantic connections or misunderstandings, and they allow for more direct expressions of inner thoughts. In Persuasion, letters help convey Anne’s emotions, as well as the complexity of communication between characters who are often constrained by social decorum and unspoken rules.

  2. Dialogue and Social Commentary: Austen’s trademark use of sharp dialogue and witty exchanges provides much of the novel’s emotional depth and social commentary. The interactions between Anne and other characters, particularly Wentworth, reveal their true feelings, often subtly expressed through sarcasm, irony, or indirectness. Through her dialogue, Austen critiques the societal expectations of her time, particularly the way romance, marriage, and social class are intertwined. The wit and irony of the dialogue also serve to highlight the contrast between appearances and reality.

  3. Narrative Tone: The tone of Persuasion is more reflective and contemplative compared to some of Austen’s other novels. The story’s focus on maturity and regret lends the narrative a slightly more melancholic atmosphere, although it still retains Austen’s characteristic humor and irony. The tone allows for a more subtle exploration of Anne’s inner thoughts, giving readers a deeper understanding of her character as she navigates her feelings of loss and renewal.

Conclusion

Persuasion is a beautifully written, nuanced exploration of love, regret, and second chances. Through Anne Elliot’s journey, Jane Austen reflects on the emotional complexities of human relationships, the pressure of societal expectations, and the importance of personal growth and self-awareness. The novel is a poignant meditation on the value of wisdom and experience in relationships and life, and how true love often requires time, patience, and the courage to overcome past mistakes. Austen’s wit, insight, and ability to craft memorable characters make Persuasion one of her most enduring and beloved works