Persuasion - An Evolution of Ideals

In Persuasion, Jane Austen reveals the horrifying living conditions faced by members of the elite, wealthy class in early nineteenth century England. The Elliots’ story, as told by this novel, is a dismal one. Through Sir Walter Elliot especially, the baronet of Kellynch Hall who is solely responsible for the weighty burden of heading his town’s social and political pyramid, Austen assures readers that life for this encumbered citizen was, undoubtedly, not a party. Or was it? This mature work actually pokes fun at the lavishness and extravagance of those who dominated England’s late feudal society. In this novel, Austen employs exaggeration often to distort social ridiculousness and to signify changing ideals in her society.

Sir Walter Elliot is perhaps one of the most notable characters in Persuasion because he epitomizes the over-the-top lifestyle that he and many others in his social circle embrace. Austen is not subtle in portraying his narcissism, even going so far as to say “Vanity was the beginning and end of Sir Walter Elliot’s character” (Austen 2). Sir Walter, a man whose favorite book detailed his own history, and whose dressing room was layered with mirrors, was assuredly in love with himself. In contrast, Captain Frederick Wentworth and Admiral Croft are both men who have made a living on their own and have achieved social rank through their service to their navy. Austen’s exaggerated, effeminate portrayal of Sir Walter in juxtaposition to the characterization of these rough’n ready men signals a changing ideal of the gentleman: where men inherently of class and of title, such as Sir Walter, were once regarded as true English men, Austen points out that those who rose to their social rank by their own merits, such as Wentworth and Croft, were becoming increasingly respected as the true gentlemen of the time.

Moreover, Austen employs satirical elements to illustrate the meshing of private and public spheres. This blend is primarily achieved through the characters Admiral Croft and Mrs. Croft. Where women typically resided in the private sphere, committing to household activities and domestic chores, men resided in the public sphere, possibly working in a trade and earning money for the household. The apparently equal dynamic between Admiral Croft and Mrs. Croft, however, signifies an overlap of these traditionally separate spheres. Mrs. Croft accompanies Admiral Croft on his naval tours, and Admiral Croft is happy to help Mrs. Croft around the house. This relationship is symbolized by their partnership in driving the carriage, a role usually upheld by solely the husband. Instead, the Crofts share the reigns equally. In this unlikely relationship, Austen utilizes dramatic irony as Admiral Croft is an esteemed naval officer who would have been more likely to value tradition than change.

Therefore, we can see through the examples of Sir Walter, Captain Wentworth, and the Crofts that Austen’s society was very much rooted in the changing ideal of the gentleman and the meshing of the public and private domains.

Works Cited

Austen, Jane. Persuasion. Dover Publications, Inc. Mineola, New York. 1997. Print.