Questions and Answers
What qualities are Mrs. Russell and Sir Elliot looking for in a husband for Anne?
A man who is important and well-known, from a wealthy family.
What do you think led Anne to acquiesce to her family's wishes? Should families have a say in whom they marry? Explain.
Anne accepted her family's wishes because she loved them and wanted to make them happy. Families should have input but not control everything.
What questions could you raise that would get others to want to read the next chapter?
Will Anne and Captain Wentworth reunite? What will happen between them if they do? What are Anne's feelings about Charles?
What kind of evidence is given about Mrs. Clay's appearance?
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What are females of this class expected to do? How do they spend their time?
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What do people who do not work do to keep their lives interesting?
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Why do you think poor, dead Richard is brought into the story?
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What themes seem to be emerging?
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How does Mary describe the role of mother to Anne?
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How is the narrator used to build tension in this chapter?
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What do you learn about Captain Wentworth in this chapter?
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What do you learn about how naval men view women?
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What keeps Captain Wentworth and Anne from speaking honestly to each other?
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Why is Charles Hayter's economic and social standing of such interest to Mary?
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In the extended Musgrove family, who has the highest social standing? The lowest?
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Study Notes
Qualities for a Suitable Husband
- Mrs. Russell and Sir Elliot seek a husband for Anne who is important, well-known, and from a wealthy family.
- Their aim is to establish alliances and enhance their family's fortune through marriage.
Anne's Conflict with Family Expectations
- Anne acquiesces to her family's wishes out of love and desire to please them.
- Families should provide input on marriage, but the final decision should respect individual feelings and choices.
Building Intrigue and Tension
- Potential questions to engage readers include: Will Anne and Captain Wentworth reunite? What are Anne's feelings toward Charles? How might her beliefs differ from her parents' teachings?
Judgments Based on Appearance
- Mrs. Clay is described negatively, highlighting freckles and awkward features that make her appear less attractive.
- The narrative underscores society's tendency to judge individuals based on appearance before appreciating their personality.
Expectations of Women in Society
- Women of the upper class are expected to be stylish, well-mannered, and maintain an image of happiness.
- Their daily activities include learning to fit societal roles, pleasing their families, and adhering to fashion trends.
Anne’s Perspective on the Musgroves
- Anne admires the Musgroves for their carefree nature and difference from her own family's social concerns.
- She appreciates their focus on sports and activities over social status and appearances.
Maintaining Interest in Leisure Activities
- Non-working individuals engage in social events, card games, walks, shopping, and maintaining their social image to keep life interesting.
The Significance of Richard's Mention
- Richard's death in the navy impacts Mrs. Musgrove significantly, revealing past connections and emotions tied to Captain Wentworth.
Character Relationships
- Key characters include Sir Walter Elliot (Anne's father), William Elliot (cousin), and Captain Frederick Wentworth (Anne's former fiancé).
Emerging Themes
- Key themes include family dynamics, societal roles, the significance of social and economic standings, and the nature of marriage.
Mary’s Whiny Attitude
- An imagined conversation highlights Mary’s superficial concerns about social status and her dismissive attitude towards others' appearances.
Mary’s Assumptions about Anne’s Role
- Mary believes Anne should prioritize childcare over social events, reflecting the limited roles women are expected to play.
Tension Creation through Narrative
- The narrator reveals Anne's conflicting feelings about Captain Wentworth, intensifying anticipation for their interactions.
Anne's Reflections on Wentworth
- Anne reflects nostalgically on her past relationship with Wentworth and contemplates expressing her lingering love for him.
Insights into Captain Wentworth
- Captain Wentworth joined the ship in the year Anne rejected his proposal, shaping their relationship's complexity.
Naval Men's Views on Women
- Naval men perceive women as inferior, believing they should focus on domestic responsibilities and exclude them from naval roles.
Honest Communication Barriers
- Captain Wentworth and Anne struggle to express their feelings due to social settings and uncertainty about each other's emotions.
Mary’s Interests in Charles Hayter
- Mary is preoccupied with Charles Hayter's social and economic status, judging him as unsuitable for her sister due to lower standing.
Social Standing in the Musgrove Family
- The Musgrove family enjoys the highest social standing, while the Hayter family ranks lower.
- Social and economic standings still significantly influence perceptions and relationships in modern society.
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Description
This quiz covers themes and character motivations from chapters 4 to 9 of 'Persuasion'. It explores the qualities desired in a suitor for Anne as well as family influences on marriage decisions. Test your understanding of the text and its implications on personal choices.