Persuasion 1

Theme: Individual versus Community

• Anne/Frederick vs. Expectation of Marriage (pg. 20-21): “Such opposition, as these feelings produced, was more than Anne could combat. Young and gentle, as she was, it might yet have been possible to withstand her father’s ill-will, though unsoftened by one kind word or look on the part of her sister…”

The description of Anne’s character being plain and of not much interest can probably be attributed to the fact that her entire world, her love, was ripped away from her because she could not meet the societal expectations that are required of a successful marriage. Frederick had no dowry and no family name, thus making him an unfit choice for Anne. In her eyes, he was everything she ever hoped for. Young, free, hopeful love. Regardless, she turned away because the expectations won. Her father’s and Lady Russell’s opposition could not be cast away. This struggle between what Anne wants and what is expected can be seen in many instances.

• Anne versus community/family:

It seems as though Anne is downcast in her family name. Not having the approval of her father or sister puts her in her own world. This struggle continues throughout the reading, as Anne stays behind in Uppercross, only to find that people have set ideas on the type of person she is and the way she should be treated. On many occasions, Anne is left to do the “dirty work” for others. She will no doubt to continue struggling with the perceptions of others, especially with the arrival of Captain Frederick and his plan to find a wife. Yet, Anne’s family does not realize how much of importance she really has. She is a caretaker. She is THE caretaker.

“Anne, with an elegance of mind and sweetness of character, which must have placed her high with any people of real understanding, was nobody with either father or sister: her word had no weight; her convenience was always to give way;—she was only Anne” (5). 

“Anne had not wanted this visit to Uppercross, to learn that a removal from one set of people to another, though at a distance of only three miles, will often include a total change of conversation, opinion, and idea” (30).

“You, who have not a mother’s feelings, are a great dealt the properest person” (41).