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Persuasion (novel)

arts Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Persuasion is a famous novel written by the English author Jane Austen.

Persuasion Illustration Chapter 1
Persuasion Illustration Chapter 1

It was the very last book she finished before she died. The story follows a woman named Anne Elliot, who is 27 years old. Anne is a very mature character compared to other heroes in Austen's books. The novel was published on December 20, 1817, along with another book called Northanger Abbey. Even though it was published then, the title page says 1818. People loved the book in the early 1800s, but it became even more famous later on. Today, many smart people still study and talk about her wonderful writing.

The story is about a second chance at love. Seven years before the book starts, Anne was engaged to a young naval officer named Frederick Wentworth. He was clever and ambitious, but he did not have much money yet. Because of this, Anne's father, Sir Walter Elliot, and her sister, Elizabeth, thought he was not good enough. A relative named Lady Russell also persuaded Anne to break the engagement.

Persuasion by Jane Austen family tree by shakko
Persuasion by Jane Austen family tree by shakko

Anne was only nineteen years old when she had to make that hard choice. She still held onto her feelings for him for many years.

Everything changes when the Elliot family runs out of money. Sir Walter and Elizabeth spent too much on fancy things. To save money, they must rent out their home, Kellynch Hall, to an admiral. The family moves to a city called Bath to live more cheaply. This move brings Anne back into the same circles as Captain Wentworth. He is now a wealthy captain because of his work during the Napoleonic Wars. He earned about £25,000 from capturing enemy ships at sea. Now, he is a very popular man that many women want to marry.

During a trip to the coastal town of Lyme Regis, a big event happens. A young woman named Louisa has a bad accident after jumping from a seawall. While others are upset, Anne stays very calm and organizes help for her.

Persuasion Illustration Chapter 1
Persuasion Illustration Chapter 1

Captain Wentworth sees how wise and steady Anne is during this scary moment. He begins to rethink his old feelings for her. Later in Bath, Anne meets an old friend named Mrs. Smith. Mrs. Smith tells Anne that a man named William Elliot is not as kind as he seems. This helps Anne understand the people around her much better.

In the end, Anne and Wentworth find their way back to each other. While at a hotel in Bath, Wentworth overhears Anne talking about love. He is so moved that he writes her a secret note. In the note, he tells her how he truly feels.

Persuasion by Jane Austen family tree by shakko
Persuasion by Jane Austen family tree by shakko

They meet outside and decide to get engaged again. Lady Russell even agrees that the match is a good one. This book shows us that even after a long time, love can grow again. It is a story about being brave with your heart.

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Persuasion Illustration Chapter 1.jpg
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