Jane Austen's Persuasion Essay

Jane Austen’s final novel, Persuasion, follows the story of Anne, the practical daughter of the vain and over spending Sir Walter Elliot. Anne’s social circle dramatically changes by the intrusion of Captain Frederick Wentworth, a man she was engaged to eight years prior. After being persuaded by her mentor Lady Russell that Wentworth was not of high enough status, Anne ended their engagement. Though the two eventually renew their love and are united once more, Austen makes a questionable “happy ending” for the couple. Persuasion seems to have an unsatisfying climax and ending to the long love story of the couple. The subtle sadness to the novel is reflective of the realism behind Austen’s work. Relationships are not always simple and romantic. …show more content…
The reader is immediately confronted by his vain behavior and its impact on his family. Sir Walter’s selfish overspending has caused the removal of his family to Bath, as they are now forced to rent out their grand residence at Kellynch Hall. Austen seems to characterize Sir Walter very simply as self-absorbed, appearing as a comic addition to the novel. His dressing room contains multiple mirrors and he expresses genuine worry that the tenants of Kellynch will not be attractive. However comedic they may seem, Sir Walter’s actions have a serious effect on Anne and her family. Though his removal from his home to a smaller residence in Bath should have initiated a change in his behavior, he continues to obsess over image and people of consequence. When Wentworth and Anne are reunited, Sir Walter concludes that he is fit for his daughter as he is attractive. Once again, his vanity prevails. Perhaps the most frustrating and saddening part of Sir Walter is his inability to change, despite what he should have learned from his daughter and Wentworth. The dual qualities of Sir Walter’s comedic yet disappointing behavior contributes to the melancholy tone of the