“They had no conversation together, no intercourse but what the commonest civility required. Once so much to each other! Now nothing! There had been a time, when of all the large party now filling the drawing-room at Uppercross, they would have found it most difficult to cease to speak to one another. …there could have been no two hearts so open, no tastes so similar, no feelings so in unison, no countenances so beloved. Now they were as strangers; nay, worse than strangers, for they could never become acquainted.”
-from chapter 8
For eight years, Anne Elliot lived in regret, and with the painful knowledge that it was all her fault. For eight years, she continued to love Captain Wentworth, the man she was engaged to for a short time when she was nineteen. But he was a naval officer with nothing to offer her; she, the daughter of a baronet…they were too young, she would only hinder him from making his way in the world – such was the reasoning with which she was persuaded to give him up.
Now her family has to leave and rent out their house in order to repay debts. Anne is shocked to learn that the man – an admiral – who is to take the house is married to Captain Wentworth’s sister. By these means they are again in each other’s company. She knows nothing will come out of it except pain; on her side regret, on his side resentment.
To any other eye they were nothing to each other. To her eyes, it seemed that although Captain Wentworth remembered her, he had not forgiven her. So she watches…is forced to watch…while he ignores her and gives his attentions to another young lady.
This was Jane Austen’s last completed novel, published in 1818 (after her death) along with Northanger Abbey.
Oh, it’s a lovely story. I appreciate it much more now that I have read the book. It’s so touching! And I love knowing the whole story – something the movies did not provide. I can admire both Anne and Captain Wentworth more now, and their love story is much more meaningful, and delightful.
P.S. This is my 50th post! :)
Congrats on the 50th post!
ReplyDeletePersonally, Persuasion isn't my favorite Jane Austen novel. I like how in Jane's other books, there was more humor (though I still haven't read Mansfield Park, so I can't comment on that one). I still liked Persuasion, but not as much as her other books.
Thank you!
ReplyDeleteIt's not my favorite either...probably 4th on my list. Unless I like Northanger Abbey better. I haven't decided yet. ;-)
Likewise, Persuasion has never been one of my favourites, but I do think it is beautifully written. I think my indifference towards it may be due to - in my opinion - the lack of a good adaptation of it.
ReplyDeleteThat quote you included really made me remember, as you say, how touching the story really is! For me, it's quite unlike the rest of Jane Austen's books, due to less humour and irony, and although I don't dislike this, I feel this may be part of the reason why it isn't one of my favourites. It's definitely one I need to reread though to appreciate more.
Congratulations on your 50th post! :)
~Abby
Persuasion was the first Jane Austen novel I read. :) I love it!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
~Miss Raquel
www.God-sDaughter.blogspot.com