Social Attitudes In Jane Austen's Persuasion

This event and its effects, introduced as “the effect of over persuasion”, combines with the other characters’ social attitudes to create the framework for the novel (Jane Austen’s Writings). Austen’s introduction of such excessive characters satirically implies their relation to the social classes of her time. These characters, such as the socially absorbed Mary and the lavish Sir Walter, starkly contrast to Anne’s practicality and serve to set the overarching theme of the novel. It is these differences between the characters’ social views that develop through the story and result in both the internal and external persuasions that shape the

Elliot, it reflects the actions of an aspiring man during the regency period of Jane Austen’s time. Mr. Elliot, who can be seen as a lower level commoner, was solely focused on gaining the title of Baronet in order to reach the top of his social class. This explains Mr. Elliot’s deceitful actions, as well as the pompous actions of Sir Walter, a baronet just short of becoming a Baron and a man of Nobility (janeausten.org). As Austen’s novel reaches its conclusion, the effects of the internal persuasions within characters become evident. Internal aspirations such as those with Mr. Elliot and Sir Walter direct many of their thoughts and actions, while the sophistication of Elizabeth drives her wish to keep the grandeur of the Elliot family alive. This is revealed within the Musgrove’s visit to Bath as Elizabeth struggles between “propriety and vanity” when considering inviting the Musgroves to stay for dinner. However, “vanity got the better” of her as she had to persuade herself that “it would be very inconvenient for Mrs. Musgrove” to attend, thinking “she cannot feel easy with us” (Austen 207). It is such persuasions within the characters that serve to shape the progression of the novel. These internal persuasions dictate the smallest events and decisions, such as whether to invite old friends to stay for dinner or letting vanity dictate that they are of too little importance to be accommodated. The social views behind these persuasions make each character an effect of persuasion, in which their affected actions persuade the actions of the rest of the characters in the novel. Austen’s Persuasion shows us that, within a hierarchical society, the power of social views and their resulting persuasions have subsequent ripple effects throughout