Rational in a Youthful Frenzy

“There is a quickness of perception in some, a nicety in the discernment of character, a natural penetration, in short, which no experience in others can equal…” (pg. 180)

The more I read Jane Austen’s novels, the more I find the similarities between them and the more I love them.  Most people might become frustrated or bored with the repetitive plot lines within her novels, but there is some antiquely enchanting about them.  The characters always get exactly what they desire which can be seen as cliché, but anything less would leave me unsettled.  There is an elegant, pure satisfaction in the modest courtship, caring women, and genuine men of Austen’s stories that stole my interest.  As much as I love books, I’ve never found an author or literary piece that has intrigued so deep an interest and enjoyment.  Jane Austen changed my reading experience.

Although Persuasion contains the same theme of marriage as the other Austen books, there is a unique twist.  Anne Elliot refused to marry the man that she loved.  This is somewhat absurd considering all other Austen novels seemed to be based on marrying for love instead of desire for security or the improvement of one’s social standing.  Fredrick needed no change in character or devotion to Anne; she had fully captured the fullness of affection from the start.  This begs the question, if he loved her and she loved him why did they not get married in the first place?

Austen uses this last novel of her literary legacy to present the important message that marriage must be approached rationally.  Mutual respect and affection is important, but circumstances must be considered as well.  Anne was convinced initially that the marriage would be too risky and that the youthful frenzy would be full of later consequences.  Anne followed her head instead of her heart and broke off the engagement. 

Another important message, correlating with the title, is not to be persuaded by others around you.  Although it is important to take the instruction and counsel of others, stay strong to what you believe in because in the end it is no one’s decision but your own.  If Anne had followed her own judgment instead of Lady Russell’s, she could have been spared eight years of unloved loneliness.  However, in the end, the separation had deepened and proven Fredrick’s love even more than before and truly resulted in strengthening the relationship between Anne and Fredrick.