Jane Austen's novel Persuasion explores the varied behavior of the English upper classes in the 19th century. Through the lens of protagonist Anne Elliot's experiences and relationships, Austen suggests that certain standards of behavior and character traits must be upheld. Austen contrasts Anne's modesty and reserve with the blatant vanity of those close to her, which she often presents satirically and positions the reader to condemn due to their vain actions and ideas. Austen's novel also examines the notion of persuasion, scrutinizing the relative value of a firm nature as opposed to that of those who act on the advice of others. Depicting Anne navigating through the clearly defined social classes of the time, Austen compares characters who cling rigidly to social conventions with those who are more progressive and open-minded, suggesting that warmth of character is more valuable than convenience. Furthermore, Austen supports those whose actions arise from altruistic motives and denounces those who act out of greed and vanity, thus illustrating her view that those with pure motives are invariably rewarded. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Through Persuasion, Jane Austen emphasizes the importance of modest behavior, suggesting that vanity and desire for attention are bad qualities. From the beginning of her novel, Austen positions the reader to view Sir Walter Elliot as an object of ridicule, despite his barony and the distinct sense of his own importance. Describing Sir Walter's ability to "read his own story with an interest that never failed," Austen presents the most dominant aspect of his character, "the vanity of person and situation," reader's attention. By asserting that Sir Walter was even the "object" of her own "respect and devotion," Austen encourages the reader to ridicule Sir Walter as a fool, associating his vanity with stupidity. Austen's condemnation of Sir Walter's vanity is further emphasized by the inclusion of Admiral Croft's shock at the "number of mirrors!" in his dressing room and decision to “change neighborhoods”, having reasonably no desire to be constantly surrounded by his own reflection. Furthermore, Sir Walter's inability to recognize the true worth of Anne, a character presented by Austen as the embodiment of gentle virtue, but whom Sir Walter considers "haggard" and "nobody" due to her beauty faded, demonstrates Austen's blindness. suggests that this comes from placing too much emphasis on superficial qualities. Through the character of Mary, Austen also condemns attention-seeking behavior and lack of reserve. Feigning illness and deploring the lack of attention she receives from her husband and his family, Mary frustrates Charles, who would like not to "always think he is ill" and fails to gain the good graces of M. and Mrs. Musgrove, who "would have liked [Anne] much better" as Charles's wife. Mary's lack of decorum also earns her derision from Captain Wentworth, whom Austen presents as a good judge of character because of his love for Anne. Revealing her sincere desire to be seen as high class by those around her, Mary claims that she has never been to the Hayters' Winthrop residence "more than twice in [her] life! ", a comment responded to by a "contemptuous look" from Wentworth, who, reflecting Austen's point of view, finds Mary's vanity and excessive pride deplorable. Furthermore, Mary's lack of consideration forThe consequences of his behavior almost culminate in Henrietta's decision not to renew her attachment to Charles Hayter, despite her love for him. Austen provides a stark contrast to Mary's bad behavior towards Anne during her time at Uppercross. Despite her frustration and inner criticism of her sister, Anne never expresses these complaints to Mary. She serves as a mediator, relieves household tensions, and is treated with "trust" by all. Using free indirect speech, Austen presents the events of the novel largely from the point of view of Anne, whose frequent silent introspection gives the reader insight into the feelings Anne keeps quiet, often because of what Austen suggests as being the impropriety of expressing such feelings aloud. . While Austen condemns the desire for constant attention which makes Mary a poor mother, abandoning her injured son Charles to go to dinner at the Big House, having "not dined [there] since Tuesday", she approves of the desire of 'Anne gives up the attention and excitement of the dinner and volunteers to look after the child herself. By condemning characters who display a lack of reserve and vanity, Austen advocates the importance of modesty as a personal trait. As well as denouncing qualities such as vanity, through Persuasion Austen examines the limited merit of always acting decisively rather than being open to the influence of others. Hurt by her past rejection of him, Captain Wentworth despises Anne Elliot's "weak" character. However, Austen ultimately proves that this judgment is wrong and that Anne's "yielding to duty" was the correct course of action at the time. Determined not to become attached to someone who might be persuaded to abandon him like Anne, Wentworth is attracted to Louisa Musgrove's firm and sometimes stubborn nature. During his visit to Winthrop, Wentworth compares a resolute character to a “nut… possessed of original strength,” which, even after “all the storms of autumn,” retains its “happiness.” However, this metaphor rings hollow for the reader, positioned by Austen to view conscious decision and the ability to exercise discretion and common sense as essential qualities, beyond the capabilities of a nut. Austen illustrates the dangers of stubbornness that is not tempered by common sense through Louisa's fall at the Cobb. Displaying a desire for attention also condemned by Austen, Louisa insists that Wentworth “make her jump” up the stairs. Although Wentworth "reasons against" her jumping from a greater height, Louisa ignores his advice and common sense, instead declaring herself "determined" to do so. Austen condemns this obstinacy by the harm he incurs, which leaves Louisa “caught lifeless!” » Louisa's obstinacy contrasts with the firmness of mind and common sense of Anne, who immediately proves her "strength, her zeal and her reflection" to face the crisis. Anne's actions prove to Wentworth that there is "no one more capable" than her, prompting him to reconsider his previous judgment of her character. Through this episode, Austen illustrates that ultimately, common sense is far more important than determination in guiding one's behavior. Furthermore, at the end of the novel, Wentworth realizes that his "resentment" and anger towards Anne's actions were pure madness and prevented him from recognizing his true worth. Anne expresses Austen's view that her decision to renounce her relationship with Wentworth and submit to Lady Russell's advice was "just", because she was "yielding to duty", honoring the wishes of her family and those of his late mother, depicted in Lady Russell. . Through the contrast created between Anne and more resolute characters such as Louisa, Austen suggeststhat being persuaded on sound moral grounds and showing only determination tempered by common sense is of paramount importance. Depicting the gradual emergence of a middle class in England, Austen's novel contrasts those members of society who cling rigidly to social conventions, with those who are less concerned with elegant and "proper" behavior. Anne's house at Kellynch Hall reflects the attitudes and social position of her family in its grandeur and its depiction of a strict social hierarchy, "presided over" by Elizabeth as lady of the house. However, Anne's visit to the Musgroves at Uppercross leads her to discover that "a move from one group of people to another" often results in a "total change of conversation, opinion and idea". Unconcerned with the niceties of etiquette, the Musgroves are full of laughter and warmth and their open-mindedness is refreshing to Anne, illustrating Austen's approval of their more frivolous behavior contrasting with rigidity. Through Louisa and Henrietta's frustration with Mary's constant insistence that "Mrs Musgrove give her due priority", Austen highlights the restrictiveness of being too preoccupied with notions of social rank. Austen highlights her support for more progressive behavior through Anne's admiration for Admiral Croft. Although he does not conform to traditional standards of social position, as a "self-made" man, Admiral Croft's "kindness of heart and simplicity of character" are irresistible to Anne, illustrating the suggestion from Austen that behaving kindly towards others is more important than social position or standing. traditional notions of respectability. Austen also condemns behavior based solely on the desire to maintain one's social position through the character of Elizabeth, whom Anne considers "repugnant and unsisterly." Anne is "disappointed" with Elizabeth's behavior in Bath, particularly her desperation to reconnect the Elliots and Dalrymples, a social ambition that Anne finds abhorrent and wishes, just once, that her family had "more of pride.” By portraying the Dalrymples as completely undeserving of the Elliots' admiration, Austen positions the reader to view the esteem of those of high rank as a poor foundation for any friendship. By denouncing the actions of characters whose behavior is based solely on social conventions, Austen suggests that goodness of character and lightness are always preferable to rigidity. Austen's Persuasion suggests not only appropriate standards of behavior, but also that it is of primary importance that actions arise from altruistic motivations, rather than greed or vanity. Through Anne's revelation of her true worth during the crisis of Louisa's accident in Lyme, Austen highlights the positive consequences of an altruistic act. Despite her love for Wentworth and her belief in her attachment to Louisa, Anne takes decisive action in the interests of Louisa's recovery and even offers to stay in Lyme and "look after her with a zeal above the common demand for respect. Although this does not happen, Anne's kind actions and their positive impact on her relationship with Wentworth demonstrate Austen's strong support of altruistic behavior. Furthermore, Anne's decision to visit her old school friend, Mrs. Smith, who has found herself in poor social standing and poverty due to bad luck and is ridiculed by Sir Walter as a simple “poor widow”, is a charitable act which also has considerable consequences. reward. Without being discouraged by the pride of..