Jane Austen's novel Persuasion explores the varied behavior of the English upper classes in the 19th century. Through the lens of protagonist Anne Elliot's experiences and relationships, Austen suggests that certain standards of behavior and character traits should be respected. Austen contrasts Anne's modesty and reserve with the flagrant vanity of her relatives, which she often presents satirically and causes the reader to condemn because of their presumptuous actions and ideas. Austen's novel also examines the notion of persuasion, examining the relative value of a firm nature versus those who act on the advice of others. Depicting Anne as making her way through the clearly defined social classes of the period, Austen compares characters who cling rigidly to social conventions with those who are more progressive and open-hearted, suggesting that warmth of character is more of a value than a propriety. Furthermore, Austen supports those whose actions arise from altruistic motivations and denounces those who act out of greed and vanity, illustrating her view that those with pure motives are invariably rewarded. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Through Persuasion, Jane Austen emphasizes the importance of modest behavior, suggesting that vanity and the desire for attention are poor qualities. From the beginning of her novel, Austen positions the reader to see Sir Walter Elliot as an object of ridicule, despite his baronetcy and distinct impression of his own importance. Describing Sir Walter's ability to "read his own story with an interest that never fails," Austen presents the most dominant aspect of his character, "the vanity of person and situation," for the reader's scrutiny . Through her assertion that Sir Walter was even the "object" of her own "respect and devotion," Austen encourages the reader to deride Sir Walter as a fool, associating his conceit with stupidity. Austen's condemnation of Sir Walter's vanity is further emphasized through the inclusion of Admiral Croft's shock at the "number of mirrors!" in his dressing room and decision to “move his setup”, sensibly not having the desire to be constantly surrounded by his own reflection. Furthermore, Sir Walter's failure to recognize the true worth of Anne, a character regarded by Austen as the embodiment of gentle virtue, but whom Sir Walter dismisses as "haggard" and a "nobody" due to her faded beauty, demonstrates Austen's blindness. suggests comes from giving too much importance to superficial qualities. Through the character of Mary, Austen also condemns attention-seeking behaviors and a lack of privacy. By feigning illness and complaining about the lack of attention she receives from her husband and family, Mary frustrates Charles, who wishes she didn't "always imagine herself ill" and fails to ingratiate herself with Mr. and Mrs. Musgrove, who "would have liked [Anne] much better” as Charles's wife. Mary's lack of propriety also earns her the derision of Captain Wentworth, who Austen presents as a good judge of character because of his love for Anne Revealing his sincere desire to be Perceived as a high-class person by those around her, Mary states that she has never been to the Hayter residence in Winthrop "more than twice in [her life!", a comment that is met with a "contemptuous look" from Wentworth, who, reflecting Austen's views, finds vanity and deplorable qualitiesMary's excess of pride. Furthermore, Mary's lack of regard for the consequences of her behavior almost results in Henrietta's decision not to renew her attachment to Charles Hayter, despite her love for him. Austen provides a stark contrast to Mary's bad behavior in Anne during her stay at Uppercross. Despite her frustration and inner criticism of her sister, Anne never expresses these complaints to Mary, serving as a mediator, relieving family tensions, and being treated with “trust” by everyone. Using free indirect discourse, Austen presents the events of the novel largely from the point of view of Anne, whose frequent silent introspection gives the reader insight into Anne's unspoken feelings, often due to what Austen suggests would be the inappropriateness of expressing such feelings out loud. . While Austen condemns the desire for constant attention that makes Mary a poor mother, abandoning her injured son Charles to attend dinner at the Great House, having "not dined [there] since Tuesday", she supports Anne's willingness to give up attention and to the excitement of dinner and volunteers to take care of the baby. Through condemnation of characters who display a lack of reserve and vanity, Austen argues for the importance of modesty as a personal trait. In addition to denouncing qualities such as vanity, through Persuasion Austen examines the limited merit of always acting decisively rather than being open to the influence of others. Hurt by her past rejection of him, Captain Wentworth despises Anne Elliot's "weak" character. However, Austen ultimately demonstrates that this judgment is misplaced and that Anne's "yielding to duty" was the right course of action at the time. Determined not to become attached to anyone who might be persuaded to give him up as Anne was, Wentworth is drawn to Louisa Musgrove's firm and sometimes willful nature. During the visit to Winthrop, Wentworth compares the steadfast character to a “hazelnut… endowed with original strength,” which even after “all the autumn storms” retains its “happiness.” Yet this metaphor rings hollow to the reader, positioned by Austen to consider informed decision, and the ability to exercise discretion and common sense, as essential qualities, beyond the capabilities of a hazelnut. Austen exemplifies the dangers of stubbornness that is not tempered by common sense through Louisa's fall at the Cobb. Displaying the desire for attention also condemned by Austen, Louisa insists on being "jumped down" the stairs by Wentworth. Although Wentworth "reasons against" her jumping from a greater height, Louisa ignores his advice and common sense, instead declaring herself "determined" to do so. Austen condemns this stubbornness through the harm she suffers, which leaves Louisa "taken lifeless!" Louisa's obstinacy is contrasted with Anne's firmness and common sense, who immediately demonstrates her "strength, zeal, and thoughtfulness" in dealing with the crisis. Anne's actions demonstrate to Wentworth that there is "no one more capable" than her, causing him to reconsider his previous judgment of her character. Through this episode, Austen illustrates that, ultimately, common sense is far more important than determination in guiding one's behavior. Furthermore, at the end of the novel Wentworth realizes that his “resentment” and anger at Anne's actions were pure madness and prevented him from recognizing his true worth. Anne articulates Austen's view that her decision to give up her relationship with Wentworth and submit to Lady Russell's advice was "right", as she "yielded to duty", honoring her family's wishes and those of her deceased mother, represented inLady Russell. . Through the contrast created between Anne and more determined characters such as Louisa, Austen suggests that being persuaded for morally sound reasons and showing only determination tempered by common sense is of paramount importance. Depicting the gradual emergence of a middle class in England, Austen's novel contrasts members of society who rigidly cling to social conventions, with those less interested in elegant and "proper" behavior. Anne's house at Kellynch Hall reflects her family's attitudes and social position in its grandeur and depiction of a rigid social hierarchy, 'presided over' by Elizabeth as mistress of the house. However, Anne's visit to the Musgrove house in Uppercross leads her to discover that "moving from one group of people to another" often results in a "total change of conversation, opinion and idea". Regardless of the complexities of etiquette, the Musgroves are full of laughter and warmth and their open-heartedness is refreshing to Anne, illustrating Austen's approval of their more frivolous behavior as opposed to rigidity. Through Louisa and Henrietta's frustration with Mary's constant insistence that "Mrs Musgrove give her the precedence she was due," Austen highlights the restriction of being too concerned with notions of social rank. Austen highlights her support for more progressive behavior through Anne's admiration for Admiral Croft. Despite not conforming to traditional standards of social standing, as a "self-made" man, Admiral Croft's "goodness of heart and simplicity of character" are irresistible to Anne, illustrating Austen's suggestion that one behave with care towards others is more important than social position or status. traditional notions of respectability. Austen also condemns behavior based solely on the desire to maintain one's social position through the character of Elizabeth, who Anne feels is "repugnant and unsisterly." Anne is "disappointed" by Elizabeth's behavior in Bath, particularly her desperate attempt to renew the Elliots' connection with the Dalrymples, a social ambition that Anne finds repugnant and wishes, just once, for her family to have "more pride" . By portraying the Dalrymples as completely undeserving of the Elliots' admiration, Austen positions the reader to view esteem for those of high rank as a poor basis for any friendship. By denouncing the actions of characters whose behavior is based solely on social convention, Austen suggests that goodness of character and light-heartedness are always preferable to rigidity. Austen's persuasion suggests not only appropriate standards of behavior, but also that it is critically important that actions arise from altruistic motivations, rather than from greed or vanity. Through Anne's revelation of her true worth during the crisis of Louisa's accident in Lyme, Austen emphasizes the positive consequences of acting altruistically. Despite her love for Wentworth and confidence in her attachment to Louisa, Anne takes decisive action in the interests of Louisa's recovery and even offers to remain in Lyme and "look after [her] with a zeal exceeding the common pretense of respect". Although this does not happen, Anne's kind actions and their positive impact on her relationship with Wentworth demonstrate Austen's strong support for altruistic behavior. Furthermore, Anne's decision to visit her old school friend, Mrs. Smith, who has been thrown into poverty and poverty by misfortune and is derided by Sir Walter as simply "a poor widow," is a act of charity which also results in notable..