payment page
Walking
Walking is a motif that is employed throughout Persuasion and Austen's other novels. When characters go for walks in the novel, it often signals a period of character development. Walking entails conversing with others, commenting on one's surroundings, and reacting to the world outside. It allows an author to expand upon her reader's understanding of a character by bringing the character out into a different light. In Persuasion, walks are essential for the progression of Anne and Captain Wentworth's relationship. Anne learns of his feelings regarding female constancy on one of their initial walks, and at the end they reveal their feelings to each other on a walk home through the park. Walking is a frequent and essential motif.
Marriage
Marriage is another motif which plays a strong role in Austen's novels. It is not only the consummation of a love affair; marriage directly compares social ranks in society. Individuals, classes, titles, and accomplishments are measured and weighed in the consideration of a marriage. The courting and engagement which precede the ceremony allows friends and family to offer their opinions as to the appropriateness of the match. Marriage thus serves as a kind of social yardstick to measure and compare the characters in the novel.
Illness and Injury
Anne is often separated from her family and peers throughout Persuasion, and one of the recurring problems that keeps her away is acting as caretaker for someone who is either sick or injured. Mary insists that she needs Anne’s company and help when she is feeling sick at the beginning of the novel, which keeps Anne from going to Bath at the same time as the rest of her family. Later, Mary’s son falls and hurts himself, causing Anne to miss a dinner party, where she might have been reunited with Wentworth. The book’s most important injury is Louisa’s accident, which marks a turning point for Anne. When all the young people go to Lyme, Louisa falls and incurs a serious blow to the head. Anne is the first to reasonably react and to ensure that Louisa gets proper care. She also comforts Mary, Charles, and Wentworth while they wait for help. This action serves as a significant moment in the novel, as Louisa’s injury will eventually unite her with Captain Benwick and free Wentworth to keep his full attention on Anne.
