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Writing an Essay on Jane Austen's Politics in Persuasion
If you're preparing to write an essay on how Jane Austen engages with political matters in PPersuasion, here's a framework to help you develop a nuanced argument:
Framing Your Thesis
Consider a thesis that acknowledges the subtlety of Austen's political engagement. For example: "Though Austen never directly discusses parliamentary politics, Persuasion offers a sophisticated political commentary through its portrayal of changing social hierarchies, constrained female agency, and the symbolism of property and health."
Key Arguments to Develop
1. The Naval Meritocracy vs. Landed Aristocracy
Examine how Austen juxtaposes characters like Sir Walter Elliot against naval officers like Admiral Croft and Captain Wentworth. Look for:
- Specific descriptions...
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- that contrast aristocratic vanity with naval competence
- The significance of the Kellynch Hall rental as a property transfer symbolizing power shifts
- How Austen's language when describing naval officers suggests approval of meritocratic values
Textual evidence: Analyze Sir Walter's dismissive comments about the navy making "gentlemen of all others" against descriptions of the officers' worthiness.
2. Women's Political Agency
Explore Anne Elliot's journey as a political narrative about women's autonomy:
- Her initial submission to Lady Russell's Persuasion
- Her gradual reclamation of decision-making power
- Her conversations with Captain Harville about gender and historical memory
Textual evidence: Focus on Anne's reflections about "persuasion" and the famous "men's verses, men's memories" debate.
3. The Politics of Property and Health
Analyze how Austen uses physical spaces and bodies as political metaphors:
- The significance of estate management and financial responsibility
- The contrast between the "weather-beaten" health of naval officers and aristocratic fragility
- The Crofts' shared carriage driving as a model of partnership that extends to governance
Methodological Approaches
When writing your essay, I recommend:
- Historicize carefully: Place your analysis within the specific political climate of 1815-1817—reference issues like the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars and debates about aristocratic reform.
- Avoid oversimplification: Don't present Austen as simply pro-meritocracy or anti-aristocracy. Her position is nuanced and sometimes contradictory.
- Use close reading: Support your arguments with specific textual analysis rather than general claims.
- Consider form as political: Analyze how Austen's narrative choices (focusing on domestic relationships rather than public events) represent a political position on what matters deserve attention.
Potential Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don't impose contemporary political frameworks onto Austen's writing
- Avoid treating characters as simple allegorical figures for political positions
- Don't ignore the ambivalence in Austen's political commentary
- Be careful not to overstate explicit political intent
Remember that Austen's genius embeds significant political commentary within seemingly personal narratives. A strong essay will demonstrate how her subtle approach allows for profound engagement with the political questions of her time while creating a work that continues to offer insight into power dynamics across changing historical contexts.