Jane Austens Attitudes to Marriage in Persuasion Essay -- English Lit

Jane Austens Attitudes to Marriage in PersuasionIn Persuasion, marriage is one of the major themes of the novel, andAustens attitudes towards marriage atomic number 18 present in chapter four of thenovel. The first episode in which we can examine Austens attitudes tomarriage is in chapter four. In chapter four we must notice that thitheris no direct speech, which shows that all of the narration is Austen,with her views and opinions being presented to us. When talking of Mr.Wentworth, Austen says He was a remarkably fine young man, with agreat deal of intelligence, musical note and brilliancy and of Anne anextremely pretty girl, with gentleness, modesty, taste and feeling.In a novel so concerned with riches and status we must notice thatAusten makes no comment concerning the wealth of either. Austen saysof Anne and Wentworth that they were gradually acquainted, and whenacquainted, rapidly and deeply in love. It would calculate that Austen isimplying that in English society you mu st either gain wealth or lovefrom a marriage, as very rarely were both love and wealth gained.Another theme of the novel which seems to accompany the theme ofmarriage is that of the private and the public. Austen says of Anneand Captain Wentworths togetherness A in brief period of exquisitefelicity followed, and but a short one. Troubles soon arose. SirWalter on being applied to thought it a very degrading alliance.Austen hither presents to us that when the public discover the news therelationship turns sour. Sir Walter by calling Anne and Wentworthsrelationship an alliance shows that he believes it should be no morethan a business relationship. Austens specter of He thought it a verydegrading alliance scorns this op... ... titles are measured and weighed in the consideration ofmarriage. In finality, Austen uses marriage in the novel as a kindlyyardstick to measure and compare the characters in the novel. Austen?stone is condemning when talking of marriages based on money, which onone hand shows her recognition of fantasy and sentimentalism but onthe other can be seen as her bitterness for never finding love andmarrying. For a novelist so concerned with the theme of marriage, itwould seem that Austen believes in love with marriage being the justway to display affection. Austen?s condemning tone towards marriagesbased on class and wealth could be Austen recognising that marriage isnot the only important thing in look. Austen would have had time tocontemplate this, being so close to the end of her own life andrealising that her life was complete without marrying.