A reader of Austen’s book could not describe Wentworth and Anne as being estranged with too much confidence as there are references in chapters eight and ten to Anne picking up on Wentworth’s privet emotions. “A certain glance of his bright eye, and curl of his handsome mouth………….was too much an indulgence of self-amusement to be detected by any who understood him less than herself.” Anne, here, is given the privilege as knowing him very well. Surely, this contrasts directly with the notion that they are estranged. There is deliberate antagonism within the text to ensure the reader is constantly questioning Wentworth’s and Anne’s relationship. Again, in chapter ten, “he turned away….Anne perfectly knew the meaning”. Anne can still read Wentworth well, which backs up the suggestion that Wentworth and Anne are just as compatible as they were eight years formerly.
Wentworth has never been openly aggressive or bitter to Anne, However, Wentworth goes on, in chapter eight, to profess that he would never let a lady onto one of his own ships. Could be an example of Wentworth being bitter in regards to Anne. Mrs Croft goes on to say, “I hate to hear you talking so…….as if women were all fine ladies, instead of rational creatures.” Interpretation could say that Anne’s rejection of Wentworth has coloured his overall perspective of all women. Admiral Croft says that when Wentworth is married his views will change, Wentworth disputes this and “He [Wentworth] got up and moved away.” The idea of marriage is obviously a sensitive issue for Wentworth. Through out this convocation the reader is lead to believe that Wentworth has not forgiven Anne and has been affected by her rejection.
The positive view of the Crofts simple and deep love for each other contrasts with Wentworth and Anne’s complex relationship. “As long as we could be together, nothing ever ailed me.” Mrs Musgrove, another happily married woman, replies to Mrs Croft saying, “There is nothing so bad as a separation.” The language seems to be implying that Anne and Wentworth’s separation is to have lasting effects on both characters. Austen uses free indirect style to convey Anne’s feelings. “He had everything to elevate him……especially the attention of all the young women.” The fact that Anne’s thoughts are being echoed in the text convinces the reader that Wentworth has left his love for Anne behind. Anne is a character of sensible judgement. Austen is heavily influencing the reader’s judgement. This is exemplified in chapter ten when the narrative states, “Everything now marked out Louisa for Captain Wentworth.” There is no thought of Wentworth having any regard to Anne. Wentworth observed her “altered features” and tried to “trace in them the ruins of the face which had once charmed him.” Austen is making every effort to imply that Anne and Wentworth’s relationship is dead. However, no where in the passage does Austen describe Anne denying her love for Wentworth. The reader is given some hope for the continuation of their romance in the way that, “His cold politeness, his ceremonious grace, were worse than anything.” Here Anne makes it clear that Wentworth still affects her as she still effects her.
Chapter ten focuses on Wentworth’s relationship with the Musgroves more than chapter eight does. However, whenever their relationship is mentioned it is the girls who take the predatory role. “They were more in love with him”, “Louisa …put more forward for his notice than her sister”, “Louisa drew Captain Wentworth away”. The atmosphere in chapter ten changes from debate and convocation in chapter eight to the autumnal theme. The, “last smiles of the year upon the tawny leaves” reflect and emphasise Anne’s aging. How she has passed her prime. She is in direct contrast with, “fashionable, happy and merry” Musgrove girls. The fact that Mrs Croft could never tell the difference between the two is indicative of the way they are used as nothing more than a distraction. If Austen really wanted to convince the reader that Wentworth Really considered courting them she would have spent more time defining their individual characters. “There was no triumph, no pitiful triumph in his manner.” This chapter is much more sympathetic towards Anne. As the book progresses so do Wentworth’s feelings. There is no intentional malice in Wentworth’s relationship with the Musgroves. When, “Captain Wentworth, without saying a word, turned to her [Anne] and quietly obliged her to be assisted into the carriage” it could be read that Wentworth still has feelings for Anne.
On the other hand, Wentworth helping Anne into the carriage shows him as a respectable man who shows politeness, as was custom at the time. This leads me to my final point. Wentworth’s moral uprightness, exemplified by his being in the navy and being admired by the Crofts and the Musgroves, characters who are to be admired in their own right, makes him a perfect match for Anne, a character, who few people, other than her own family, dislike. Austen is purposefully enigmatic in her portrayal of Wentworth and Anne’s relationship. However, whenever there is a reference to Anne and Wentworth not getting back together, there is sure to be another hinting the pending reuniting of the lovers.
