Focalization and persuasion. In Persuasion , by Jane Austen

Thèmes abordés

Focalization, persuasion, Jane Austen

Résumé du document

Lady Russell tries to persuade Anne to accept William Elliot, as he is a good match ("A most suitable connection"). She keeps on repeating that she would be happy as Mr. Elliot's wife ("being happy together", " a very happy one"), which should make Anne eager to marry him.

However Anne denies the fact they should marry ("but we should not suit"). So Lady Russell is being rather swindling and dishonest here, she uses an undeniable argument : Anne becoming Mrs. Elliot, "mistress of Kellynch". Anne loved her mother, she is moved by this idea ("Anne [tried] to subdue the feelings this picture excited"). Many expressions refer to Anne potentially becoming Lady Elliot; such as the anaphora : "succeeding to all her rights, and all her popularity, as well as to all her virtues", which emphasis her future access to a comfortable life.

Extraits

[...] Elliot imagination and her hear were bewitched . [this idea] was a charm she could not immediately resist”); but then realize that she does not like William Elliot never could accept She realizes that Lady Russell is mistaken : believed . what Anne did not believe”. The finaly distinction is relevant : she does not blindly follow her feelings, but makes a rational choice : . her judgment, on a serious consideration of the possibilities of such a case, was against Mr. [...]

[...] In Persuasion, by Jane Austen. An example. Lady Russell tries to persuade Anne to accept William Elliot, as he is a good match most suitable connection”). She keeps on repeating that she would be happy as Mr. Elliot's wife (“being happy together”, a very happy which should make Anne eager to marry him. However Anne denies the fact they should marry we should not suit”). So Lady Russell is being rather swindling and dishonest here, she uses an undeniable argument : Anne becoming Mrs. [...]

[...] She emphasizes the fact that Anne would be a perfect Mrs. Eliot, to make her change her mind, as her deepest feelings are being challenged. Lady Russell's influence is double-edged. She might want to deprive Anne from her chance to marry Wentworth. She might want Anne's good : Anne should be wise and marry the wealthy Mr. Elliot and not foolishly marry a captain with whom she could not have a dream life as she expects (as he could leave, die during a war for instance). [...]