Persuasion: Annotated

Persuasion is Jane Austen's final completed novel, a sophisticated historical romance suitable for young adult readers and beyond. It follows Anne Elliot, a 27-year-old woman who, years prior, was convinced by her family to end her engagement to the then-unsuitable Captain Frederick Wentworth. Now, circumstances bring them back into each other's orbit, with Wentworth having achieved wealth and status. The story beautifully navigates their complex emotions, societal expectations, and the quiet strength of Anne as she hopes for a renewed connection. This annotated edition provides additional context, making it an excellent choice for those studying Austen or delving deeper into classic literature.

Persuasion is the last novel fully completed by Jane Austen. It was published at the end of 1817, six months after her death.The story concerns Anne Elliot, a young Englishwoman of 27 years, whose family moves to lower their expenses and reduce their debt by renting their home to an Admiral and his wife. The wife's brother, Navy Captain Frederick Wentworth, was engaged to Anne in 1806, but the engagement was broken. Anne and Captain Wentworth, both single and unattached, meet again after a seven-year separation, setting the scene for many humorous encounters as well as a second, well-considered chance at love and marriage for Anne in her second "bloom".The novel was well-received in the early 19th century, but its greater fame came later in the century and continued into the 20th and 21st centuries. Much scholarly debate on Austen's work has since been published. Anne Elliot is noteworthy among Austen's heroines for her relative maturity. As Persuasion was Austen's last completed work, it is accepted as her most maturely written novel, showing a refinement of literary conception indicative of a woman approaching forty years of age. Her use of free indirect discourse in narrative was in full evidence by 1816.Plot SummaryThe story begins seven years after the broken engagement of Anne Elliot to then Commander Frederick Wentworth. When 19 years old, Anne fell in love and accepted a proposal of marriage from the young naval officer. Wentworth was considered clever, confident, ambitious, and employed, but his low social status made Anne's friends and family view the Commander as an unfavourable partner. Anne's father, Sir Walter, and her older sister, Elizabeth, maintained that Wentworth was no match for an Elliot of Kellynch Hall, the family estate. Lady Russell, acting in place of Anne's late mother, saw the relationship as imprudent for one so young and persuaded Anne to break off the engagement. Sir Walter, Elizabeth, and Lady Russell are the only family members who knew about the short engagement, as Anne's younger sister Mary was away at school.Several years later, the Elliot family is in financial trouble, so they let Kellynch Hall, and decide to settle in Bath until finances improve. The Baronet Sir Walter, his daughter Elizabeth, and Elizabeth's new companion Mrs Clay look forward to the move. Anne is less sure she will enjoy Bath. Mary is married to Charles Musgrove of nearby Uppercross Hall, the heir to a respected local squire. Anne visits Mary and her family, where she is well-loved. As the war against France is over, the tenants of Kellynch Hall, Admiral Croft and his wife Sophia--the sister of Frederick Wentworth who is by now a wealthy naval captain--have returned home. Captain Wentworth visits his sister and meets the Uppercross family and Anne Elliot.The Musgroves, including Mary, Charles, Charles' sisters Henrietta and Louisa, welcome the Crofts and Captain Wentworth, who makes it known that he is ready to marry. Henrietta is engaged to her clergyman cousin Charles Hayter, who is absent when Wentworth is introduced to their social circle. Both the Crofts and Musgroves enjoy speculating about which sister Captain Wentworth might marry. Once Hayter returns, Henrietta turns her affections to him again. Anne still loves Wentworth, so each meeting with him requires preparation for her own strong emotions. She overhears a conversation in which Louisa tells Wentworth that Charles Musgrove first proposed to Anne, who turned him down. This news startles Captain Wentworth. Anne realizes that he has not yet forgiven her for letting herself be persuaded to end their engagement years ago.