Questions for Chapters 17-24 (the end) of "Persuasion"
1) This section introduces Mrs. Smith and Anne’s friendship with her. What do you think about the character and what their friendship reveals about Anne?
2) Why do you think Austen chose to use a letter from Mary in the story, and did you think it was effective, and do you agree or disagree with Mary’s assessments?
3) The concert is a pivotal scene in the narrative. What does it reveal about Captain Wentworth, Anne, and Mr. Elliot?
4) What did you think about the revelations of Mr. Elliot’s character and of the fact that it was Mrs. Smith who made them?
5) Did you feel the novel wrapped up well and were you satisfied with the ending?
6) Anything I’ve missed?
posted by Mimi @ 3/17/2012 02:41:00 PM
5 Comments
5 Comments:
1)Admittedly, I read a notation on Sparknotes about their friendship, but it is interesting that Anne bucks her family and social convention to continue her friendship with Mrs. Smith. It shows the strength of character that we have come to expect from Anne, and I enjoyed their friendship. I also liked that she didn’t care about what her family thought about the friendship, and anytime she’s avoiding her family’s persuasion, I’m good .
2) I like expository writing, and I thought it was effective and well done. I also thought that Mary caught Anne up well, and her personality, while having undergone some growth through the story, definitely shows through in the letter. I think that Mary is set up to be the persuader and Anne’s resistance to the persuasion is a perpetual thorn in her side.
3) I thought the concert was a really sweet scene; I liked the way that Austen portrayed Anne and Captain Wentworth’s realization that they had feelings for each other.
4) Unlike some, I didn’t have a huge dislike of Mr. Elliot (good read, M!) but I am also not particularly shocked at the revelations. It fits into the narrative of someone who is groomed to inherit and I think that Austen is gently needling the fact that males can only inherit here. I also agree with the analysis that it was significant that the revelation came through the friendship she was discouraged, by her station, to have.
5) I was satisfied. Obviously there was never any doubt at how it would end, but as others have said, I like that Anne and Captain Wentworth are adults as they enter into the relationship and there is a maturity to their love that leads one to believe that their marriage will mirror the Crofts.
6) I was struck again, like I was in “Sense and Sensibility” by the frankness with which Austen discusses childbearing. It’s a refreshing contrast to Bronte’s “Wuthering Heights.”
Blush, that's epistolary novels. Sigh.
The other day I had a conversation with a friend comparing "Hunger Games" to Jane Austen novels. Made me really wish you were there!
Oooh, Miss Belladonna, that sounds fabulous! I wish I'd been there as well!
Ack! I hate that I missed this whole conversation! I *love* Persuasion and have read it umpteen times.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home