Passion and Prudence: Anne Elliot's Characterization in Persuasion » With these words, Jane Austen crystallizes one of the central questions of her novel Persuasion: is it better to be voluntary or easily persuaded? Persuasion differs from Austen's other novels because of its darker tone and more insightful analysis of trends in Victorian society. The most distinctive aspect of Persuasion, however, is the character of its heroine, Anne Elliot, a woman "silent but thoughtful, persuasive but steady, a model of composure but radiant with emotion" (Muller 20) . Indeed, throughout the novel, Austen uses description, dialogue, inner thought, and foils to reveal Anne's character and explore themes of persuasion, romantic constancy, and gender roles. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay To begin, Austen uses description to describe the character of Anne Elliot and expand on the themes of the novel. In chapter 2, for example, the narrator describes Anne's response to the Elliot family's financial problems. “She wanted more vigorous measures, more complete reform…a much higher tone of indifference to everything except justice and equity” (Austen 13). This detail about Anne illustrates her keen mind, common sense and scrupulous convictions, qualities which contrast with the extravagance and pride of Sir Walter and Elizabeth Elliot, both of whom argue that any reduction in spending would bring discredit to their family name (Austen 11). Moreover, the very fact that Lady Russell chose to consult Anne rather than Elizabeth about the family budget indicates her confidence in Anne's more prudent character. This detail about Anne also brings out a comparison between her and the late Lady Elliot, a woman of great “method, moderation and economy” (Austen 10). Indeed, “only in Anne could [Lady Russell] imagine that the mother would come back to life” (Austen 7). Just as Elizabeth shares her father's arrogance and vanity, Anne has inherited her mother's frugality and sensitivity. Not only does this portrait of Anne reveal much about her character, but it also introduces the central theme of the novel: the superiority of a firm but cautious character over a stubborn or weak character. One wonders if the Elliot family could have stayed at Kellynch Hall if Sir Walter had only followed Anne's advice. Even this early in the novel, Austen has already begun to emphasize Anne's sensible character and communicate the superiority of prudence over stubbornness. Prudence, however, does not exclude healthy firmness of character. For example, after telling the reader about Anne's broken engagement to Captain Wentworth, the narrator describes how Anne, now 27, thinks "very differently from what she was made to think at nineteen years,” because she now deeply regrets her decision and her experience. of being “compelled to prudence” (Austen 29). Through this description, the reader learns that Anne has become more independent-minded; no doubt, she still cherishes Lady Russell's advice, but she has also developed her own perspective on love and life: she "learned romance as she grew older" (Austen 29). As well as providing insight into Anne's character, this detail further develops the theme of persuasion. “Forced” contains the negative connotation of coercion, an indication of the harmful consequences that can result from persuasion. Anne's grief at her estrangement from Wentworthalso indicates the dangers of being too easily persuaded. After all, if Anne had kept her engagement to Wentworth, she would have spared herself countless hours of heartache. Austen thus communicates that prudence and firmness of character must go hand in hand. Later in the story, the author continues to use description to characterize Anne Elliot. For example, when Mrs. Croft mentions something about a Mr. Wentworth, Anne cannot suppress her outburst of emotion. “Anne hoped to have survived the age of blushing; but she was certainly not old enough for emotion” (Austen 46). In describing Anne's emotions here, the narrator indicates that Anne still has strong, perhaps unacknowledged, feelings for Captain Wentworth. In fact, despite eight years of separation and silence, Anne remained steadfast in her devotion to Wentworth, and this facet of her character conveys another theme of the novel, namely the value of remaining steadfast in love. Austen cites Anne as an example of how true love must remain steadfast despite the longest and most acute trials. Additionally, this excerpt of Anne reveals her tendency to have intense emotions, especially when she is around Wentworth. She blushes when she hears his name, experiences “a thousand feelings” when she first meets him, and seems sick of his “irresistible happiness” after their reconciliation (Austen 25, 56, 223). As Robyn Warhol said, “love literally hurts in persuasion” (qtd. Muller 23). In truth, Anne Elliot's vivid emotions set her apart from other Austen heroines, "reminding us rather of Charlotte Brontë than of Jane Austen" (Muller 24). In Pride and Prejudice, for example, Elizabeth Bennet never seems to express her happiness, but simply recognizes that she should be happy because of her fiancé's wealth. Likewise, Emma's protagonist lacks the emotional depth of Anne. Austen may have invested Anne with this intense emotion to subtly counter the restrictions of her time, those Victorian ideas that delegated women to the domestic sphere and limited the amount of emotion or sexual feelings a woman could express (Cenicola and Mareike 1). Persuasion was Austen's only novel set in the contemporary present, and so Austen may have created Anne Elliot – that graceful combination of traditional femininity and unconventional emotion – to challenge Victorian notions of the ideal woman. Therefore, Austen uses this detail about Anne's emotions, along with many other descriptions, to highlight various facets of Anne's character and explore the themes of the novel. In addition to description, the author uses dialogue to flesh out Anne's character and emphasize the themes of the story. In fact, in the first chapters, what is most striking in the dialogue with Anne is her absence. In the first three chapters, Anne speaks only a few snippets of dialogue, while her father talks extensively about Kellynch-hall and the navy. This silence stems in part from Anne's subordinate position as the unmarried middle daughter, but it also reveals Anne's quiet, introspective character. Throughout the novel, Anne takes the position of an observer and the reader hears her thoughts much more than her words. However, when she speaks, her words carry great meaning. For example, near the end of the novel, Anne and Captain Harville discuss Captain Benwick's recent engagement to Louisa Musgrove, during which Anne tells Harville that women have more romantic fidelity than men. “We certainly do not forget you as soon as you forget us,” she said (Austen 218). She then contrasts the way in which thewomen "live at home, quiet, confined", with the way men strive to succeed in the difficult world of professional work (Ibid). This conversation showcases Anne's intelligence and her ability to think for herself. Furthermore, it clearly communicates his constancy in love, so much so that this exchange “pierces” Wentworth’s soul (Austen 222). More importantly, it also transfixes the reader with the conviction of the need to remain faithful to love despite the vicissitudes of life. In addition to the theme of loving loyalty, Austen also raises the theme of gender roles. Anne's delineation of different gender roles reflects the Victorian emphasis on separate spheres for men and women; According to this “cult of domesticity,” women were expected to be good housewives and mothers, and their status depended on marriage. These distinct spheres are manifested in the different paths that Wentworth and Anne take after breaking off their first engagement: Wentworth goes on to achieve great wealth and status in the navy, while Anne becomes a faded spinner past her prime. Clearly, through this contrast and through Anne's conversation with Harville, Austen seeks to show the full consequences of the idea of separate spheres, describing the limited opportunities women faced. Although Austen was not a feminist, she seems to encourage greater equality of opportunity and experience between the sexes. Austen's ideal couple would resemble that of the Crofts, where the wife always defers to the husband, but also accompanies her partner in his profession and travels outside the home. Therefore, Austen's use of dialogue in this case not only further reveals Anne's character, but also develops the themes of constancy in love and equality between the sexes. Austen also uses the dialogue between Anne and Wentworth to reveal more of Anne's character and give her more nuance. to the theme of persuasion. After Wentworth's letter of reconciliation, Anne and Wentworth express their feelings and discuss the events that occurred during the novel. “If I was wrong to once yield to persuasion,” says Anne, referring to her decision to break off the original engagement, “remember that it was for persuasion exercised for the sake of security” (Austen 229). Similarly, during the card game later that day, Anne tells Wentworth of her conclusion that, after all, it was right to submit to Lady Russell's advice regarding the betrothal, as she would have suffered in her conscience if she had acted otherwise (Austen 231). Not only do these words reveal Anne's strong sense of duty - an unwavering commitment to honoring her elders and submitting to authority - but they also show her sensitivity, for even today, although she is inflated by Wentworth's passionate love, she continues to keep a cool head. Austen also uses this dialogue to expand on the theme of persuasion. Using Anne's reasonable and credible voice, Austen communicates the value of moderation over stubbornness and prudence over unbridled passion. Certainly, Austen does not justify Lady Russell's advice – Anne herself admits that she would not give such advice to a younger woman (Austen 231). Nor does it promote a callous attitude that easily succumbs to persuasion. But Austen seems to appreciate Anne's responsibility to her elders, her loyalty to her friends, and ultimately her sagacity in decision-making. Thus, in this dialogue between Anne and Wentworth, the author sheds light on Anne's character and indicates that prudence of mind should alwaysaccompany firmness of character. Description and dialogue reveal much about the novel's protagonist, but perhaps the most important tool Austen uses to characterize Anne is inner thought. By allowing the reader to penetrate the recesses of Anne's mind, the author allows the audience to understand the full extent of her devotion to Wentworth. For example, after Mr. Shepard briefly mentions Captain Wentworth, Anne rushes out and thinks, "A few more months, and he might just be walking here" (Austen 25). This example clearly shows that Anne still cherishes Wentworth in her heart. Such dedication is simply extraordinary considering that eight years have passed since Anne last saw Wentworth, eight years of silence and separation, eight years of ignorance as to whether he was dead , living or married. In light of this, we can only marvel at Anne's loving fidelity. By using these inner thoughts to portray Anne as a woman of great loyalty and passionate love, Austen seeks to promote greater constancy in love. Additionally, Anne's inner thoughts reveal her remarkable insight. Concerning Captain Benwick's mourning over his deceased wife, for example, Anne tells herself that he will soon "rally again and be happy with another" (Austen 91). This prediction soon came true, as Benwick quickly became engaged to Louisa Musgrove. Anne's lucid thoughts also appear in her observation of Mr. Elliot. In contrast to Lady Russell's great admiration for Mr. Elliot, Anne has a premonition of his devious character. She finds him simply too refined, too discreet, perhaps too eager to hide his true past (Austen 151). These feelings are ultimately validated by Mrs. Smith's revelation of Mr. Elliot's coldness, lust for wealth, and darkness of heart (Austen 187). These two examples reflect Anne's insight. Unlike Lady Russell, whose judgment is often “blinded” by the external appearances of wealth, or Sir Walter, who sees almost nothing pass the tip of his magnificent nose, Anne alone judges people at their true value – Anne only sees clearly (Austen 12). , 231). Therefore, she escapes the irony of self-deception experienced by many other Austen heroines. In addition to developing Anne's insightful character, these judgments ensure Anne's credibility as an accurate commentator on the novel's events, allowing readers to enter the story through her uncompromising gaze. This credibility makes Anne an effective vehicle for the author to express his or her own opinions; indeed, the line between Anne's thoughts and the author's commentary often blurs. For example, Anne's thoughts in the aftermath of Louisa's injury seem to reflect Austen's own view: "Perhaps a persuasive character might sometimes be as much in favor of happiness as a very resolute character." (Austen 108). The accuracy of Anne's judgments indicates that her view closely aligns with that of the author, and it can therefore be concluded that Anne's statement accurately reflects the author's own views on persuasion. Here Austen clearly expresses her belief that people should remain open to the advice of others, not too weak to think for themselves, but not stubborn enough to ignore all advice. Thus, through the use of inner thought, Austen both describes Anne's insightful character and further develops the theme of persuasion. The final tool Austen uses to develop Anne's identity involves foils, people who contrast Anne and serve to accentuate her character qualities. 2016.

Essay / Passion and Prudence: Anne Elliot's Characterization in Persuasion » With these words, Jane Austen crystallizes one of the central questions of her novel Persuasion: is it better to be voluntary or easily persuaded? Persuasion differs from Austen's other novels because of its darker tone and more insightful analysis of trends in Victorian society. The most distinctive aspect of Persuasion, however, is the character of its heroine, Anne Elliot, a woman "silent but thoughtful, persuasive but steady, a model of composure but radiant with emotion" (Muller 20) . Indeed, throughout the novel, Austen uses description, dialogue, inner thought, and foils to reveal Anne's character and explore themes of persuasion, romantic constancy, and gender roles. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay To begin, Austen uses description to describe the character of Anne Elliot and expand on the themes of the novel. In chapter 2, for example, the narrator describes Anne's response to the Elliot family's financial problems. “She wanted more vigorous measures, more complete reform…a much higher tone of indifference to everything except justice and equity” (Austen 13). This detail about Anne illustrates her keen mind, common sense and scrupulous convictions, qualities which contrast with the extravagance and pride of Sir Walter and Elizabeth Elliot, both of whom argue that any reduction in spending would bring discredit to their family name (Austen 11). Moreover, the very fact that Lady Russell chose to consult Anne rather than Elizabeth about the family budget indicates her confidence in Anne's more prudent character. This detail about Anne also brings out a comparison between her and the late Lady Elliot, a woman of great “method, moderation and economy” (Austen 10). Indeed, “only in Anne could [Lady Russell] imagine that the mother would come back to life” (Austen 7). Just as Elizabeth shares her father's arrogance and vanity, Anne has inherited her mother's frugality and sensitivity. Not only does this portrait of Anne reveal much about her character, but it also introduces the central theme of the novel: the superiority of a firm but cautious character over a stubborn or weak character. One wonders if the Elliot family could have stayed at Kellynch Hall if Sir Walter had only followed Anne's advice. Even this early in the novel, Austen has already begun to emphasize Anne's sensible character and communicate the superiority of prudence over stubbornness. Prudence, however, does not exclude healthy firmness of character. For example, after telling the reader about Anne's broken engagement to Captain Wentworth, the narrator describes how Anne, now 27, thinks "very differently from what she was made to think at nineteen years,” because she now deeply regrets her decision and her experience. of being “compelled to prudence” (Austen 29). Through this description, the reader learns that Anne has become more independent-minded; no doubt, she still cherishes Lady Russell's advice, but she has also developed her own perspective on love and life: she "learned romance as she grew older" (Austen 29). As well as providing insight into Anne's character, this detail further develops the theme of persuasion. “Forced” contains the negative connotation of coercion, an indication of the harmful consequences that can result from persuasion. Anne's grief at her estrangement from Wentworthalso indicates the dangers of being too easily persuaded. After all, if Anne had kept her engagement to Wentworth, she would have spared herself countless hours of heartache. Austen thus communicates that prudence and firmness of character must go hand in hand. Later in the story, the author continues to use description to characterize Anne Elliot. For example, when Mrs. Croft mentions something about a Mr. Wentworth, Anne cannot suppress her outburst of emotion. “Anne hoped to have survived the age of blushing; but she was certainly not old enough for emotion” (Austen 46). In describing Anne's emotions here, the narrator indicates that Anne still has strong, perhaps unacknowledged, feelings for Captain Wentworth. In fact, despite eight years of separation and silence, Anne remained steadfast in her devotion to Wentworth, and this facet of her character conveys another theme of the novel, namely the value of remaining steadfast in love. Austen cites Anne as an example of how true love must remain steadfast despite the longest and most acute trials. Additionally, this excerpt of Anne reveals her tendency to have intense emotions, especially when she is around Wentworth. She blushes when she hears his name, experiences “a thousand feelings” when she first meets him, and seems sick of his “irresistible happiness” after their reconciliation (Austen 25, 56, 223). As Robyn Warhol said, “love literally hurts in persuasion” (qtd. Muller 23). In truth, Anne Elliot's vivid emotions set her apart from other Austen heroines, "reminding us rather of Charlotte Brontë than of Jane Austen" (Muller 24). In Pride and Prejudice, for example, Elizabeth Bennet never seems to express her happiness, but simply recognizes that she should be happy because of her fiancé's wealth. Likewise, Emma's protagonist lacks the emotional depth of Anne. Austen may have invested Anne with this intense emotion to subtly counter the restrictions of her time, those Victorian ideas that delegated women to the domestic sphere and limited the amount of emotion or sexual feelings a woman could express (Cenicola and Mareike 1). Persuasion was Austen's only novel set in the contemporary present, and so Austen may have created Anne Elliot – that graceful combination of traditional femininity and unconventional emotion – to challenge Victorian notions of the ideal woman. Therefore, Austen uses this detail about Anne's emotions, along with many other descriptions, to highlight various facets of Anne's character and explore the themes of the novel. In addition to description, the author uses dialogue to flesh out Anne's character and emphasize the themes of the story. In fact, in the first chapters, what is most striking in the dialogue with Anne is her absence. In the first three chapters, Anne speaks only a few snippets of dialogue, while her father talks extensively about Kellynch-hall and the navy. This silence stems in part from Anne's subordinate position as the unmarried middle daughter, but it also reveals Anne's quiet, introspective character. Throughout the novel, Anne takes the position of an observer and the reader hears her thoughts much more than her words. However, when she speaks, her words carry great meaning. For example, near the end of the novel, Anne and Captain Harville discuss Captain Benwick's recent engagement to Louisa Musgrove, during which Anne tells Harville that women have more romantic fidelity than men. “We certainly do not forget you as soon as you forget us,” she said (Austen 218). She then contrasts the way in which thewomen "live at home, quiet, confined", with the way men strive to succeed in the difficult world of professional work (Ibid). This conversation showcases Anne's intelligence and her ability to think for herself. Furthermore, it clearly communicates his constancy in love, so much so that this exchange “pierces” Wentworth’s soul (Austen 222). More importantly, it also transfixes the reader with the conviction of the need to remain faithful to love despite the vicissitudes of life. In addition to the theme of loving loyalty, Austen also raises the theme of gender roles. Anne's delineation of different gender roles reflects the Victorian emphasis on separate spheres for men and women; According to this “cult of domesticity,” women were expected to be good housewives and mothers, and their status depended on marriage. These distinct spheres are manifested in the different paths that Wentworth and Anne take after breaking off their first engagement: Wentworth goes on to achieve great wealth and status in the navy, while Anne becomes a faded spinner past her prime. Clearly, through this contrast and through Anne's conversation with Harville, Austen seeks to show the full consequences of the idea of separate spheres, describing the limited opportunities women faced. Although Austen was not a feminist, she seems to encourage greater equality of opportunity and experience between the sexes. Austen's ideal couple would resemble that of the Crofts, where the wife always defers to the husband, but also accompanies her partner in his profession and travels outside the home. Therefore, Austen's use of dialogue in this case not only further reveals Anne's character, but also develops the themes of constancy in love and equality between the sexes. Austen also uses the dialogue between Anne and Wentworth to reveal more of Anne's character and give her more nuance. to the theme of persuasion. After Wentworth's letter of reconciliation, Anne and Wentworth express their feelings and discuss the events that occurred during the novel. “If I was wrong to once yield to persuasion,” says Anne, referring to her decision to break off the original engagement, “remember that it was for persuasion exercised for the sake of security” (Austen 229). Similarly, during the card game later that day, Anne tells Wentworth of her conclusion that, after all, it was right to submit to Lady Russell's advice regarding the betrothal, as she would have suffered in her conscience if she had acted otherwise (Austen 231). Not only do these words reveal Anne's strong sense of duty - an unwavering commitment to honoring her elders and submitting to authority - but they also show her sensitivity, for even today, although she is inflated by Wentworth's passionate love, she continues to keep a cool head. Austen also uses this dialogue to expand on the theme of persuasion. Using Anne's reasonable and credible voice, Austen communicates the value of moderation over stubbornness and prudence over unbridled passion. Certainly, Austen does not justify Lady Russell's advice – Anne herself admits that she would not give such advice to a younger woman (Austen 231). Nor does it promote a callous attitude that easily succumbs to persuasion. But Austen seems to appreciate Anne's responsibility to her elders, her loyalty to her friends, and ultimately her sagacity in decision-making. Thus, in this dialogue between Anne and Wentworth, the author sheds light on Anne's character and indicates that prudence of mind should alwaysaccompany firmness of character. Description and dialogue reveal much about the novel's protagonist, but perhaps the most important tool Austen uses to characterize Anne is inner thought. By allowing the reader to penetrate the recesses of Anne's mind, the author allows the audience to understand the full extent of her devotion to Wentworth. For example, after Mr. Shepard briefly mentions Captain Wentworth, Anne rushes out and thinks, "A few more months, and he might just be walking here" (Austen 25). This example clearly shows that Anne still cherishes Wentworth in her heart. Such dedication is simply extraordinary considering that eight years have passed since Anne last saw Wentworth, eight years of silence and separation, eight years of ignorance as to whether he was dead , living or married. In light of this, we can only marvel at Anne's loving fidelity. By using these inner thoughts to portray Anne as a woman of great loyalty and passionate love, Austen seeks to promote greater constancy in love. Additionally, Anne's inner thoughts reveal her remarkable insight. Concerning Captain Benwick's mourning over his deceased wife, for example, Anne tells herself that he will soon "rally again and be happy with another" (Austen 91). This prediction soon came true, as Benwick quickly became engaged to Louisa Musgrove. Anne's lucid thoughts also appear in her observation of Mr. Elliot. In contrast to Lady Russell's great admiration for Mr. Elliot, Anne has a premonition of his devious character. She finds him simply too refined, too discreet, perhaps too eager to hide his true past (Austen 151). These feelings are ultimately validated by Mrs. Smith's revelation of Mr. Elliot's coldness, lust for wealth, and darkness of heart (Austen 187). These two examples reflect Anne's insight. Unlike Lady Russell, whose judgment is often “blinded” by the external appearances of wealth, or Sir Walter, who sees almost nothing pass the tip of his magnificent nose, Anne alone judges people at their true value – Anne only sees clearly (Austen 12). , 231). Therefore, she escapes the irony of self-deception experienced by many other Austen heroines. In addition to developing Anne's insightful character, these judgments ensure Anne's credibility as an accurate commentator on the novel's events, allowing readers to enter the story through her uncompromising gaze. This credibility makes Anne an effective vehicle for the author to express his or her own opinions; indeed, the line between Anne's thoughts and the author's commentary often blurs. For example, Anne's thoughts in the aftermath of Louisa's injury seem to reflect Austen's own view: "Perhaps a persuasive character might sometimes be as much in favor of happiness as a very resolute character." (Austen 108). The accuracy of Anne's judgments indicates that her view closely aligns with that of the author, and it can therefore be concluded that Anne's statement accurately reflects the author's own views on persuasion. Here Austen clearly expresses her belief that people should remain open to the advice of others, not too weak to think for themselves, but not stubborn enough to ignore all advice. Thus, through the use of inner thought, Austen both describes Anne's insightful character and further develops the theme of persuasion. The final tool Austen uses to develop Anne's identity involves foils, people who contrast Anne and serve to accentuate her character qualities. 2016.

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