Persuasion Questions and Answers
Persuasion
In Persuasion, what rhetorical and narrative techniques does Austen use and how do they affect the novel's narration?
In Persuasion, Austen uses the narrative technique of telling the story from Anne Eliot's point of view so that we know only what she knows. This builds suspense and surprise into the novel. It also...
Persuasion
Women's portrayal and treatment in Jane Austen's "Persuasion"
In Persuasion, women are portrayed as complex individuals navigating societal expectations and personal desires. They often face limited opportunities and are judged based on their marital status....
Persuasion
Who lived in the Great House at Uppercross?
In Persuasion, Anne must stay with her sister, Mary, at Uppercross Cottage in the village of Uppercross when her father and sister, Elizabeth, retire to Bath. While Uppercross Cottage is the home...
Persuasion
How does Persuasion define domestic virtues and relate them to national identity and empire?
The vision of domesticity that Jane Austen presents in Persuasion relates almost exclusively to upper-class English people. There is a clear separation between male and female worlds in regard to...
Persuasion
How does Persuasion portray social mobility and class rigidity?
In Jane Austen's novel, Persuasion, the characters are affected by social mobility and class rigidity.
Persuasion
Significance of the Title "Persuasion" in Jane Austen's Novel
The title "Persuasion" in Jane Austen's novel aptly captures the central theme of influence and decision-making. Throughout the story, characters are swayed by advice and societal pressures,...
Persuasion
Point of view in Jane Austen's Persuasion and its 1995 film adaptation by Roger Michell
The point of view in Jane Austen's Persuasion is primarily third-person omniscient, focusing on Anne Elliot's thoughts and feelings. In Roger Michell's 1995 film adaptation, the perspective remains...
Persuasion
Comparison of the 1995 and 2007 film adaptations of Persuasion to Jane Austen's original novel
The 1995 and 2007 film adaptations of Persuasion differ significantly from Jane Austen's original novel. While both films capture the novel's essence, the 1995 version is praised for its fidelity to...
Persuasion
What is the central theme of Persuasion?
One central theme in Austen's Persuasion depicts the virtues and vices of being easily persuaded. Vices are brought out much more frequently than virtues. For instance, when earlier in her life...
Persuasion
Discuss the themes of constancy and long engagement in Persuasion.
Two themes that Austen addresses in Persuasion, which had both cultural and personal significance for Austen, are those of constancy in love and long engagements. One reason Lady Russell was...
Persuasion
What is the tone of the novel Persuasion?
More than in any of Austen's other novels, there is an autumnal, melancholy, plaintive tone through much of this last completed work. Unlike in Austen's earlier novels—which capture the heroines...
Persuasion
Compare lessons learned by Anne Elliot, Harriet, and Elizabeth Bennett in their respective novels.
All three of these women are influenced by the opinions of others, and it is much to their detriment throughout the novels. Anne Elliot is influnced by her friend and mentor to not accept her...
Persuasion
What ideas of Romanticism are displayed in Persuasion?
Persuasion shows Romanticism through the way the love of the two protagonists, Anne and Wentworth, transcends time and convention: the two are separated for seven years after Anne refuses...
Persuasion
What makes the Crofts' relationship in Persuasion different from other relationships in the novel?
In Persuasion, what is different about the Crofts' relationship that makes them one of the few happily married couples in the novel is that they have true affection for one another and also have much...
Persuasion
In Persuasion chapter 23, what do Anne and Wentworth learn about each other through Harville?
Captain Harville is distressed in Chapter 23 of Persuasion because of Captain Benwick's change of affections from Miss Fanny Harville to Louisa. In this state, he invites Anne to stand beside him...
Persuasion
Anne Elliot's insights on class mobility and marriage shared with Harriet and Elizabeth
Anne Elliot's insights on class mobility and marriage reflect her belief in the importance of personal merit over social rank. She advises Harriet to value genuine qualities in a partner rather than...
Persuasion
How do friendships between genders in Persuasion reflect the novel's overall gender portrayal?
In the story, as well as in Austen's society, men had to be more careful than women when selecting their friendships. Friends were not only amicable companions, but also endpoints for networking,...
Persuasion
What techniques are used in this passage of Jane Austen's Persuasion?
Parallelism is used to explain the different means Anne takes to try and pacify (appease) her sister's temper. Repetition of consonant sounds such as "s" and "p" create a sense of order and some form...
Persuasion
Is the following quote from Persuasion reflective of Anne's perspective or Jane Austen's?
Persuasion is a novel about change and development, about characters finding themselves and changing as a result of their experiences. The novel's main theme is the same as the title: persuasion....
Persuasion
Is there a connection between appearance and identity in Persuasion by Jane Austen?
Sir Walter Elliot certainly thinks there is a connection between appearance and identity. His deep distresses are the little crows-feet line about Lady Russell's temples and Mary's coarse skin:...
Persuasion
In Persuasion, why doesn't Anne leave her family to live with Lady Russell?
There are several reasons: First, Anne is a single woman. No unmarried woman is supposed to leave their household unless they are married. They are supposed to go from their father's house to their...
Persuasion
Do qualities of a good/bad spouse differ in Jane Austen's Persuasion?
Anne is described as having the qualities that make the best wife. She is caring, sensitive, motherly, intelligent, sensible, and gives good advice. In fact it is stated that she has "an elegance...
Persuasion
What does a marriage in Persuasion reveal about the individuals involved?
A clear example of what the state of a marriage reveals about the individuals in it is the case of Mrs. Smith. On Chapter 17, when Anne goes to visit Bath, she encounters her good friend and former...
Persuasion
What are some examples of foolish behavior in Persuasion?
The novel mentions the word "foolish" particularly referring to people who make ridiculous and counter productive choices that ultimately affect their future. Wentworth called himself a foolish man...
Persuasion
Gender differences and expectations from marriage in Austen's Persuasion
In Persuasion, gender differences and expectations from marriage are evident. Men, like Captain Wentworth, seek financial stability and social standing, while women, such as Anne Elliot, are often...
Persuasion
What themes of decision-making, social changes, and relationships are present in Persuasion?
Persuasion, as the title (not chosen by Austen) indicates, deals centrally, with how people make decisions regarding relationships, and the forces, including social forces, that contribute to the...