Persuade

Author: Austen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-02-01
Features: The significance of Persuasion is not limited to its moving depiction of love, nor to its moral teachings about love and prudence. More importantly, it also holds profound social meaning. This is first reflected in: the novel's merciless exposure and critique of the decadent aristocratic class. Sir Walter is a "foolish and extravagant baronet," who "lacks both principles and reason, unable to maintain the status bestowed by God," and ultimately loses the "duty and dignity" to live on his estate, hiding in a small town to "bask in self-satisfaction." The author tells us, "vanity constitutes the entire character of his nature"; behind this vanity, there is also his snobbery and selfishness. In order to elevate his "social status," he does not hesitate to curry favor with the Countess of Delaval and her daughter; to protect the "reputation" of his family, he desperately tries to prevent Anne from marrying the "low-born" Colonel Wentworth and from associating with the "vulgar" Mrs. Smith. However, ironically, while obstructing his daughter, his own household harbors a low-born enchantress (Lady Catherine), with whom he spends time in intimate company, nearly turning her into a "Lady Walter." This is a brilliant satire of the nobleman, fully exposing his hypocritical facade. Persuasion depicts a love story full of twists and turns. The aristocratic Miss Anne Elliot falls deeply in love with the young officer Captain Wentworth and becomes engaged to him. However, her father, Sir Walter, and her aunt, Lady Russell, disapprove of the match due to Wentworth's humble birth and lack of wealth. Out of "prudence," Anne follows her aunt's advice and painfully breaks off the engagement with the man she loves. Eight years later, having risen in rank and fortune through war, Captain Wentworth returns from military service and becomes a tenant of Sir Walter through his sister and brother-in-law. Though still resentful of Anne, the two eventually overcome obstacles and interference, ultimately uniting in marriage.