Persuasion Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How does Jane Austen use satire to make the reader aware of Sir Walter's vanity?

Jane Austen employs satire by highlighting Sir Walter's obsession with appearance, particularly through his flattery of Admiral Croft, which creates humor about his vanity.

What effect does the satire employed by Jane Austen have on the reader?

The effect of the satire is to amuse the reader while also critiquing Sir Walter's vanity and superficial values.

Admiral Croft describes Sir Walter as someone who 'will never set the Thames on fire.'

True

Do you consider Admiral Croft's description of Sir Walter to be accurate?

Yes, Admiral Croft's description is accurate; Sir Walter lacks feistiness or activity but is harmless and has a calm disposition. Signup and view all the answers

What can you infer about Sir Walter by the additions he makes to the book containing the family's history?

Sir Elliot is very proud of his family heritage and values it very much; he is particularly vain and adds every single detail to improve upon the book. Signup and view all the answers

What do you learn about Sir Walter and his oldest daughter Elizabeth in Chapter 1?

Sir Elliot is proud and vain; even at 54, he is a very handsome man. Elizabeth is beautiful but just as vain as her father and is Sir Elliot's favorite daughter. Signup and view all the answers

Why can't Sir Walter just leave his money, title, and estate to his daughters?

William Walter Elliot is the only other Elliot male in the family, and the Elliot estate, title, and money must be inherited by a man. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two reasons Lady Russell thinks relocating the family is a good idea?

Firstly, it will help the Elliots save money; secondly, it will separate Elizabeth from her new friend Mrs. Clay. Signup and view all the answers

What do you learn about Sir Walter from his reaction to Mrs. Russell's first proposal?

He is not sensible and regards altering his lifestyle as disgraceful to his rank. Signup and view all the answers

What does Sir Walter's comment about Admiral Croft reveal about his character?

Sir Walter is very class conscious and cares more about public opinion than about the well-being of his property. Signup and view all the answers

Where would Anne prefer to go, and where is it decided the Elliots will relocate?

Anne would like to relocate to the country, but it is decided that the Elliots will rent property in Bath. Signup and view all the answers

What qualities are Lady Russell and Sir Walter looking for in a husband for Anne?

They want Anne to marry a man 'of consequence': he must be well-born and have alliance and fortune. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of Mary's concerns regarding the intimacy between her father and Mrs. Clay.

Mary believes such intimacy could have a significant effect on the heir presumptive of Kellynch Hall. Signup and view all the answers

What character trait of Sir Walter is satirized in the narrator's statement about Admiral Croft?

Sir Walter's vanity and dependence on public approval are satirized. Signup and view all the answers

What do people who do not work do to keep their lives interesting?

They attend dinners, card evenings, go to the playhouse, and visit each other. Signup and view all the answers

Are there still such people today, and what do they do to keep their lives interesting?

Yes, people today often belong to country clubs, play golf, travel, and participate in charitable activities. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think poor, dead Richard is brought into the story?

To emphasize that Mrs. Musgrove is not a 'silly parent' and to show her grief over her son's death. Signup and view all the answers

Find a quotation from Chapter 6 that sums up Charles Musgrove's character.

'Charles Musgrove was civil and agreeable; in sense and temper he was undoubtedly superior to his wife.' Signup and view all the answers

What are Mary's complaints throughout the chapter, and do you consider them valid?

Mary complains about not receiving large presents, Charles spoiling the children, and feeling ill without proper care. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Croft do while Mr. Croft is out at sea?

Mrs. Croft accompanies Mr. Croft and does everything together with him. Signup and view all the answers

What type of mother is Mary Elliot?

Mary is a 'silly parent' - not caring but rather selfish. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Captain Wentworth and Anne's first meeting after eight years.

They met awkwardly in Mary's drawing room, with Anne quickly glancing at him and then looking down. Signup and view all the answers

What does Captain Wentworth think about Anne's breaking of their engagement?

He feels she had ill-used him and displayed a feebleness of character. Signup and view all the answers

What do you suppose Captain Wentworth means when he says Anne was altered?

He likely hopes his comment will reach Anne and hurt her because she shunned him years ago. Signup and view all the answers

How does the narrator build tension in the chapter?

The narrator conveys Anne's intimate thoughts about Captain Wentworth, raising questions about their future interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What are the chances of Anne and Captain Wentworth 'finding' each other again?

The chances are uncertain as they are unsure of each other's feelings and often surrounded by others. Signup and view all the answers

Find an example of a female character who behaves differently from the rest: Why did you choose this character?

Mrs. Croft travels with her husband and disagrees with traditional views on women's roles. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Charles Hayter's economic and social standing of such interest to Mary?

Mary is concerned because he belongs to an 'unpolished' family and fears for her sister-in-law's future. Signup and view all the answers

Do we still view and rank people by their social and economic standing?

Yes, people are still judged by their social and economic status in various cultures. Signup and view all the answers

What does persuade mean?

'Persuade' means to convince, influence, or encourage. Signup and view all the answers

What does nonsensical complaisance mean?

Louisa means it would make no sense for Henrietta to comply with the idea of not going to Winthrop. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the comparison Captain Wentworth makes about the nut.

Captain Wentworth compares the kernel of a nut to a person, suggesting that one should stay firm and not be persuaded to change. Signup and view all the answers

What does Captain Wentworth mean when he says his first wish is that they should be firm?

He likely refers to Anne's lack of firmness that affected their past relationship. Signup and view all the answers

Define the relationship between Captain Wentworth and the Harvilles.

Captain Wentworth and Captain Harville are navy friends and have not seen each other in 2 years. Signup and view all the answers

How is Captain Benwick related to the Harvilles?

Captain Benwick was engaged to Captain Harville's sister, Fanny, who died while he was at sea. Signup and view all the answers

What do you know about Mr. Elliot introduced in this chapter?

William Walter Elliot is the only other Elliot man and stands to inherit Kellynch Hall; he had married a rich woman of low standing. Signup and view all the answers

What has brought about Captain Wentworth's softened attitude towards Anne?

Anne remained calm during incidents; she took charge, which impressed Wentworth. Signup and view all the answers

How do you feel about Mary's insistence on staying with Louisa?

Mary wants to stay with Louisa because she is too fond of her and worries about her well-being. Signup and view all the answers

How does Anne feel about needing to vacate Kellynch Hall?

Anne wants to stay out of the way because she does not like the idea of renting the property to strangers. Signup and view all the answers

Comment on the narrator's hints at Sir Walter's self-importance.

Mr. Shepherd had to flatter Sir Walter into his best behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sir Walter Elliot's Character

Sir Walter is extremely proud and vain about his family's heritage, adding details to the family history book to portray it positively.
At 54, he is handsome and conscious of his appearance, mirroring Elizabeth's vanity as his favorite daughter.
He disapproves of his heir presumptive, William Walter Elliot, due to past actions, adhering to traditional inheritance customs favoring male heirs.

Lady Russell's Perspective

Lady Russell views relocation as beneficial for financial reasons and to separate Elizabeth from Mrs. Clay, who influences her negatively.

Sir Walter values social standing highly, feeling humiliated at the thought of renting to "ordinary" people.
He expresses class-consciousness when discussing Admiral Croft, proclaiming him the best-looking sailor and is willing to associate with him based on appearance, despite his previous disdain for sailors.

Anne's Preferences

Anne Elliot prefers a tranquil countryside setting over the bustling city of Bath, but the family decides on Bath for their relocation.

Marriage Expectations

Both Lady Russell and Sir Walter seek a well-born and wealthy suitor for Anne, reflecting their class values.

Family Dynamics

Mary's focus on her father's potential intimacy with Mrs. Clay reveals concerns about status and inheritance, as Mrs. Clay could become influential if she bears a son.

Observations on Society

Those of high social standing often engage in leisure activities, such as dinners and travels, highlighting a disparity with working individuals.
Today's equivalent includes wealthy individuals participating in country club activities and social engagements.

Character Relations

Captain Wentworth's feelings towards Anne are shaped by their past engagement; he believes her actions demonstrated a weakness of character.
Mary Elliot displays selfish tendencies, focusing on her own status instead of her family's well-being.

Notable Characters

Mrs. Croft represents a modern woman for her time, accompanying her husband on naval voyages, thus defying traditional gender roles.
Captain Benwick is introduced as grieving for his late fiancée, the sister of Captain Harville, showing depth in character relationships.

Tension and Regression

Captain Wentworth and Anne share an awkward reunion, prompting reflection on their unresolved feelings but complicating honest communication.
The narrative builds tension by revealing Anne’s intimate thoughts and the constant possibility of crossing paths with Captain Wentworth.

Class and Marriage

Mary Elliot's disinterest in Charles Hayter's lower status reflects her preoccupation with social reputation and family connections.
Social and economic standings still influence relationships today, with societal pressure to maintain class distinctions persisting.

Satirical Elements

Satire highlights Sir Walter’s vanity, amusingly depicting his preference for grooming and public appearance, rather than genuine merit.
Admiral Croft’s description reflects a balanced view of Sir Walter, acknowledging his harmlessness despite a lack of excitement in his character.

Conclusion

The text explores themes of pride, social class, marriage expectations, and the tensions between personal integrity and societal pressures.

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Description

This quiz features flashcards based on Jane Austen's 'Persuasion', focusing on key character traits and themes. Explore insights about Sir Walter Elliot and other significant characters in the novel. Perfect for literature students looking to deepen their understanding of the text.