Persuasion: Themes

Persuasion: Themes

1. Social Class

   • Marriage & the navy - ways to improve social class
   • Sir Walter's situation - ironic. Tries so hard to impress that he has to downsize his house etc.
   • Social class doesn't affect happiness - those who are poorer are happier

2. Marriage

   • Critical for women
   • Deeply involves social class - rejection of Wentworth
   • Austen shows that character should be considered more than class - Mary and Charles's unhappy marriage

3. Persuasion

   • The novel questions whether better to be influenced by others or make your own, strong decisions
   • Anne in favour of listening to others - abandons Wentworth
   • Wentworth wants to marry someone who is strong-minded - changes mind when sees foolishness of Louisa. Appreciates Anne's receptivity in the end

4. Deception/Appearances

   • Manipulation by William, Lady Russell, Mr Shepard
   • William - proof that manners can decieve
   • Physical appearance viewed as important to Sir Walter

5. Pride

   • Negative form - Sir Walter, Lady Russell. Snobbishness, obsession with rank
   • Positive form - Anne
   • National pride at naval achievements
   • Wentworth puts off reunion with Anne due to pride and his damaged feelings

6. Women in Society

   • Vulnerability of Mrs Smith
   • Anne - unmarried, can't do much with her life
   • Women can't remarry (Lady Russell)/men can (Sir Walter)

7. Greed

   • Leads some to unhappiness of sorts - Mary, Sir Walter, Elizabeth
   • Greed with wealth, marriage prospects, connections
   • Those who are of the highest social ranking seem to be greediest. Greed results in unhappiness for the most part