A Connection Deeper than Most...

In the article "Jane Austen Changes Her Mind" Austen scholar Christopher Clausen questions the change of values shown in Persuasion. He argues that Austen had begun to realize the value of making a suitable match based on love and mutual compatibility rather than a marriage based on the social standards,which were evident in her earlier novels. In my opinion, however, that Austen's redefined her stories came from a certain point of her life that altered her previous views.

Through the study of her letters written to her family, Jane Austen herself was viewed in a role in social class, sometimes not as a writer. A neighboring friend of the Austen family, Mary Russell Mitford, prompted by a letter written to her from a Miss Hinton, passed along her view of Jane Austen's reputation in society to a baronet, Sir William Elford. She wrote, "...she was no more regarded in society than a poker or a fire or a fire screen or any other thin, upright piece of wood or iron that fills its corner in peace and quiet." It was noted that the author of such a remark was sister-in-law to a man who was in a lawsuit with Jane Austen's brother over an inheritance. However, individuals whose only purpose is to categorize each person in society had taken its hold on Austen, and its voice is heard through Anne Elliott in Austen's last novel Persuasion. This may be the reason for Austen's letter to her sister in which she writes about the character of Anne simply saying "She is almost too good for me" (Chapman 487).

Austen's final heroine, Anne Elliott, portrays the evolution Austen went through to achieve the conclusion in Persuasion of social justice and individual acceptance of others in different classes. Anne's initial "persuasion" to partially succumb to the influence of the aristocratic society lessens as she begins to fully comprehend the value of the emotional wealth of true friends, and moreover, true love. As she reunites with Captain Wentworth, of her own desire and not by her family's influence, she discovers that her high society family is inferior in every aspect.

The parallel of Anne's growth as a compassionate woman, to Austen's growth as a compassionate writer is felt immensely through the novel. To value virtue over vanity, cultural and class diversity over conformity is to be free from the narrow confines of the ignorant mind. This is ultimately Austen's powerful message.

Bennett vs. Elliott

As you know, Jane Austen’s female characters are known for their admirable qualities and strong morals. Although Anne Elliott has been a women with a consistent strength throughout the book, she is often seen as weak because of her demure manner. As opposed to the other heroines of Austen’s works, Anne Elliott is the most submissive. Looking at another work of Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice) the protagonist of this work is far more dominant than Elliott. Elizabeth Bennett, who is the main character of Pride and Prejudice, is infamous for her courage in mind and quick assertions about people. In the book, she frequently speaks her opinion, even if she comes from a poor family, and demonstrates her own authority through witty banter.

Even when she faces strong opposition, she never doubts her own opinion, which is often mistaken for pride. At the time a woman’s ability to hold her opinions true was always considered obstinate. Elliot and Elizabeth’s nature also contrasts because of the different environment they grew up in. Elizabeth came from a poor background, (as mentioned earlier in the blog) and because and she tried to defend herself from being mistreated, she is known for being stubborn and defensive. By being a female and of the lower class, she needs find these strengths to defend herself from society. As a poor woman, she was always thought of as inferior to others. In comparison to Elizabeth, Anne comes from an upper-class. Her background allows her to be less defensive on the outside, but Jane Austen empowered her by giving her a more subtle might. Anne is considered weak in comparison to other characters because she is constantly conforming to her family’s ideals on what a rich woman needs to act like, but she later defies this and gains her own strength through her own desires.

In these two genius works by Jane Austen, women are empowered by their environments, and social classes. If Elizabeth were to be called the “stronger” one of the two, then the reader doesn’t know how ardent Elliott is in the inside.

On the Verge of Extinction....

This is a bit of a precaution, but today's post would be on a lesser focus on Anne and more of the society during this era. To give a little context, I was researching further on the book when I stumbled on a list of discussion questions. I skimmed through them pretty quickly, but I saw one that really struck me, “What value is placed on titles and the aristocracy?”

Let me tell you that my very being tingled with the anticipation of answered such a question, I just hope that it won’t be too long (Sorry Timmy…)

In Persuasion, Jane Austen compares three different types of characters and demonstrates how old traditions are being replaced by more ‘modern minds’. The three categories included; the people of high birth (like the Elliott’s), the rising middleclass who are rich (the Musgrove’s), and then there is another set of people who create their own fortune: the naval families.

Now, the Elliott’s represent the old traditional money and rank. This family is a perfect representation of how new ideas replace the out dated assumptions of society. The Elliott’s have depleted their fortunes but continue to live a lifestyle they cannot afford. By losing Kellynch, Sir Walter demonstrates how the old high birth family no longer held the power or influence of the past. They are effete and extravagant to the point where they are ‘not much educated, and not at all elegant’. The high class family live empty lives where ranking and appearances matter more than keeping finances in check. However, these families are quickly dying out as many other families follow in their footsteps. This shows how society no longer places enormous value on rank or titles, since the Kellynch Hall had to be rented to tenants, who coincidently, were the brother-in-law Admiral Croft (and his wife) of Captain Wentworth.

The second class becomes more dominate in society. This family, the Musgrove’s, do have the finical support but not the title to enforce it. This was certainly a difficult time to move up into the ranks as many of the old money refuse to accept the new money folks. Thus, to ensure a doorway into that society, many of the new money sought marriages to those of high class families. And since many of them did not have their fortunes anymore, marriage didn’t seem to such a farfetched idea. In the novel, the youngest of the Elliot daughters had in fact married for much of the same reasoning. However, the marriage had set backs as the new money folks saw themselves rising and the old saw themselves plummeting. Sir Walter’s appreciation for his children rides heavily on his own values, thus when Mary married she “acquired a little artificial importance, by becoming Mrs. Charles Musgrove…” (p. 598) As a result, many of the higher families felt as if they were being pulled down from their high rankings to the low classes. As the separation between the old money and new money became harder and harder to separate, the emergence of a new class set fire to many of the assumptions.

With their vigor, bravery, friendliness and loyalty to one another Anne find the naval families bewitching. "Only they know how to live" (p.763), she believes. In Persuasion, there are a number of naval families introduced but the Wentworth’s are an example of the rising influence the Navy has gained. This was influenced by Jane Austen’s own life, as England was at war with Napoleon during the events in the novel. Basically, the war provided the means for the Navy to obtain power and wealth. As a result the naval men return to the sea regularly, Admiral Croft had even commented that Wentworth’s courtship would have to be short because, “We [the] sailors, Miss Elliot, cannot afford to make long courtships in time of war’ ” (p. 638) The sea savvy men of this novel had not only portray a quickly developing class but also demonstrates admirable traits for society to follow. When a carriage driven by Admiral Croft comes perilously close to hitting a post, Mrs. Croft grabs the carriage reins from him and prevents the carriage from crashing. The narrator comments, "by coolly giving the reins a better direction herself...they neither fell into a rut, nor ran foul of a dung-cart." (p.638) Mrs. Croft displayed a controversial picture of female strength. Since women weren’t allowed to ride with the men, who steered the carriage, the fact that Sophia Croft sat with her husband and at one point, had taken the reins from him shows the complete trust and love this man places in his wife. The naval family was a representation of a class that did not find in necessary to mold themselves to the original image of a naval officer, but to one that live life to the fullest and worked hard for their gains.

To sum it all up, out of all three classes, the naval one had proved to be the most admirable. However, they hold the least rank and power in comparison to the other two classes. In reality, most naval officers lived lives that would be very similar to the peasants. Unless you have high ranking, which is gained through paying the commissions for status (and it’s pretty pricey), naval and regular soldiers don’t receive much assets from their occupation. Thankfully, this class emerged during the war with Napoleon and the need for Navy and its subordinates was endless. In Persuasion, Jane Austen has painted the role of the naval families as the most commendable to follow. She is basically showing the declining importance of rank and title in society for a more favorable one.

*Wow, that was a long post…I think I may have been off topic and there are probably plenty of mistakes but at the moment, I don’t care. It doesn’t really focus on Anne but more of a theme of the book. But to my reader (mainly Timmy), did the separation of the three classes better society or worsen it? Do you think that the naval family was the correct class to admire or is there another one you find more deserving?

Oh Captain, My Captain!

Hello Blog that I have neglected for some time, I’m not going to waste any more time.

In every Jane Austen novel, there has always been the man destined for the heroine. And Captain Frederick Wentworth is such a man. From the previous blogs, the history of Captain Wentworth was briefly mentioned but not to a more detail oriented form. As said previously, Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot "met and fell in love when she was 19 and he was just a poor captain. However, not long into the engagement, Anne was persuaded (hence the title) by her close friend, Lady Russell, to it break off. They met again 8 years later when he became a wealthy captain and she a woman "passed her bloom". (Blog: Persuading Persuasion) During this time, the captain has not forgiven Anne for breaking his heart 8 years ago. As said, "He had not forgiven Anne Elliot. She had used him ill, deserted and disappointed him; and worse, she had shewn a feebleness of character in doing so, which his own decided, confident temper could not endure. She had given him up to oblige others. It had been the effect of over-persuasion. It had been weakness and timidity." (p. 623) Captain Wentworth resented Anne for giving up on their love so easily, he sailed for 8 years brooding over his rejection. Thus, he returned from the sea with the intent on marrying a woman "worthy" of his affection and had chosen the Louisa Musgrove as his new intended. However, he had no announced his engagement to Ms. Musgrove, his actions towards her depict the intent of marriage. As a result, it was acknowledged that Captain Wentworth would marry Lousia Musgrove, the sister of Charles Musgrove.

Although he cannot claim to be a gentleman by birth, his treatment towards Anne was that of cynical and expressed disgust. Anne’s younger sister Mary Elliot Musgrove had even remarked, `Captain Wentworth is not very gallant by you, Anne, though he was so attentive to me. Henrietta asked him what he thought of you, when they went away, and he said, `You were so altered he should not have known you again.'' (p. 623) This man, who was once enamored by Anne, comments on her faded looks without thought of it being overheard by her. His total disregard for her feelings, in an attempt to mend his wounded pride, only serves to promote Anne as a saint like character. And through all of this, Anne sits with her eyes lowered and accepts the fact that the men she still loves thinks of her as a shriveled husk of her previous self.

However, one cannot completely blame Captain Wentworth to abandon Anne and focus his attentions on Louisa Musgrove. Anne is already 27 years old and is already considered to be on the path of spinster hood. In society today, 27 don’t seem to be an old age to be married but on the contrary, is quite young for it. Unfortunately, society during the 18th century saw females as a means to provide sons and the younger they are, the more likely to produce a healthy heir. In comparison to Anne, Louisa is a lively young being that could provide that and Anne could not. Personally, this reasoning for his future new bride is very vexing. Although, there is understanding for his behavior towards Anne, his disregard for her feelings and the drive to get married to someone younger has left much less to be desired. Unfortunately, this shows how society ignored the plight of females and that something like age can determine the life you may or may not have. To my readers, what is your intake on this? Should Anne wait for a man that shows no respect for her feelings? Is it acceptable for a man to treat any female like a random manifestation found on the sole of his boots?

Persuasion (2007) Part I

This is a clip from the recent remaking of Persuasion. It is only five minutes long, but if you want to watch the entire clip then you would have to download it.

I found this clip to really enforce the post I made last time about Anne's character. The clip opens up with Anne running through the household, making sure everything is order. As you know, Anne is not the eldest daughter and should not have to shoulder the responsibilities as the lady of the house. However, she is the only one capable of running the house because her sister and father would have ran the house to the ground.

Throughout the clip, Anne character is obviously portrayed as responsible but with a closer analysis, the clip exposes Anne's character within the first few glances.

In comparison to her sister Elizabeth, Anne's wardrobe screams modest and faded looks. Her hairstyle is pulled in a simple bun while her sister has a more intricate style that would have required more time for preparation. Through something as simple as a hairstyle, the author is able to see that Anne is more reasonable in spending than her sister is. This is so because, in the midst of a financial crises, Anne has given up many luxury, such as a more expensive maid with a vast knowledge on fashionable hairstyle.

And through further inspection, you would notice that Anne's wardrobe is, for the lack of a better word, drab. The cloth is faded and the colors are unflattering, while her sister and father wear clothing of the latest fashion and fitted with perfection. From this impression, the audience can clearly see who had given up the most for the family and from this, Anne's signature characteristic is her unselfish nature.

Other factors the displays Anne's character is her expressive movements. The actress, Sally Hawkins, make sure to keep her eyes downcast and always in a submissive form when around her father or sister. This shows how Anne has become withdrawn from being ignored and overlooked by her family.

As shown in this clip and by the previous post, Anne is, in a sense, an unselfish girl that holds an enormous amount of pressure to keep her family afloat.

However, do you think this makes her a stronger character? By letting others walk all over her and disregarding her feelings? What do you think?

The Oddball Out...

Anne Elliot is the black sheep in her family, which is quite strange considering she is the "normal" one. All of her siblings are opposites and even her father is included. In fact, I believe that Anne is the complete opposite of her father. I found this deliciously wonderful because every protagonist needs an opposing force and with closer studies, it will reveal the character of Anne Elliot.

Sir Walter Elliot is a vain man that cares more about his looks and rank than anyone in the book. In fact, the first chapter introduces him as,

"Sir Walter Elliot, of Kellynch Hall, in Somersetshire, was a man who, for his own amusement, never took up any book but the Baronetage; there he found occupation for an idle hour, . . . he could read his own history with an interest which never failed. This was the page at which the favorite volume always opened:

`ELLIOT OF KELLYNCH HALL.`

Walter Elliot, born March 1, 1760, married, July 15, 1784,
Elizabeth, daughter of James Stevenson, Esq. of South Park,
in the county of Gloucester, by which lady (who died 1800)
he has issue Elizabeth, born June 1, 1785; Anne, born
August 9, 1787; a still-born son, November 5, 1789; Mary,
born November 20, 1791.' " (p. 598)

From the introduction, the reader (or more specifically me) can obviously see the true character of Sir Walter Elliot. This man spends his free time reading about his family history and gloating about his superior rank. When Austen described his favorite past time and how "he found occupation for an idle hour, . . . he could read his own history with an interest which never failed. ", the reader (once again, obviously me) can draw the conclusion that Sir Elliot's values rank and social standing above everything else. Not to mention that he is a horribly vain man, as Austen depicted him obsessed with, "His good looks and his rank had one fair claim on his attachment... "

Therefore, Kellynch Hall had survived under the gentle guidance of Lady Elliot who, "had been an excellent woman, sensible and amiable; whose judgement and conduct, if they might be pardoned the youthful infatuation which made her Lady Elliot, had never required indulgence afterwards ... " However, only one child had been taken with her character and that "was only in Anne that... [she could see] the mother to revive again"

As gathered from the reading, Anne is someone that is kind and caring and most importantly, (clearly unlike her father) places everyone else's needs before her. And it should come to no surprise that her family doesn't place much value on her, in fact "her word had no weight, her convenience was always to give way - she was only Anne..."

In conclusion, Anne Elliot, when compared to her father, is notably completely different from her father. She is a classic Austen heroine because of her archetypal personality-dependable, witty, strong, and caring of others.

And...
Note to my reader:
Although I readily admit that my grammar skills in the last blog were less than admirable, and I will be on the look out to improve that aspect of my blogging. However, I wanted to let you know that I've spoken to Ms. Foley and I have opted to keep the blog informal, so I hope that you can keep the comments informal too. I look forward to hearing your comments about my analysis of the stories and helping me to expand my knowledge of this genre, but let's skip over the little details.

Persuading Persuasion

I’m going to use this blog to introduce my first book, Persuasion by Jane Austen. I’ve read this awhile ago and it is one of my favorite Jane Austen books (but then again, I love all her works…except for Emma). I choose this book because, unlike many of Jane Austen’s characters, Anne Elliot, the female protagonist, is soft-spoken and is described as an "heroine [who] is almost too good for me."(Jane Austen) However, she does share the main key traits that make her an Austen heroine, like; witty, clever, and considerate. Anne Elliot is the oldest female (27 years-old) protagonist Jane Austen ever created and can be considered the most feminine as well.

Anne Elliot is the overlooked middle daughter out of three. Her mother died when she was 14 and she became the pillar of the family. Her father is a vain, spendthrift baronet who is only concerned with his looks and rank. Elizabeth is the eldest daughter is has the same temperament as her father. The youngest Mary, is a nervous, clinging woman who has made an unspectacular marriage to Charles Musgrove of Uppercross Hall, the heir to a bucolic but respected local squire. Because of the family’s spending tendencies, they have to lease out their home and move to Bath.
The story is about Anne Elliot and her struggles when she comes face to face with her ex-fiancé, Captain Frederick Wentworth, from 8 years ago. Anne and Frederick met and fell in love when she was 19 and he was just a poor captain. However, not long into the engagement, Anne was persuaded (hence the title) by her close friend, Lady Russell, to it break off. They met again 8 years later when he became a wealthy captain and she a woman “passed her bloom”.

Personally, I think Anne is a strong character just to being able face her ex-love (actually she still loves him) and stand in silence while he courts other women and comments on her faded looks. My admiration for her only deepens when she is able to keep a level head during a crisis. In fact, the only reason the Elliot family has not been bankrupted yet was because of her interventions with their expenses.

Many readers feel that Anne was weak for being persuaded to reject Captain Wentworth when she was younger, but I feel that her careful consideration of their future was certainly a smart decision to make. And as I go deeper into the novel (again), I will be able to see how Anne is a strong woman through all her trials and obstacles.