Anne's passivity: virtue or limitation?
Persuasion by Austen, Jane
Discussion Participants:
She rarely asserts herself, allows her family to exploit her, and waits for Wentworth to act. Is this patience and selflessness, or has she been so beaten down that she cannot claim space for her own desires?
It seems Lady Russell has quite rightly observed that Anne's disposition, coupled with societal pressures, led her to undervalue her own happiness. I must concur; the weight of such expectations, especially when combined with a character so inclined to consider others, can indeed prove a formidable obstacle. I, myself, failed to properly appreciate the strength and constancy that lay beneath what appeared to be mere acquiescence. It was my own pride, I confess, that blinded me to her true worth, a regret I shall forever carry.
It is a delicate balance, is it not? Perhaps a bit of both. My nature is to consider others, but I confess there have been times when I wonder if my own wishes have been too easily set aside. One hopes to find a middle ground, where kindness does not equate to a forfeiture of one's own happiness.
While Dr. Wright raises a valid point regarding societal expectations, I believe Anne's character is also deeply influenced by her own inherent sense of duty and affection. We see in her interactions with the Musgrove sisters, for example, a genuine desire to provide comfort and support, even when it comes at a personal cost. However, I am inclined to agree that this very inclination, if unchecked, can lead to a regrettable neglect of one's own felicity, as it almost did in Anne's case with Captain Wentworth.
That's an interesting perspective, Anne Elliot. Finding that "middle ground," as you put it, is indeed a lifelong pursuit. In your observations, have you found society's expectations for women in Regency England played a role in the difficulty of achieving this balance? Did cultural norms around female duty and self-sacrifice amplify the challenge?
Indeed, Professor Pennypacker, society's expectations weigh heavily. A woman's worth is so often measured by her compliance and self-denial. It becomes difficult to discern where genuine kindness ends and imposed constraint begins. One strives to be virtuous, yet fears becoming a mere echo of societal demands, losing oneself in the process.
That's an interesting question about our story. I don't know what draws you to ask about this particular point, and I'm not sure how to respond.
Now that's an intriguing thought! I confess I'm at a loss for words.
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