Persuasion: Summary

Persuasion is a novel by Jane Austen that follows the story of Anne Elliot, a woman who rejects a proposal of marriage eight years prior, only to be presented with another opportunity later in life. The key themes of Persuasion include love, class, and social expectations. The novel explores the idea of true love and how it can be rejected or overlooked if it does not fit with society's conventions. It also examines the importance of family and how class affects relationships. Through the characters' experiences, readers can see how difficult it is to go against societal norms and expectations. Finally, Persuasion also touches upon female agency and autonomy as Anne is forced to make decisions about her future despite the pressure from her family. Despite the obstacles she faces, Anne is ultimately able to take control of her own destiny.

1. What themes did you recognize in Persuasion?
2. How did the author explore the ideas of pride and prejudice?
3. What emotions did you feel when reading the story?
4. How does the author portray the relationships between men and women in the novel?
5. Do you think Anne is a strong female character? Why or why not?
6. How does Austen use irony to make her points about society and relationships?
7. In what ways does Anne grow throughout the novel?
8. How does Sir Walter’s behavior shape the events that take place in the novel?
9. How does the setting of Bath contribute to the plot and themes of the novel?
10. What do you think are some of the key takeaways from reading Persuasion?

• Persuasion is a masterful exploration of themes such as societal expectations and the power of love.
• The characters are so wonderfully drawn and relatable, it's easy to get caught up in their struggles.
• Jane Austen's writing style is truly timeless, and her insights into human behavior still ring true today.
• It was fascinating to observe how Anne had to choose between her own feelings and those of others when making decisions.
• Throughout the novel, we can see how much sense of pride and honor play a role in the characters' lives.
• I admired Anne's perseverance despite all the obstacles she faced in achieving her goals.
• The character development was incredibly well-crafted, allowing us to understand each character's motivations and reactions.
• The romance between Anne and Captain Wentworth was so tenderly depicted that it made me root for them to reunite throughout the whole story.
• It was remarkable how Austen managed to include discussion about politics and society without taking away from the main narrative of love and growth.
• Persuasion serves as an inspiring reminder to never give up on our dreams no matter what life throws our way!

1. "I can listen no longer in silence. I must speak."
2. "There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart."
3. "One half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other."
4. "Look at all the world with a cheerful eye."
5. "We must endeavour to live within our income, if we would preserve our independence."

TV: 1. Persuasion (2007): A British miniseries adaptation, starring Sally Hawkins as Anne Elliot and Rupert Penry-Jones as Captain Wentworth. 2. Anne of Green Gables (1979): A Japanese TV movie adaptation, starring Mieko Takamine as Anne Shirley and Masashi Ishibashi as Gilbert Blythe. 3. Persuasion (1995): An American TV movie adaptation, starring Amanda Root as Anne Elliot and Ciaran Hinds as Captain Wentworth. Film: 1. Persuasion (1971): A British feature film adaptation, starring Ann Firbank as Anne Elliot and Bryan Marshall as Captain Wentworth. 2. Jane Austen's Persuasion (2007): An independent American film adaptation, starring Sally Hawkins as Anne Elliot and Rupert Penry-Jones as Captain Wentworth. 3. Love & Friendship (2016): A French-Irish comedy film adaptation of Lady Susan, a novella by Jane Austen, starring Kate Beckinsale as Lady Susan Vernon and Chloë Sevigny as Alicia Johnson. Radio: 1. Persuasion (1998): A BBC Radio 4 dramatization, adapted by Martyn Wade and featuring Anna Massey as Anne Elliot and Christopher Scott as Captain Wentworth. 2. Persuasion (2006): A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatization, adapted by Hattie Naylor and featuring Juliet Stevenson as Anne Elliot and Richard Armitage as Captain Wentworth. 3. Jane Austen's Persuasion (2018): An audio drama produced by L.A Theatre Works with performances by Sarah Drew, Robert Petkoff, David Furr and more. Podcast: 1. The Jane Austen Podcast: This podcast features various episodes discussing the themes of Persuasion from different perspectives with an impressive lineup of scholars and authors including Paula Byrne, Lucy Worsley, Emma Marriott and more! 2. Ladies Like Us: This podcast includes an episode featuring a discussion on the themes of Persuasion with two special guests – author Jo Baker and actor Rupert Penry- Jones – who starred in the 2007 miniseries adaptation of the novel! 3. Jane Austen Book Club: This podcast features a lively discussion on the themes explored in Persuasion between hosts Kristen Howerton and Sarah Pyper along with special guest Margaret Ozier!

• Pride and Prejudice
• Sense and Sensibility
• Mansfield Park
• Northanger Abbey
• Emma