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At a Glance:
Full Title Persuasion
AuthorJane Austen
In-depth Facts:
Type of WorkNovel
GenreNovel of manners. This type of novel is not about the education or growth of one particular individual, but is instead a story of how a few central characters interact within society, navigating the rules and structures which govern their lives.
LanguageEnglish
Time and place writtenAusten wrote Persuasion in 1816, while she was very ill, before her death at her home in Chawton, a village fifty-two miles southwest of London.
Date of first publication1818
PublisherJohn Murray
NarratorAn unknown, omniscient narrator, who makes judgments similar to those Anne Elliot might make
ClimaxThe major climax occurs when Captain Wentworth finally reveals his feelings to Anne in a letter. She finds him and immediately responds that his love is requited; the lesser climax is the cool, but favourable reception of Captain Wentworth by Anne's family.
ProtagonistAnne Elliot
AntagonistThere is no one antagonist who is in direct opposition to Anne Elliot; Rather Anne must face the social class system which considers birth an essential component to whether a match is suitable; She also must navigate the rules of propriety and manners, which means that she may only hint at her feelings while Captain Wentworth must be first to declare love
Setting (time)1814–1815
Setting (place)Kellynch Hall, Uppercross Manor, Lyme, and Bath. The setting follows Anne Elliot's movements from the country to Lyme to finally joining her father and sister in Bath.
Point of viewFree indirect discourse
Falling actionThe Elliot family and Lady Russell no longer hold an objection to the match of Anne and Wentworth; Mr. Elliot and Mrs. Clay withdraw their designs on Sir Walter's fortune; Captain Wentworth helps Mrs. Smith to regain some of her late husband's money
TenseImmediate past, real-time narration
ForeshadowingIn some ways, the relationship of Admiral and Mrs. Croft foreshadows the attached and more equitable relationship which Anne and Captain Wentworth will have. The meeting of Mrs. Clay and Mr. Elliot foreshadowed the discovery of their deceptive collusion.
ToneSlightly satirical and subtly subversive. The narrator follows earnestly the plight of Anne Elliot, but mocks the pretensions and vanity of her titled upper- class family.
ThemesClass rigidity and social mobility; Persuasion; Silly parents; Separate Spheres; the Changing Ideal of the Gentleman
MotifsWalks; marriage
