Riassunto esame Letteratura inglese, Prof. Angeletti Gioia, libro consigliato Persuasion, Austen

Persuasion

Persuasion is the last novel completed by Jane Austen (written between 1815-1816 and published posthumously in 1817). It represents the author's most mature phase and marks a profound social change: the decline of the old landed aristocracy (represented by the vain Elliots) in favor of the new meritocracy of the Navy (represented by Wentworth), which has gained wealth and prestige through its own valor.

Plot

The story follows the troubled love story between Anne and Captain Wentworth. Eight years before, the two were deeply in love and engaged, but Anne was persuaded to break off the engagement by Lady Russell, a close family friend who considered Wentworth an inadequate and risky match.

Wentworth re-enters Anne’s life when her father is forced to move to Bath and rent out their family estate to the Captain’s relatives. Wentworth is now wealthy and charming, but still embittered by the past rejection. However, throughout the novel, Wentworth finds himself falling in love with Anne Elliot once again.

In the end, he writes her a letter revealing his true feelings, and the two finally marry.

Characters

Anne Elliot & family: Sir Walter and Elizabeth

Anne Elliot (The Protagonist): 27 years old, intelligent and underrated. It is the symbol of inner constancy and strength.

Sir Walter Elliot (The Social Antagonist): Anne's father. A narcissist obsessed with beauty and the book of nobility (Baronetage). It represents decadence.

Captain Wentworth (The Hero): A "self-made man" in the Navy. Proud and successful, it represents real value versus securities.

Lady Russell (The Mentor): The friend who pushed Anne into initial rejection. It represents social prudence that stifles feelings.

Structure

The structure of the novel is not random; it follows a precise geographical shift that mirrors Anne’s internal evolution.

We can divide the book into three main "acts":

Kellynch Hall (The Past/Stagnation)

Structurally, this represents the "Old World" of the decaying aristocracy and Anne’s emotional imprisonment.

4. The Second Chance: Time and Regret

Persuasion is a "second-chance" story. It deals with the heavy issues of regret and the passing of time. The novel explores the maturity required to forgive a past mistake.