Class Consciousness
The central theme of Persuasion centers on the consciousness of social class. Austen vividly portrays the upper-middle-class landed gentry through the realistic depiction of the Elliot family and their social milieu. She emphasizes the traditions of this inflexible social group and its narrow view of those outside its circle. Members of the landed gentry, such as Sir Walter, depend on social hierarchies to uphold their perceived superiority over lower classes. Sir Walter's preferred pastime is perusing the Baronetage, which constantly reminds him of his esteemed status. His pride in this status has devolved into excessive vanity and a fixation on aesthetics, valuing only things that, like his own appearance, are visually pleasing.
His perceived superiority is evident in his arrogance toward those from lower classes who seek to advance their social status. One such individual is Captain Wentworth, who believes that his deep love for Anne, along with his success as a naval officer, should be enough to earn Sir Walter's approval for their marriage. However, Sir Walter, backed by Lady Russell, dismisses the captain as an unsuitable son-in-law due to his lack of wealth and his profession, which Sir Walter finds undesirable. Although he acknowledges that sailors work hard, he insists they do not merit elevation from their modest origins to the upper class.
Anne's sister Elizabeth reflects her father's strict adherence to social norms. She spends her time "doing the honours, and laying down the domestic law at home . . . opening every ball of credit which a scanty neighbourhood afforded." Mary, Anne's youngest sister, channels her sense of class superiority into a form of hypochondria. When feeling overlooked, she succumbs to an "illness" that demands attention, preferably from Anne, who does not share the family's class snobbery.
All the Elliots, except Anne, embody the gentry's narrow perspective on the world's realities. They live in comfortable isolation within a privileged community, detached from the harsh truths of the social hierarchy and political system that grant them their privileged lives. Their limited perspective fails to recognize individuals like Mrs. Smith, who have fallen on hard times, even when someone from their own class (as with Mrs. Smith) has been the cause.
Sir Walter's change of heart, when Anne seeks his blessing for Captain Wentworth's marriage proposal a second time, arises from several factors. Wentworth has amassed a significant fortune, enabling him to provide Anne with a more comfortable lifestyle than she had with her financially struggling father. Additionally, Wentworth has reached the pinnacle of his profession, which, in the early nineteenth century, was gaining considerable respect. Thus, Sir Walter can welcome the captain into the family and proudly include his name in the Baronetage without the disgrace of Anne marrying beneath her social status.
Courtship and Marriage
The traditions of courtship and marriage are carefully outlined and strictly observed within each social class. These practices are governed by principles of order, decorum, and self-discipline, conforming to the strict roles women are expected to fulfill. A young woman is required to submit to her father's authority in all matters, obediently accepting the constraints placed upon her. Fathers who prohibited their daughters from marrying unsuitable suitors expected and received their compliance. Sir Walter issued a similar decree, with Lady Russell's backing, which Anne felt obliged to adhere to, despite the deep anguish caused by her separation from Wentworth. The novel concludes on a happy note only after Sir Walter changes his opinion of Wentworth and permits Anne to marry him.
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