Love, marriage, and the impact of gender are themes frequently addressed by Jane Austen, but it can be difficult to know where she falls situates on such topics, given the varying perspectives of its characters. Even though we as readers often relate to the heroine of the story, that doesn't always mean she is who we should believe. Austen presents a multiplicity of voices, giving more weight to some than others, in order to show that love has no right or wrong. In the case of the conversation between Anne Elliot and Captain Harville in Persuasion, I don't believe Austen necessarily agrees with either of their arguments. The debate over which gender is more consistent in love does not take into account the complex circumstances of each situation. Each character is determined in their point of view, but Austen undermines them both with the events of the novel. Persuasion shows that love is a matter of individuals and their emotional capacity, rather than a subject about which sexist generalizations can be made. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Captain Harville argues that Captain Benwick is an exception to the rule that men love longer and harder, emphasizing the connection between their physical and emotional selves. Harville draws on socially accepted (at the time) generalizations about physical differences between the sexes and uses them to support his argument about the strength of men's love: "I believe in a true analogy between our bodily structures and our mind; and that as our bodies are the strongest, so are our feelings; able to withstand the harshest use and withstand the harshest weather conditions” (187). This argument is based on the belief that the mind and body mirror each other, ignoring the strength of women's bodies (especially during childbearing) and the existence of physically weak men with robust intellectual and emotional minds. Harville's view of men as generally physically and mentally strong most likely comes from his experience in the Navy. As Austen knew from her brothers, being a sailor subjected men to many physical and emotional challenges, which would be the life experience of Captain Harville and his closest friends. It is entirely natural that Harville presents his argument from his personal point of view, but there is a certain self-indulgence here. When he laments the pain of leaving on a ship and not knowing when he will see his family again, he fails at all to recognize that it might be equally difficult for the sailor's wife and children. This lack of awareness weakens his case. In fact, it reveals a kind of selfish love. Harville speaks of "all that a man can bear and do", positioning men as the only ones to suffer in the event of separation, showing that he only thinks of his own pain, sparing no thought of how his family could manage without him. Harville deviates from the initial topic of conversation, about the steadfastness of love, and instead argues about the strength of love and who can best overcome difficulties. Anne and Harville end their conversation amicably, agreeing to disagree, but if it were a formal debate, Anne would emerge the champion. Anne accepts Harville's arguments, then cleverly counters each of them, while recognizing the impact of gender roles on this topic. . If Harville remains faithful to his convictions, Anne does not trynever deny that men love strongly and deeply. Anne’s final statement sums up the conversation clearly: “All the privileges I claim for my own sex. . . is that of loving the longest, when existence or when hope has disappeared” (189). She shows an understanding of Harville's arguments and responds to each of them. His assertions about the bodily connection with the emotional mind are taken up by Anne and used to her advantage: "man is more robust than woman, but he does not live longer. » She takes her tangential argument and adapts it to answer the question posed: who is more constant? Anne also discusses the difference between the daily occupations of men and women, and the impact this could have on recovery time after a broken heart. This point centers on the fact that women are confined to the domestic sphere, while men have external affairs to occupy their minds. Throughout the novel, Anne is a very constrained and repressed character. She functions primarily as a passive listener, observing the events of the novel happening to others. Through third-person omniscient narration, we understand that Anne has many thoughts and feelings about these events, but rarely expresses them to others. Anne, as she is for most of Persuasion, is evidence of this repression of women's voices and how it means their thoughts and feelings grow in silence. Since upper-class women were unable to go to work, they were forced to spend most of their time at home. Not having business or studies to occupy the mind gives them plenty of time to dwell on matters of the heart. However, this conversation marks a turning point. Anne speaks up and makes her opinion heard. Although she must still function within the societal constraints of her gender, she becomes more autonomous by giving voice to her thoughts. This change for Anne is one we appreciate, as it can be frustrating to read Persuasion and constantly wish Anne would take some freedom of action. His intelligence and autonomy are highlighted in this conversation, which is why his argument seems stronger. Anne disagreeing with Harville proves her point another way, through the subtext of her speech. Whenever Anne speaks of constancy, she is referring to her own unwavering affection for Wentworth. This has a particularly powerful effect because Wentworth sits only a few feet from the two men as they debate, and is perhaps even within earshot (as evidenced by the fact that he drops his pen). Her speech marks her shift from a passive woman who craves affection to an active character who takes steps to obtain the love she desires. She knows that Wentworth is listening at the doors and she wants him to hear (Mooneyham 179). Although her argument with Harville is generalizations, she understands that it will have specific meaning for Wentworth. Similarly to Harville, Anne argues from her own lived experience. However, this does not prevent him from ignoring the experiences of others. She sincerely acknowledges that men can love and be steadfast in their love, but she persists in her assertions that women can love longer, even when hope is lost, because of her intimate knowledge of this exact situation. We also appreciate the nuance of Anne's understanding of the issue and the concessions she makes to Harville, as it illustrates a mature and rational approach to an immensely emotional subject. In, 1997.