Jane Austen’s Persuasion
depicts the everyday happenings of a wealthy elite family who inhabit England
during the early nineteenth century, a society which is severely segmented in
accordance to wealth and social stature rather than personal merit or
character. The most glaring example of such segregation based of social status
can be seen through comparing the perspectives of characters within the novel,
as well as how they are perceived by their peers. Mr. Elliot, for example,
becomes renowned for both his social status and his ability to charm anyone who
crosses his path; however as the story progresses his true character proves to
be in stark contrast to his facade. Mr. Elliot is representative of society’s
ideal and his perspective on social relations exemplifies the split between
social classes, stating that “good company requires only birth, education, and
manners, and with regard to education is not very nice” (Austen 98). Mr. Elliot
is an advocate of dismissing the merits of education and personal achievement in
favor of associating with those within the same social standing. Conversely,
Anne argues that “my idea of good company, Mr. Elliot, is the company of
clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation; that is
what I call good company” (Austen 98). Unlike most of her family as well as her
mentor Lady Russell, Anne does not share the sentiment that the division of
social classes is a necessity, but rather chooses to converse with those whose
company she enjoys such as Mrs. Clay and Mrs. Smith. Prejudice against those of
lower social stature is a theme throughout the book, as even Lady Russell who
is stated as being of genuine character misjudges the intentions of Mr. Elliot
and Mrs. Clay, claiming that the “satisfaction in Mr. Elliot outweighed all the
plague of Mrs. Clay” (Austen 96). Lady Russell is quick to invalidate Anne’s
friendship with Mrs. Clay while promoting relations with Mr. Elliot based on
social status alone, disregarding Mrs. Clay’s loyalty as a friend and Mr.
Elliot’s fiendish nature. Ultimately, Jane Austen’s depiction of English
society through Persuasion mirrors
the increasingly segmented hierarchy in Europe during the nineteenth century, and
satirizes this sentiment by contrasting high class with low character and vice
versa.
Works Cited
Austen,
Jane. Persuasion. Mineola: Dover Publications, 1997. Print.
English societal changes in the era did gradually effect peoples views on other classes, which is addressed thoroughly in your post. I like the inclusion of Mr. Elliot as an example of someone who isn’t the best company, but is surrounded by people because of his enormous wealth. The example accurately paints a picture of someone who embodies the social change. The strange thing about Anne is that for a time in the book she was happily going along with the prospect of marrying Mr. Elliot for his wealth, but quickly shifts her position as she meets characters such as Mrs. Smith. Sir Walter also changes his view quickly, as it is shown his growing admiration for Mrs. clay does not reflect to views of characters such as Mr. Elliot, who surprisingly at the end of the book marries Mrs. Clay which makes no apparent sense.
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