Here are the study questions for Persuasion:
Class Issues
We've seen a lot of characters in the novel interested in (or obsessed with) issues pertaining to class. What class-related issues have been raised by the novel? What are some of the characters' visions of how the class structure is supposed to operate, and what problems or conflicts do these visions cause when they conflict with reality?
The Gentleman
An off-shoot of the class issue is the changing definition of a "gentleman" in Jane Austen's lifetime. Formerly restricted to the landed classes, the opportunity of becoming a gentleman was expanding into other classes and professions during this time. Who are some of the characters challenging this ideal in the novel, and how are they doing so? What impact does their rise in class status have on the narrative?
Persuasion
The issue of persuasion has arisen not only in the history between Anne and Frederick, but in many other instances throughout the novel. What points do the different characters make about persuasion? How do you think the narrator feels about the act of persuasion and the influence it can have over people's actions - is the narrator making a strong case for an either positive or negative association with persuasion? Why or why not?
Interior versus Exterior
This theme can apply to many elements within the novel, many of which we have discussed in class. One of the most important ideas within this overall theme is the value Anne places on her interior life. What evidence do we see of this throughout the text, and how is she compared or contrasted to other characters in the novel?
Journeys
The theme for our course this semester is journeys. Focusing on one character, identify one or more journeys that s/he has undergone throughout the course of the novel (keeping in mind that journeys can be physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, etc.). Discuss how class and/or gender impacted either the beginning (motivation for undertaking the journey), middle, or end (result) of the journey. Also explain how this particular journey impacted not only this one character but also those around him/her.
Walking
One of the major motifs (look back to your notes on literary terms for the definition) of the novel is walking. Why are the characters so often walking in the text, and what are some events, actions, or thoughts that often occur while they are walking?
Beginning
Now that you have completed the novel, look back upon the first couple of chapters. Why do you think Austen chose to begin her novel with these particular characters and scenes? Do they establish any themes, and if so, how are these themes then further analyzed in the rest of the novel?
Connections
Closely analyze the scenes in the chapter on pp. 215-231. (I'm trying not to include any spoilers here!). Why do you think Austen chose to connect these two characters in this method, and through these means? Why the particular topic of discussion on pp. 218-221 before this important event happens? And why was this event accomplished through the act of writing?
Ending
We learned that Jane Austen revised the last 2 chapters of Persuasion while her health was failing. Why do you think she chose to end the novel in this fashion? Is it more positive or more negative? What do you think the last sentence means to suggest?
- Printer-friendly version
- Login or register to post comments