Synopsis

'She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older - the natural sequel of an unnatural beginning.'

Anne Elliot seems to have given up on present happiness and has resigned herself to living off her memories. More than seven years earlier she complied with duty: persuaded to view the match as imprudent and improper, she broke off her engagement to a naval captain with neither fortune, ancestry, nor prospects. However, when peacetime arrives and brings the Navy home, and Anne encounters Captain Wentworth once more, she starts to believe in second chances.

Persuasion celebrates romantic constancy in an era of turbulent change. Written as the Napoleonic Wars were ending, the novel examines how a woman can at once remain faithful to her past and still move forward into the future.

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We Say

Written later in life, this book is less about first impressions, impulsive love and misguided judgement, and is instead about love lost and found again. For me, this book has a different feel to her other novels, but doesn't lack any of what makes her work brilliant. I love that in this her characters are that little bit older. Witty and wonderful, this is tied as my favourite Austen novel.

Mary

Summary

Chapter 1

Summary:
The novel opens in "Kellynch Hall," the home of Sir Walter Elliot and his family. Sir Walter is a vain and selfish baronet, while his eldest daughter, Elizabeth, is equally prideful and conceited. Anne, the second daughter, is quiet, intelligent, and compassionate, but is often overlooked by her father and sister.

Real Example:
Lady Dalrymple, Sir Walter's proud cousin, dismisses Anne as "a stupid girl" because of her plain appearance and lack of social graces.

Chapter 2

Summary:
Anne's younger sister, Mary, is married to Charles Musgrove, a naval captain. The Musgroves invite Anne to stay with them at "Uppercross Cottage." When Anne arrives, she meets Captain Wentworth, a former suitor who was once rejected by Anne due to his lack of wealth. Wentworth is now a successful naval officer and holds a grudge against Anne.

Real Example:
Captain Wentworth's bitterness towards Anne is evident in his sarcastic remarks and dismissive attitude towards her.

Chapter 3

Summary:
Anne spends several weeks at Uppercross and becomes close to the Musgroves' children, especially Louisa. During a visit to Lyme, the Musgroves and Anne witness a storm. While searching for Louisa, Wentworth rescues Anne from falling off a pier. This act of heroism forces Anne to confront her feelings for him.

Real Example:
Wentworth's heroic act demonstrates his deep-seated love for Anne, despite his initial resentment.

Chapter 4

Summary:
After returning to Uppercross, Anne and Wentworth gradually rekindle their connection. However, they face obstacles from Sir Walter, who still disapproves of Wentworth's lack of wealth. Moreover, Louisa Musgrove falls in love with Wentworth, causing further complications.

Real Example:
Louisa's infatuation with Wentworth serves to heighten the tension between Anne and Wentworth and test the strength of their shared feelings.

Chapter 5

Summary:
Anne and Wentworth's secret engagement is discovered by Lady Russell, Anne's trusted friend and confidante. Lady Russell is initially opposed to the match but eventually comes to support it. However, Sir Walter remains adamant in his disapproval.

Real Example:
Lady Russell's initial reluctance to accept Anne and Wentworth's engagement reflects the social norms of the time, which emphasized financial status and familial connections.

Chapter 6

Summary:
Anne and Wentworth plan to marry quietly, but their plans are thwarted when Louisa Musgrove suffers a serious fall that requires surgery. Anne's compassionate care for Louisa further endears her to Wentworth and his family.

Real Example:
Anne's selfless actions during Louisa's illness demonstrate her true character and reveal her worthiness as Wentworth's wife.

Chapter 7

Summary:
The novel concludes with Anne and Wentworth's marriage. Sir Walter eventually comes to accept their union, while Louisa Musgrove recovers from her injuries and moves on. Anne and Wentworth's love story serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and the importance of overcoming social barriers.

Real Example:
The happy ending of Anne and Wentworth's relationship symbolizes the triumph of true love over superficiality and prejudice.