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Persuasion in 10 Minutes
Introduction
Anne Elliot
Captain Frederick Wentworth
Sir Walter Elliot
Elizabeth Elliot
Lady Russell
1. Anne Elliot, the Protagonist
2. The Reappearance of Captain Wentworth
3. The Musgrove Family
4. Louisa Musgroves Accident
5. The Return to Bath
6. The Revelation of Mr. Elliots True Character
7. Captain Wentworths Letter
8. The Renewal of Anne and Captain Wentworths Engagement
9. The Happy Ending
10. Themes and Lessons
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
- What: Persuasion by Jane Austen
- When: Written in the early 19th century
- Who: Anne Elliot, Captain Frederick Wentworth
- Theme: Second chances, social class, and the power of persuasion
List of Characters in Persuasion
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Anne Elliot
Anne Elliot is the protagonist of the story, a woman who is persuaded to break off her engagement to Captain Wentworth but regrets it years later
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Captain Frederick Wentworth
Captain Frederick Wentworth is a naval officer who returns from sea and rekindles his feelings for Anne Elliot
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Sir Walter Elliot
Sir Walter Elliot is Anne's vain and self-absorbed father
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Lady Russell
Lady Russell is Anne's close friend and advisor, who influences her decision to end her engagement with Captain Wentworth
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Mary Musgrove
Mary Musgrove is Anne's self-centered sister
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Charles Musgrove
Charles Musgrove is Mary's husband and a friend of the Elliot family
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Louisa Musgrove
Louisa Musgrove is a young woman who becomes romantically involved with Captain Wentworth
Timeline of Persuasion
Anne Elliot is persuaded to break off her engagement with Captain Wentworth.
Anne Elliot's family moves to Bath.
Anne Elliot's family rents out their home to Admiral Croft.
Anne Elliot encounters Captain Wentworth at a party.
Captain Wentworth shows interest in Louisa Musgrove.
Anne Elliot is reunited with Captain Wentworth at Lyme.
Louisa Musgrove falls and sustains a serious head injury.
Captain Wentworth realizes his love for Anne Elliot.
Anne Elliot receives a letter from Captain Wentworth declaring his love.
Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth are reconciled and become engaged.
Vocabulary List
- Persuasion
- The act of convincing someone to do or believe something
- Manipulation
- Influencing or controlling someone in a clever or dishonest way
- Coax
- To gently persuade or convince someone to do something
- Rhetoric
- The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing
- Eloquence
- The ability to speak or write in a persuasive or powerful manner
- Compel
- To force or strongly persuade someone to do something
- Propaganda
- Information, ideas, or rumors spread to influence public opinion
- Maneuver
- To carefully plan and execute a series of actions to achieve a specific goal
- Conviction
- A strong belief or opinion that someone holds
- Coerce
- To persuade someone to do something by using force or threats
- Subtle
- Not obvious, but cleverly or indirectly persuasive
- Manipulative
- Influencing or controlling someone in a skillful or unfair way
- Rhetorical
- Used for or relating to the art of persuasion through effective speaking or writing
- Entreaty
- A sincere and earnest request or plea
- Influence
- The power to have an effect on someone's thoughts, opinions, or actions
- Manipulator
- Someone who skillfully or unfairly controls or influences others
- Eloquent
- Expressing ideas or opinions in a persuasive and articulate manner
- Assertive
- Confidently stating or expressing one's opinions or desires
- Induce
- To persuade or influence someone to do something
- Appeal
- To make a request or plea in a persuasive manner.
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- Anne Elliot is the protagonist of the story.
- She is the second daughter of Sir Walter Elliot.
- Sir Walter is a vain and self-centered baronet.
- Anne falls in love with Captain Frederick Wentworth.
- Wentworth is a naval officer.
- Anne's family disapproves of her relationship with Wentworth.
- Anne is persuaded by her godmother to break off the engagement.
- Eight years later, Anne and Wentworth cross paths again.
- Anne's family is in financial trouble.
- They decide to rent out their family home, Kellynch Hall.
- The tenants of Kellynch Hall are Admiral Croft and his wife.
- Admiral Croft is Wentworth's sister.
- Anne and Wentworth gradually rekindle their romance.
- Anne's cousin, William Elliot, shows an interest in her.
- Anne's friend, Mrs. Smith, reveals William's true intentions.
- Mrs. Smith helps Anne realize the truth about William's character.
- Anne's family regrets their mistreatment of Wentworth.
- Anne and Wentworth finally reconcile and get engaged.
- The novel explores themes of love, class, and social status.
- Persuasion was published posthumously in 1817.
Analysis & Significance
Impact on Literature
Jane Austen’s ‘Persuasion’ is considered one of the most beloved and enduring works of English literature. Its exploration of social class, love, and personal growth set the stage for the development of the modern novel. The novel’s nuanced characters and intricate plot have influenced countless authors and continue to captivate readers to this day.
Enduring Themes
The themes of second chances, societal expectations, and the power of persuasion are still relevant in today’s society. The idea of overcoming past mistakes and finding true love resonates with modern audiences, making ‘Persuasion’ a timeless and universal story that continues to be studied and admired.
Cultural Significance Today
‘Persuasion’ remains a cultural touchstone, with numerous adaptations in film, television, and literature. Its exploration of love, class, and personal agency continues to inspire new interpretations and adaptations, ensuring its legacy in popular culture. The novel’s enduring popularity speaks to its timeless appeal and relevance in today’s world.
Persuasion Games
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