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| photo by Mathias Erhart, flickr |
And yet we suspect that this is not entirely true. We suspect that Anne is somehow much more than what we are first shown. After all, this is her story, and you can't have a story about "nobody."
As you read, be on the lookout for moments that hint at Anne's true identity and character, whether that be through her actions, her words, or her thoughts and observations, which often (but not always) reflect those of the narrator.
Who is Anne Elliot, really? Are your initial impressions confirmed throughout Book I, or do they change? If so, why? As always, be sure to include page number references.
Comments are due by Friday, 28 October, noon.
We are introduced to Anne where she comes off as "just Anne" and it seems that the first few chapters are just an introduction to the life of the Elliots. However, as the book progresses, we learn about Anne and how she feels and what she thinks and so far we have learned this:
ReplyDelete-she is overlooked by everyone, aside from Lady Russell, who likes her the most from all the girls (chapters 1 & 2)
-She is the most level headed and people turn to her, when they want someone to listen to their problems (mary is a prime example, pg 35 & 36
-Mary is described as "not having Anne's understanding or temper" which means Anne is understanding and well tempered (35)
-Anne is well mannered and adheres to the British rules for nobility in the sense where she "says what is proper" (35) in regards to her sisters "illness" and follows her elders, assuming they know better, like in the situation of Lady Russell encouraging her to call off her engagement to someone below her
Surely, as the text progresses, we will learn more about Anne, since it is her story, and we will see her in a different light. As Capt. Wentworth plays a greater role in the text, we will see a different side to Anne.
“His two other children were of inferior value” (11); this is how the book first introduces us to Anne. In this quote, Austen is talking about Anne’s father, Sir Walter Elliot. By introducing the main character of the story as “only Anne” (11), my initial impression was that she was just a “plain Jane.” However, first impressions are not always what they seem.
ReplyDeleteHer family does not support her, and it is proven in Elizabeth’s statement “Then I am sure Anne had better stay, for nobody will want her in Bath” (32). Even though her family does not support her, Anne is supportive of her family and those around her; this defies the statement that it is “only Anne” (11), because many people would not support their family if they were treated as badly as she. Anne is even tempered and patient with everyone around her, even when Mary continues to belittle and ridicule her; “Anne said what was proper…” (35). I find that when Anne is in situations that most people would lose their temper in, Anne is able to keep her composure.
Though Anne’s family does not respect her, Mrs. Musgrove says “Miss Anne, you are able to set things right” (41). In times of distress, everyone looks to Anne because she can keep her composure. When Louisa fell, Captain Wentworth attempted to find a surgeon, but Anne suggested Captain Benwick complete the task because he knew where to find a surgeon. “Every one capable of thinking felt the advantage of the idea” (92); in this time it was Anne who made the important decisions, and her decisions were accepted thankfully.
In the beginning of the book, I thought Anne was a push over, but now I believe that she is even tempered, well respected by most (as she should be), and intelligent.
Anne Elliot is not just a "nobody". Through the use of free and indirect discourse, Jane Austen has given the reader a chance to see into her mind and let us know who she really is. On page 51, Anne is left alone to take care of little Charles when Mary and Charles go to the Great House. We are given an opinion of how Anne feels about their marriage when she says, "They were gone, she hoped, to be happy, however oddly constructed such happiness might be." It is a small remark, but it lets the reader know that Anne does have opinions, even though her character comes off as very passive. I really thought she was more of a pushover in Book 1, especially when she lets Elizabeth boss her around. When Elizabeth says, "Then I am sure Anne had better stay, for nobody would want her at Bath", I was outraged that Anne did not retaliate. But after finding out how wonderful her true spirit is later on in the book, I realize it made Anne the better person by not saying some snide comment back to Elizabeth. It is obvious that Anne is very sweet if an annoying character like Louisa can compliment her by wishing Anne had married Charles instead of Mary (page 75). Even though her immediate family takes her for granted, others see Anne much differently. I am only anxious for Anne to overcome this hostility and to be happy for her in later chapters. It could not come soon eough.
ReplyDeleteAnne Elliot is definitely much more than how she is explained early in the text. She’s not “just Anne.” She is a nurturer shown through her caretaking of little Charles and Louisa. Her loyalty keeps her by her nephew’s side while Mary attends a dinner at the Great House (48). She again finds herself in that position after Louisa is injured. Everyone looks to her to do the job and do it well. They know she will. (95) She is sacrificial in taking on this role because others are able to continue with their own lives. Anne is also someone who doesn’t care to be in the spotlight unlike the rest of her family. Like was said in class, she’s content being an observer and actually prefers that. She’s not upfront with her comments or emotions. Several moments she intentionally hides her emotions as they raise, especially instances regarding Captain Wentworth (52, 69, 95, et al.). I think she not only hides them to avoid the spotlight but also because she has self-control. She isn’t ruled by her emotions like others but instead has an even temperament that makes her easy to be around. My view of Anne’s character has stayed fairly consistent. I’ve liked her from the beginning, and through the first book I’ve grown to like her even more through seeing and understanding more of her character. Her family was described a certain way, a way that annoyed me and made me not care for them because of their arrogance and greed. Anne was described as nothing and “just Anne,” so it showed that she was very different than the rest of her family which led me to the assumption that I was probably going to like her. This has proven to be the case. My initial impressions are only supported with evidence of her solid character.
ReplyDeleteMy initial impression of Anne has definitely changed throughout reading the first book. The beginning descriptions of Anne’s character as being “only Anne” (12), and being “of very inferior value” (11), lead me to believe this story would not focus on Anne, but instead on her successful sister Elizabeth. Though it seems Anne’s family does not wholly appreciate her, Anne, “with an elegance of mind and sweetness of character” (11), subtly shows the reader that she is anything but an inferior character. Anne’s character has supposedly “lost its bloom and spirits” (31) after she and Frederick Wentworth’s relationship fell apart; however, I feel that the continuous criticism Anne receives from her family, especially Mary, is equally responsible for the loss of bloom in her character. I am also not entirely sure that the bloom in Anne is completely gone; I’m hoping that in the second book we see her spirits heighten and the bloom in her return. Anne was in charge of sort of “readying” Kellynch before she set off for Uppercross (41), Anne is often forced to take care of Mary’s son Charles (58), and Anne is also looked upon for direction and guidance after Louisa’s fall on the Cobb (108). Anne Elliot may be timid, but she is intelligent and responsible, and in many ways, superior to the people she is forced to associate with.
ReplyDeleteInitially, Anne’s character sees very forgettable and ordinary. She also appears out of place and taken for granted, “her word ha[ving] no weight; her convenience was always to give away [because] she was only Anne” (Austen 11). The other characters seem to pay her little attention and her personal actions often go unnoticed. In chapter 5, Mary exemplifies this by stating, “Dear me! What can you possibly have to do,” while she is questioning Anne about her absence at an event for her sister (36). She is constantly recognized in reference to someone else, as if she is not her own being. As the story carries on we learn more about what is really going on with Anne. She has a tremendous ability to understand people, and knows exactly what they are doing, along with why they are doing it. While Mary and Wentworth were conversing, Austen states how “[Mary] received no other answer, than an artificial, assenting smile, followed by a contemptuous glance, as he turned away, which Anne perfectly knew the meaning of” (73). Through these lines Austen is showing how in touch Anne is with those around her. Without any words, Anne knew exactly what Wentworth was thinking. Since she is exemplified as “only Anne” and because she is of no social value to them, individuals in this story don’t pay much attention to her if they don’t need to (11). Although most characters do not act towards Anne with the best levels of respect, she is always there for those that need her. In reality, many of the characters turn to Anne for guidance or assistance. When Louisa falls and hits her head, we see the rest of the characters “look[ing] to [Anne] for directions” (93). In a state of fear and desperation she is the one they turn to for assistance, showing how significant she is to them. I believe that the characters in the story use their ignorance as a veil to hide their true feelings and dependence on Anne.
ReplyDeleteMy initial impression of Anne has definitely changed. In the beginning she seemed to be only another character in the story but from the reading, a new side of Anne is being shown. This part of Anne is much noticeable and her presence actually crucial to the story.
The beginning of the novel hesitates to give any spotlight to the main character, Anne Elliott. This is an interesting technique because we as the readers know that Anne will play a large role in the novel and there has to be more to her than meets the eye. In the beginning chapters of the book, we are exposed to interactions with Anne and other people, and she seems like a character that gets walked over pretty easily. It is interesting though, because we are able to read and hear her thoughts and the characters in the book are only able to interact with her and exchange conversation, so the reader gets a better insight as to who Anne Elliott really is. After the beginning of the novel we start to see some more traits in Anne stand out. She seems to be the person that keeps a level head in most situations when others can not, like the instance of Louisa hitting her head. Also when Mary's baby is home and sick, she basically forces Anne to stay and watch him for Mary. This argument is not much of an argument at all because Anne puts up a very minimal fight, but even if Anne argued her case we get the feeling that Anne still would have lost the battle.
ReplyDeleteAnne doesn't always speak up when she needs to which can make her come off as sort of a push over. But when pushed over into a situation, she knows how to deal with it pretty well. Problems of other people she takes upon herself "How was Anne to set all these matters to rights?... listen patiently, soften every grievance, and excuse each to the other" (pg 42) and almost holds herself accountable for them if they aren't corrected. She is able to accomplish way more than any other character in the novel.
Lastly, Anne is a very rational intelligent and wise being, that doesn't show it very often to other people. The spot in the book where Louisa falls and hits her head is an example of when the situation really counts, Anne is the one that the group turns to. "Anne, Anne, cried Charles, what is to be done next? What, in heaven's name, is to be done next? Captain Wentworth's eyes were also turned towards her." (pg 93) In a way she is comparable to an old man with wisdom beyond imaginable, but who rarely speaks up to share his two cents. In this situation the person in the presence of the guru listens closely, because whatever is said they know it will be insightful and intelligent. Compared to Anne; she doesn't get many chances to speak up and let it be known that she is 2 steps ahead of the rest of the crowd. But when she does, people don't hesitate to show recognition of the intelligence of this lady.
Throughout the story, Anne seems to play the static role of a supporting character. She is a nurse, assistant, companion, confidant, and umpire to the rest of the story’s personalities. Yet, Anne is far from being a “nobody.”
ReplyDeleteInitially, Anne is portrayed as a very quiet and ordinary girl, with no major prospects or defining characteristics. She seems to have no will power, “her convenience was always to give way” (page 11). People rarely give her any attention, and she accepts this defeat. For example, while on a walk with the Musgroves and company, she asks a question to the whole group. Not surprisingly, “…nobody heard, or at least, nobody answered her” (Page 72). Through indirect discourse, we discover that Anne thinks of herself as “weak and timid” (Page 54). Her tendency to be persuaded by others is viewed with a negative connotation by both her and Captain Wentworth.
However, as the novel progresses, we find that underneath her calm exterior, Anne is passionate and opinionated. Each encounter with Captain Wentworth leaves her “with most disordered feelings” (Page 69), “very much affected” (Page 77) and she even “colour[s] deeply” (Page 95). While speaking with Captain Benwick she promotes “patience and resignation” yet Anne fears that she has been hypocritical in her advice giving, showing that she is not as soft minded as she may seem (Page 85). Finally, after Louisa’s accident, Anne reflects on persuasion. She decides “that a persuadable temper might sometimes be as much in favour of happiness, as a very resolute character” (Page 97). Here she displays self confidence in her own personality, a marked difference from the earlier thoughts of “weakness and timidity.” I think that Anne’s misfortune in love has ultimately made her into the “strong mind, with sweetness of manner” that Captain Wentworth so desires (Page 54).
Though the book is about Anne Elliot, I feel that she cannot herself be a very strong character. She is easily persuaded by others, never really willing to put in her word. Lady Russell talks her out of not one but two engagements: One with Captain Wentworth (28) and another with Mr. Musgrove (75). Anne was in love with Captain Wentworth; however her feeling about Musgrove remain unknown. In any situation, Anne should be firm enough in her resolve to marry the man she loves rather than let an old family friend deter her from happiness. Several other times in the book, Anne allows Mary to decide her fate. The first when Mary's son dislocates his shoulder and Anne - whether voluntarily or not - offers her service to be at home and care for the boy while the Musgroves went to a dinner party (50). Again, Anne is again pushed aside by Mary on page 96 when Mary insists that she stay by Louisa's bed instead of Anne. Anne, though surely firm in her own mind and in quiet conversation, is rather weak-willed when it comes to actually speaking her mind.
ReplyDeleteWe are first introduced to Anne as "of inferior value" (pg 11). It becomes very obvious from the start that Anne is not important in her family. No one values her opinion, listens to her, or cares. But after a few chapters, we learn why Anne is such a remarkable character. She is "with an elegance of mind and sweetness of character" (11). She listens to everyone, stays calm in challenging situations, and stays positive despite her family’s rudeness to her. I was quite surprised to read about Anne in love, and to see her acting so strong and womanly when it comes to Captain Wentworth. She is very sexy (in terms of confidence and poise), thought inside she may be a whirlwind of emotions. I am very excited to continue to see her character really come out. She has already began to come out of her shell (to the reader), and I only see her doing it more in part 2.
ReplyDeleteFrom the beginning of the story when Austin introduces the characters, I did not quite understand the free indirect discourse she used. When I read, "her word had no weight; her convenience was always to give way;-she was only Anne," (pg 11) I did not realize that this was what was thought from the perspective of her father and sister. After reading Volume 1, I better understood her to be, "with an elegence of mind and sweetness of character, which must have placed her high with any people of real understanding," (pg 11).
ReplyDeleteWhen Anne says, "...Sailors work hard enough for their comforts, we must all allow," she has respect for the ones who are fighting for her country. We can read into Anne, being still very much in love with her ex-fiance of eight years, "A few months had seen the beginning and the end of their acquaintance; but, not with a few months ended Anne's share of suffering from it," (pg 28). Anne "never admitted by the pride of some, and the delicacy of others, to the smallest knowledge of it [the engagement] afterwords," (pg 30). She seems to have kept her feelings toward Captain Wentworth to herself, and has suppressed them after all these years. On page 38, when Anne feels that she has missed out on the "mutual affection" from both Mary and Elizabeth. She also talks about how she is proud of who she is with an "elegant and cultivated mind." When she saw Wentworth for the first time since she had broken off the engagement, "a thousand feelings rushed Anne," (pg 52). With both the injuries of her nephew and Louisa, Anne was the one everyone relied on to have calm and cool composure.
Anne is not unfeeling, she has sound mind and and character, and others rely on her for support and her confidence. She can be this person even in the midst of others with not quite so sound of character. She has to live with the very people who do not appreciate her for all that she is to them. To me, a hero is a person who does not boast of his accomplishments, and who does not publicize his victories. Anne has the kind of strength to strive for great character while being modest to her own abilities.
Although Anne was presented early in the text as a "nobody" with nothing special to offer, it is obvious throughout the first book that just the opposite is true. In the beginning of the book it is said that "even in its height, her father had found little to admire in her" (p. 11). I think that because her father views himself in such high regard, that no one can be good enough for him. On the other hand it is obvious in many situations that she is in fact a very sought after woman. When the group travels to Lyme and Anne Elliot is looked upon by Mr. Elliot and "admired her exceedingly" (87). It is obviously that she plenty good enough for her. Also in the same trip when Louisa has an accident, all of the members of the group relied on her to give direction and handle the situation. She attended the situation “with all the strength and zeal, and thought.” (p. 92) It is obvious in just these two brief instances that she is most certainly an important asset among the people around her.
ReplyDeleteAt first, when I started reading I didn't think she was that great. I thought she seemed like a nice girl but nothing significant and I didn't really understand why the book would be about her. I didn't think she got very interesting until chapter 4. Before that, we were just getting little tidbits of what she was like from the characters in the book that didn't think much of her either, so I just went along with that ("she was only Anne"pg. 11, "How Anne's more requisitions might have been taken, is of little conesquence," pg. 17). When the narrator starts to give us more of Anne's perspective, I really really started liking her. I admire her tolerance with everyone around her. She is able to take all the sass and venting from her family members in and still be civilized with them and even love them. I especially noticed this tolerance on page 40 when Mary and Charles are both talking about how they would prefer to raise the children. They are both giving their own side to Anne but Anne never gives them feedback. She just listens. She doesn't agree with what her sister is saying at all ("she never had the smallest temptation to say, 'Very true.'") but she never says a thing. I thinik she is really great for that because that is not easy to do. When we get glimpses of Anne's relationship with and feelings towards Frederick Wentworth, I think we really start getting to know her character well (pgs 55, 68-69, 77, etc.).
ReplyDeleteWhen Anne is described she comes off to be somewhat plain, though through the reading so far I have not found this to be true. Through Anne’s ability to read people and situations, I believe her to be very observant and insightful. This can be seen in the passage on page 69, “she could not think, as far as she might dare to judge from memory and experience, that Captain Wentworth was not in love with either. They were more in love with him; yet there it was not love.” In this passage Anne is studying their situation, comparing it to her own with Wentworth and coming to the conclusion that he is not in love with them. Anne also shows a very patient nature while dealing with the grumblings of Mary with grace. Anne proves to trusted and responsible because the people around her both tell her so, and show it in their actions toward her. On page 50, Mary says to Anne,” You, who have not a mother’s feelings, are a great deal the properest person. You can make Charles do anything; he always minds you at a word.” They tend to rely on her in dire situations because she remains collected, for example in the situation of Louisa falling and getting a concussion. Anne is very strong. She deals with her father and sisters, the responsibilities thrust upon her, the return of Wentworth, and the injuries of those she cares about with grace and without panicking. While in the eyes of others she is ‘Just Anne,’ she is action a very complex and strong character.
ReplyDeleteAnne Elliot is the daughter of Sir Walter Elliot and Elizabeth Stevenson. My initial impressions of Anne are like those of a man that has been left with his sole possession. Very pretty, bloomed vanished early, and faded and thin. Furthermore, "Anne, who never seemed considered by others as having any interest in the question(vol.I,p16), thought of publicly. Things for me changed in looking out for Anne. Like, Anne's admiration, "Well done Miss Anne!"(vol.I,p43),"Anne understood it."(vol.I,p52), and listened kindly. Or you know it could just be the fact that initially the writer knew how Anne was going to play and throughout the book her picture of Anne was aging, not Anne directly but the essence. How could they possibly change? She said what she meant and meant what she said. Isn't that how the old saying goes?
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning of the book you are introduced to all characters with a little bit of information about where they rank age-wise or if they are married. When you get introduced to Sir Walter Elliot’s middle child, Anne, she is described as being, “she was only Anne” (11). From the very beginning you get the conception that it seems as if Anne does not even exist among her sisters. In the beginning, you get information about the Elliot’s and information about marital statues and personalities; however, you always hear Anne referred to as not being anything special. One of the people that does not look passed Anne is Lady Elliot. It is described that she loved all of the sisters, “it was only in Anne that she could fancy the mother to revive again” (11). For Lady Elliot to like it has to mean that she has something special that the other sisters do not. This could be because Anne appears to be a person that, even though she is considered a nobody, has characteristics that give her some value. However, even though it seems that everyone looks past Anne, you get a glimpse that everyone knows she can be responsible in strenuous situations. When Anne is confronted with the situation like Louisa’s, she is able to take control (92). I get the idea that Anne always worries and tries to contend with how she wants people to perceive her. When she is in the presence of Captain Wentworth, it is stated, “observing her altered features, perhaps, trying to trace in them the ruins of the face that once charmed him” (62). This shows that when Anne is not comfortable, she becomes in a way paranoid and worries how others feel about her. Even though introduced as “just Anne” in the beginning, as the book progresses you see that people do care about Anne even if they do not show it and that she is a more prominent character than you think.
ReplyDeleteMy initial impression of Anne Elliot is that she is a woman who has taken the backseat in her family. She has put her feelings and thoughts on mute so as to please her father and Lady Russell. The only character who at first seems to take Anne serious is the family’s lawyer, Mr. Shephard. We learn quickly that Anne’s heart is heavy as a result of losing the love of Captain Wentworth. At one point Anne speaks quietly to herself saying, “he has not, perhaps, a more sorrowing heart than I have” (82). This allows the readers to see that although a significant amount of time has passed, she is still grieving over what they once had together. As we near the end of Book I the readers sees personality in true form when she befriends Captain Benwick. Captain Harville comments about it saying, “Miss Elliot, you have done a good deed in making that poor fellow talk so much. I wish he could have such company oftener” (90). By the end of Book I Anne’s demeanor and true personality are beginning to surface. While she has blown off by her family for so long, I sense that this may not be the case for much longer and that she will be taking a powerful stand in the future.
ReplyDeleteAnne Elliot is the type of character that could and probably would disappear and no one would notice. Anne Elliot is introduced and made to seem like a minor character. However we learn throughout the novel that Anne is vital for everyone else to function properly and succesfully. Mary's children love and respect Anne more than they do their mother. Charles respects Anne's opinion more than he does his wife. Also, we learn that Lady Russell loves Anne the most out of the three children. (1073)
ReplyDeleteI like Anne because although she seems weak and rigid, she is very relatable.
On a side note I have the Jane Austen Seven Novels edition from Barnes and Noble. I am waiting on my copy to come from Amazon :O
In the beginning of the book, Anne is preserved as being a “nobody.” At the end of the first paragraph on page 11 it says, “-she was only Anne.” But throughout the book we begin to see that she is not “only Anne” but that she in fact is very much needed by the rest of the characters. In chapter 5, Mary “needs” Anne to stay with her instead of going to Bath (p. 32). We see people confiding in her throughout volume 1. Another character that goes to Anne is Charles Musgrove. He confides in Anne about his wife Mary. Then we see Mary do the same thing about Charles (p. 41) Anne is very much the middle man in this first part of the book and very much over looked. I feel that people take advantage of her because she is too kind. We see Anne’s nurturing side when she takes care of little Charles and even Louisa. Anne seems to be the quiet main character so far in this book. There is not much glory or praise put on her, yet we get this feeling that she is a heroine.
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning Anne Elliot is described as an "inferior Value" elegance of mind and sweetness of character, which have placed her high with any people of real understanding was nobody with either her father or sister, her word had no weight, her convienence was always to give way-she was only Anne (p. 11) This statement makes Anne a not so important character and pretty much invisible to people like her father and sister who are superficial and vain. But to normal people she is sweet and intelligent and they listen and admire her. If you look on page 41 Mrs. Musgrove told Anne she wished Mary could be more like Anne when it came to raising kids. It seems like the one who is always invisible with the family seems to be liked and accepted more by the people in society. I can't help but think that Lady Russell has a bigger role in how Anne was raised. i really like Anne, she fits in with regular people and doesn't think she is better than anyone else. She is a down to earth type character who I know I will like even more as we read on.
ReplyDeleteFrom the very beginning, I thought Anne to be a much overlooked character. Much like the popular saying "No news is good news", Anne's character is similar in that her character traits do not depict the drama or whiner as her sister Mary might be described, or vain and materialistic like her older sister Elizabeth. Her character is not the center of attention, negative or positive and that is why she might seem like a nobody to many readers. I noticed and admired Anne's ability to be level-headed and even-keeled in any situation from the beginning. One example of this is when Louisa falls and she is the only one with sound advice as to how they should approach the situation. “Every one capable of thinking felt the advantage of the idea” (92). I also feel that she has this very unique ability to be able to understand what someone is feeling or thinking without any words. This happens when Mrs. Musgrove is speaking of her late son Richard to Wentworth. Though Mrs. Musgrove goes on and on about how wonderful it was for Richard to have been working with Wentworth, his feelings on the matter appear to be much different through his body language and facial expressions that Anne describes to the readers. I appreciate and relate to this specific trait that Anne has and I can sort of see myself in her, that I'm maybe not the most dynamic character within my family, but still have something of value to add.
ReplyDeleteAnne Elliot is always overlooked, however I see her character as strong and selfless. As the most modest of her family she endures the materialism and manipulative persona of her family. Though a sort of friend lies in Lady Russell, even she manipulates Anne with her materialism. However, Anne's hardships with her family don't compare to her appearance in the eyes of "any people of real understanding" (Austen 11). Her selflessness is evident throughout the story as she cares for her family and consistently listens to their issues. Many confide in her for many different reasons, as Emily also stated above. Her ability to allow those who do not even appreciate her as they should shows not only her selflessness but her strong character. Forthcoming, I think we will see Anne become stronger and allow herself to not be persuaded or manipulated by those who don't care for her. My prediction is that she will not be overlooked anymore.
ReplyDeleteI think that from the start of the novel we're led to believe that Anne is more than she appears in those first few chapters, if only because Austen spends so much time ignoring her so the reader can feel her family's sentiment of "just Anne." It can be assumed that Anne must be more than she appears to be and it comes through in multiple places in the novel.
ReplyDeleteAnne often speaks as the voice of reason. For example, in Vol I Ch. V, Anne says, "There is hardly any personal defect which an agreeable manner might not gradually reconcile one to." Anne realizes that looks aren't everything, which is a concept her father and Elizabeth have yet to understand.
As the established voice of reason, Anne is appealed to by multiple parties for help. For example, in Vol I Ch. vi, Mrs. Musgrove says, "...but I shall tell you, Miss Anne, because you may be able to set things to rights."
Anne's sense of responsibility also shines through when she tells Mary in chapter five the things she has had to due recently, including, "making a duplicate of the catalogue of my father's books and pictures."
Anne is also socially appropriate in the sense that she asks all the right questions when she first sees Mary. Mary is very imprudent but Anne doesn't fail to, "enquire after her husband," ask about Mary's children, and ask about her, "neighbours at the Great House."
Throughout the course of the book, my initial impression of Anne has changed. I believe Anne to be one of the few characters in the novel of true quality, for she has “an elegance of mind and sweetness of character” (pg 11), while placing “honesty against importance” (pg 16). Although Anne places value on rank and status, illustrated by her belief that Mrs. Clay is unworthy of entering the family, she maintains perspective and avoids the shallow, self-absorbed mindset shared by her father and sisters. For these reasons, I was sympathetic towards the manner in which Anne’s family disregards her and causes her to “feel alone in the world” (pg 42). Anne’s desire to feel ‘rooted’ becomes evident from her joy “to be claimed as a good, though in an improper style” (pg 32). The fact that Anne takes pleasure in being ‘used’ reflects the degree to which she longs to feel wanted. I felt Anne was in a helpless situation, one in which she would never fully receive the appreciation a person of such quality deserves.
ReplyDeleteMy initial impression has been altered in that I am no longer sympathetic toward Anne’s inability to belong. It is apparent that Anne’s features make up for her lack of appearance because she is courted by quality men such as Charles Musgrove and Captain Wentworth. Additionally Anne’s skills and abilities are valued when others encounter conflict, such as when Charles is injured or when Mary feels neglected, yet during social events her value is completely discredited. I have come to learn that this stems not solely from her appearance or unfair treatment, but also from Anne’s unwillingness to demand respect and be socially active. For example, amidst Mary complaining and denying Anne’s importance when she says, “what can you possibly have to do?,” (pg 36), Anne endures the abuse and continues to care for her sister. Anne is excluded in social events much because “she desires nothing in return but to be unobserved” (pg 62). Anne’s fragile behavior is a direct correlation of the excessive value she places on her regretted separation with Captain Wentworth. She acts as if this was her sole chance at happiness and because it was missed, she is content with others mistreating her and being a wallflower. Therefore, I believe Anne exudes many qualities of a strong character, yet I fault her for the emphasis she places on her broken engagement and the way in which she enables it to affect her future.
Anne is an escapist. She performs the day's ritualistic activities “without consciousness” (62). She is an arbiter of social interaction and not an actor. Her wit and logic go unnoticed by all but Lady Russel, who, as you will recall, consulted her on the matters of her father's financial affairs. She is a 'nobody' to everyone else because everyone thinks of themselves, especially their pleasure or social standing. This is evinced by Mary leaving her injured child to go to a party. Anne is different. Anne is reliable and Anne is the one that forgoes the party and repartee in favor of helping those around her or quietly lurking in a corner. Anne did not marry Frederick Wentworth in order to be compliant with her family's wishes and, in doing so, sacrificed a great deal. This is in stark contrast with those around her that engage themselves daily in matters of foolish pride and triviality.
ReplyDelete“Anne's object was not to be in the way of any body, and where the narrow paths across made many separations necessary, to keep with her brother and sister. Her pleasure in the walk must arise from the exercise and the day, from the view of the last smiles of the year upon the tawny leaves and withered hedges, and from repeating to herself some few of the thousand poetical descriptions extant of autumn...” (71).
This quote, no sound-byte by any means, is a metaphor for Anne's character up to the chapter it is from.
Upon first glance, Anne is portrayed as a meek and quiet woman who was overlooked by her family. Her situation is laid out for us on the third page of the story:
ReplyDelete"but Anne, with an elegance of mind and sweetness of character, which must have placed her high with any people of real understanding, was nobody with father or sister:her word had no weight, her convenience was always to give way;-she was only Anne."(Volume 1, p. 11)
This simple phrase allows us to grasp who Anne is and what she faces on a daily basis. My perception of Anne was initially drawn based off of this phrase. Throughout the rest of the first volume Anne is continually portrayed a woman who is far undervalued for her character which confirmed the previous statement. For example, her sister Mary responds to Anne "Dear me! what can you possibly have to do?"(Volume 1, p. 36). Her comment gives you insight into how little her family, in this instance, Mary, views her. Anne on the other hand continually shows us her true character by constantly taking care of everyone around her by way of minding the children, packing for her family, and lending a kind ear to everyone around her with out reproach.
There are many moments throughout Persuasion that shows who Anne truly is, a very insightful woman. She is described as a nobody by her father, and she seems to blend in to the background when she is in a large group of people because she rarely speaks out in front of others and she seems to always want to be a people pleaser.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the entire first volume, we see several times where Anne, though she never really speaks her mind out loud, speaks internally about the people around her based on their actions and she makes very insightful observations about people. One such moment is when she can sense that the Musgrove sisters do not want Mary to come on the walk with them, yet they never speak this out loud but Anne tries to persuade Mary that she should not go on the walk for the others. (Chapter 10) Another example of Anne being insightful is when she makes the observation about Captain Wentworth after he helps her into the carriage, that "he could not forgive her, but he could not be unfeeling." (page 77) Anne is making this insightful observation of the Captains actions towards her, even without the Captain having to say anything out loud about his feelings.
These are just a few examples of how Anne is a very good people reader and she can make observations about people that others might not be able to make, which shows a different side of Anne. She also is very considerate of other peoples feelings and she tries to be a people pleaser, which is evident in a lot of parts of Persuasion. I really like Anne and I think that she is extremely under appreciated, by her family especially.
As much as I absolutely hate this book, I've been doing my best to pull through and not just read over parts or pages because of the agony I find myself in when reading. But as for the subject of Anne, I just seem to find myself dissapointed in the easily predictable characters and story. At the very beginning, her whole family and aquaintances, wealthy and well-known (whether that is in a good sense or a bad), were named off in impressive paragraphs; then we meet Anne. In one sentence we see her as a weak, easily convincible girl who is described as "only Anne" (p. 11), but she is also said to have "an elegance of mind and sweetness of character" (p. 11). She is the outspoken hero who is always overlooked, even by herself occasionally, but when she is acknowledged by others and by herself, she is a surprisingly smart, polite, and charming girl. A good example of this is when Captain Harville remarks to Anne "you have done a good deed in making that poor fellow talk so much. I wish he could have such company oftener" (p. 90). Maybe this is just me not being a Jane Austen fan but to me so far all the characters have been way too predictable to be all that likeable. I knew what Anne was in her introduction, and I know the same character she is now.
ReplyDeleteFrom our first impressions of Anne the reader imagines a meek, plain girl we seems shut into the corner of her own family life. However, I think there is evidence that she bloomed into her own person within that corner. Anne is described as a “most active listener” (29) and she seems to always be around during important situations. She is able to provide information of persons names (“you mean Mr. Wentworth” 25) and locations and dates (“he has been in the East Indies….several years I believe” 24) that other character’s cannot seem to remember. To me it seems that her quiet listening skills that she has acquired play a large role in her personality. It is because Anne can always see the bigger picture of things that she is able to provide common sense in times of distress. This is seen on the several occasions that she is dealing with Mary’s over reactions, and during Louisa’s accident. Anne’s great listening skills will most likely prove extremely beneficial as her story continues
ReplyDeleteAnne Elliot seems a very selfless person, but, if possible, for sometimes selfish reasons. In Chapter 6, it states that she plays the music (piano I believe) while everyone else dances at Musgroves’ home, which she prefers as it states “…and Anne, very much preferred the office of musician to a more active post, preferring the office of musician to a more active post, played country dances to them by the hour together…” She does this again in chapter 8 as it says, “…Anne again offered her services.” Again in chapter 7, when Mary whines about having to be stuck at home with her own son, while her husband is going to join his parents in dining with Captain Wentworth. Anne offers to stay with little Charles, who had injured his collar bone. In a section of free indirect discourse, it states “…when the child might be at rest for the night, and kindly urged her to let him come and fetch her; but she was quite unpersuadable…” It is obvious from this passage that her intent was to avoid Captain Wentworth. But selfishness certainly does not define Anne Elliot. Later, she is very friendly with Captain Benwick in chapter 11, who suffered great heartbreak. In chapter 9, she is caring for Charles again. From this evidence, it seems that Anne definitely wants the focus to be on others and is sometimes, not always, selfless for selfish reasons.
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