Persuasion by Jane Austen | A Classic Ode to Romance
Persuasion is a classic novel written by Jane Austen. It was published in 1817, six months after her death. This novel explores the themes of love, loss, and the consequences of the choices that individuals make. Persuasion is a story of self-discovery and how one’s perception of love and relationships evolve over time. The novel is set in the seaside town of Bath, England, and follows the journey of the protagonist, Anne Elliot.
Anne Elliot is the daughter of a vain and spendthrift baronet, Sir Walter Elliot. At the age of nineteen, Anne was persuaded by her family to break off her engagement with Frederick Wentworth, a naval officer, because he lacked the social status and wealth that was expected of a lady in her position. Eight years later, Anne and Frederick cross paths again, and their circumstances have changed considerably. Anne must now confront her feelings towards Frederick and the consequences of her family’s prejudices.
The novel is a reflection of Jane Austen’s own experiences with love and marriage. Austen herself never married and believed that marriage should be based on mutual respect, understanding, and love, rather than societal expectations. Persuasion is a celebration of this belief and a critique of the societal expectations that governed the lives of women in the Regency era.
Themes of Persuasion
1. Love and Relationships
The central theme of Persuasion is love and how it can be affected by societal expectations and the passage of time. The novel explores the different types of love that exist, including the love between family members, friends, and romantic partners. Jane Austen shows how love can be influenced by external factors such as social class, wealth, and the opinions of others.
2. Social Prejudice
Persuasion also explores the theme of social prejudice and its impact on individuals’ lives. The novel shows how societal expectations can be oppressive and limit people’s choices, particularly women. Jane Austen criticizes the rigid social hierarchy and conventions of the Regency era and calls for a more egalitarian society.
3. Self-discovery
Persuasion is a story of self-discovery and how one’s perception of oneself and others can change over time. The novel shows how experiences and the passage of time can cause individuals to reassess their beliefs and opinions. Persuasion is a celebration of growth and self-awareness.
4. Consequences of Choices
The novel also explores the consequences of the choices that individuals make, particularly in relation to love and relationships. Jane Austen shows how decisions made in the past can have lasting consequences and how individuals must learn to live with these consequences.
Persuasion has endured as a classic novel because of its timeless themes and characters that readers can relate to even today.
Influences of Persuasion
One of the major influences on Persuasion was Jane Austen’s own life experiences. The novel was written in the last few years of Austen’s life and is believed to be her most autobiographical work. Jane Austen never married, but she did experience rejection and heartbreak. Like Anne Elliot, Austen was persuaded by her family to break off a relationship with a man she loved because he lacked the social status and wealth that was expected of her.
Persuasion is also influenced by the societal norms and conventions of the Regency era. Jane Austen was critical of the rigid social hierarchy and the expectations placed on women in this era. Persuasion is a reflection of this criticism and promotes the idea of love based on mutual respect and understanding rather than societal expectations.
Another influence on Persuasion was the growing interest in naval heroes in the Regency era. The Napoleonic Wars had a significant impact on British society, and the naval heroes who fought in these wars were celebrated for their bravery and patriotism. Frederick Wentworth embodies the characteristics of a naval hero and is a reflection of this trend.
Conclusion
Persuasion by Jane Austen is a classic novel that explores the themes of love, loss, and the consequences of the choices that individuals make. The novel is a celebration of self-discovery and growth and a critique of the societal expectations that governed the lives of women in the Regency era. Persuasion has endured as a classic novel because of its timeless themes and relatable characters.
Guide:
Before reading Persuasion, it is important to understand the societal norms and conventions of the Regency era. Here are some things to keep in mind:
1. Social Hierarchy
The Regency era was characterized by a rigid social hierarchy, where social status and wealth were the most important factors in determining one’s place in society. The upper classes had more privileges and opportunities than the lower classes.
2. Dress Code
The dress code was also a reflection of social status. The upper classes dressed in fashionable and expensive clothing, whereas the lower classes had to make do with simpler and more practical clothing.
3. Marriage
Marriage was considered one of the most important decisions that an individual could make in the Regency era. Marriages were often arranged for financial or social gain rather than for love. Women were expected to marry well and secure their future in society.
4. Social Conventions
There were many social conventions that governed the behavior and interactions of individuals in the Regency era. For example, it was considered improper for a woman to be alone with a man who was not her husband or close relative.
By understanding the societal norms and conventions of the Regency era, readers can gain a deeper appreciation of Persuasion and Jane Austen’s critique of these societal expectations.
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Persuasion-novel-by-Austen
https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/persuasion/
https://www.shmoop.com/study-guides/literature/persuasion/references