Passion and Prudence: The Characterization of Anne Elliot in Persuasion Christopher Kuo 11th Grade

“She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older--the natural sequel of an unnatural beginning.” With these words, Jane Austen crystallizes one of the central questions of her novel Persuasion--whether it is better to be strong-willed or easily persuadable. Persuasion differs from other Austen novels because of its more somber tone and its more insightful analysis of trends in Victorian society. The most distinctive aspect of Persuasion, however, is the character of its heroine, Anne Elliot, a woman “silent but full of thought, persuadable yet steady, a model of self-composure yet glowing with emotions” (Muller 20). Indeed, throughout the novel, Austen uses description, dialogue, inner thought, and foils to reveal Anne’s character and to explore the themes of persuasion, constancy in love and gender roles.

To begin with, Austen uses description to portray Anne Elliot’s character and to delve into the novel’s themes. In chapter 2, for instance, the narrator describes Anne’s response to the Elliot family’s financial troubles. “She wanted more vigorous measures, a more complete reformation….a much higher tone of indifference for everything but justice and equity” (Austen 13). This detail about...