Persuasion

“She felt herself ill-used and unfortunate, as did her father; and they were neither of them able to devise any means of lessening their expenses without compromising their dignity, or relinquishing their comforts in a way not to be borne.”

Elizabeth and Sir Walter aim to retrench the family’s finances to absolve Sir Walter’s debt, but their pride prevents them from taking the necessary reductions in lifestyle and expenditure. In this quote, ‘dignity’ is directly linked with the material possessions of the Elliots, highlighting the extreme conceit of these two characters.

“In fact, as I have long been convinced, though every profession is necessary and honourable in its turn, it is only the lot of those who are not obliged to follow any, who can live in a regular way, in the country, choosing their own hours, following their own pursuits, and living on their own property, without the torment of trying for more; it is only their lot, I say, to hold the blessing of health and good appearance to the utmost.”

Classism and pride motivate Mrs. Clay’s words to Sir Walter here, which argue that only aristocratic men who do not need to work live a leisurely, desirable, and superior life. This quote evinces Mrs. Clay’s talents for flattery, as she attempts to ingratiate herself and attain the same kind of leisurely life for herself.

“Half the sum of attraction, on either side, might have been enough, for he had nothing to do, and she had hardly any body to love; but the encounter of such lavish recommendations could not fail.”

Anne and Frederick Wentworth’s initial feelings for each other developed out of genuine attachment to the other’s character, and they were both ready to devote themselves to love. Their eagerness as young lovers was supported by true knowledge and understanding of the other, rather than social preoccupations.