Persuasion

In these chapters, Anne’s usefulness as part of the Musgroves’ inner circle becomes more apparent, and her levelheadedness as well as her eagerness to support others is finally appreciated by those around her. Anne’s desire, expressed in Chapter 6, “to become a not unworthy member of the [family] she was now transplanted into” (41) has been realized, as each character involved in the Musgroves’ circle expresses their gratitude for Anne’s help during and after Louisa’s accident. Her initial distance from them, and her tendency to be forgotten by others, has been dissolved by the Musgroves’ warmth and inclusive nature, showing Anne what it might be like to have relations that are not so obsessed with propriety and pride as her own nuclear family. Furthermore, Anne’s ability to direct the Musgroves into useful action in response to Louisa’s recovery shows the positive benefits of persuasion, in contrast to Austen’s earlier portrayal of influencing the actions of others. Anne is able to “persuade [the Musgroves] all to go to Lyme at once” (114), to help Louisa and the Harvilles, who continue to care for her. When called upon to make meaningful decisions, Anne shows that she has skill in supporting her friends without judging them or leading them in false directions.

Captain Wentworth soon shows a more active interest in Anne. He sends a note to Lady Russell’s about Louisa’s recovery, something that not only surprises but gratifies Anne for being remembered by the people she has come to know so intimately. This makes the return to her own family all the more daunting. As Anne expresses it: “for who would be glad to see her when she arrived?” (127). She has finally found a measure of respect and acceptance in the Musgrove party, but when she returns to her own family at first Kellynch-lodge and then Bath, she struggles to adjust to their colder, narrowminded ways. Though Lady Russell is friendly, Anne no longer shares her interest in the continually prideful affairs of her nuclear family: “their concerns had been sunk under those of Uppercross” (116). Her allegiances have begun to shift to those people that display, outwardly and with enthusiasm, that she means something to them.

The difference between Anne and Lady Russell is apparent during their visit to the Crofts. Anne excitedly expresses her good feelings toward them, particularly Admiral Croft, whose manners are not “quite of the tone” (118) to suit Lady Russell’s ideas of proper behavior. Lady Russell’s pride may not turn her cold and cruel, as it does to Sir Walter and Elizabeth, but it does put an unnecessary distance between herself and the people Anne enjoys spending her time with.

Sir Walter, Elizabeth, and even Mrs. Clay show a decided disinclination to include Anne as a meaningful part of their everyday lives, a stark contrast from the warm and loving reception she received from the Musgroves. Her time with the Musgroves has been so beneficial that Anne’s physical appearance changes, she has regained some measure of her good looks and is perceived as looking improved. Her mind needed a change of scenery and, most importantly, true friendship in the Musgroves. As she achieves this, her appearance improves for the better. This acts as a metaphor for Anne regaining a better sense of self for having been appreciated by true friends and having spent time outside of the narrowmindedness of her own family. With Anne’s character now stronger and more self-actualized, Austen shifts focus in Volume 2 to Anne’s romantic prospects, both new and from the past.