In Jane Austen’s novel, Persuasion¸
the importance of social class in the early 1800s is demonstrated by the
measures characters take to preserve their status. Sir Walter is forced to "let" his
primary residence in Kellynch Hall to avoid further economic harm, and he
intends to do so discreetly to avoid negative repercussions. However, he later openly regards the Admiral
and his wife as his "tenants" as it seems fit to his advantage. Austen ends the book novel with Anne and
Wentworth wed and in good social standing, reflecting her own consideration of
the importance of social class.
Admiral and Mrs. Croft give insight to how roles of men and
women have changed individually and collectively, as in marriage. Admiral Croft was just that--an admiral. He
wasn't a wealthy landowner or member of the aristocracy, nevertheless he represents
an evolving group of those who would be considered “gentlemen.” Mrs. Croft likewise defied the norm and
accompanied her husband on his voyages rather than stay at home. In the 21st-century we see an increasing
number of women embracing and pursuing what might be considered male roles,
whether through education or careers or social interactions.
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| Anne & Lady Russell |
Persuasion is heavily evident in the novel, specifically
with Anne. These persuasions frequently
result in negative consequences until a strong-willed character, Louisa, is
seriously injured because she would not be persuaded. In the end, Anne herself, speaking of the
decision to not marry Wentworth initially, acknowledges, “I must believe that I
was right, much as I suffered from it, that I was perfectly right in being guided
by [Lady Russell],” because she felt it her duty to obey who she considered a
maternal figure. Many readers think Anne
was right to have waited and allow herself to be persuaded by Lady Russell
given that she was so young and would have to elope without her father’s
consent. On the other hand, some are
frustrated with her submission to Lady Russell’s advice and wish she wasn’t so
easily persuaded.
Image Source: persuasion1995-1 (via Kalafudra)
It's amazing to see how critical conversations that initially surrounded this novel are still relevant. Even with the vastly different societal views on things like feminism, we still have differing views on so many details of it.
ReplyDeleteThere is a similar theme in Jane Austen's, Emma, as far as taking measures to preserve social status. Social standing is definitely a large issue during this time period between Romanticism and the Enlightenment, because for many women, it was their only chance of moving up on the social ladder.
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