The use of lists is also evident in “…their new possessions, their grass, and their sheep…” where the Admiral and Mrs. Croft’s morning outings are explained. In this situation, however, it appears to give an illusion of the Crofts as a rather boring and self-worthy couple, supported by the repetition of ‘their’.
An important issue which is brought into most of Austen’s writing is that of social stratification. Factors of wealth, status and rank are preeminent in the stratification of persons in the society, usually resulting in prejudicial views of especially those in higher social classes. Lists are employed again in this passage to emphasise the distinction between families of differing classes. The Hayter parents’ way of living is described here as “…inferior, retired, and unpolished.” These adjectives, typical of Austen, simply imply that the Hayters are of a much lower class. The importance of social stratification in the society is also seen in Mary’s manner of speaking about it. Her frequent use of exclamation marks in her speech on Captain Wentworth’s rising to an even higher rank enables us to see that it is a matter of great concern to her. She says, “If he should rise to any very great honours!” and further states “…baronet!” and “Lady Wentworth!” This concern with status and rank is also evident in the use of italics at certain points in the passage such as where Mary is speaking of Henrietta’s marriage to Charles Hayter being disagreeable to the “principal” part of her family, as well as referring to the alliance as not being a “great match”, all because of the Hayter’s lower social rank.
The concern with social stratification which Austen critiques in Persuasion largely impacts on marriage in the society. The lower social ranking of the Hayters causes Mary to disapprove of a marriage between Henrietta Musgrove and Charles Hayter. Mary’s constant condemnation of the union in her speech is evidence of this. Her selfishness is also seen in that she considers the alliance through Free Indirect Speech “very sad for herself and her children” and through her direct speech, “very bad thing for her; and still worse for me.” The extensive use of personal pronouns in this shows her selfishness and self-concern. Even the Musgrove parents do not consider the alliance a great match for Henrietta, as is seen in their Oratio Obliqua or Free Indirect Speech, “It would not be a great match for her; but if Henrietta liked him…” This situation can be likened to that of Sir Walter who considers Mary’s union with her husband belittling as can be seen in his own Free Indirect Speech earlier in the novel, “Mary had merely connected herself with an old country family of respectability and fortune, and had therefore given all the honour, and received none…” Importantly, there is an element of irony in that Mary, whose marriage was seen unfit by her father because of social status, is the same person to condemn the union of another for the same reason.
It is of great importance, before making any conclusions however, to consider the context in which Jane Austen was writing. Having lived in the 19th century, Austen wrote her novels in a period that was primarily concerned with such matters as wealth and rank, and this largely influenced her writing. Austen may simply have been reflecting life in the society of her time, or even further satirizing these societal issues.
This passage of Persuasion is also concerned with matters of the past and present. This can be seen in the italicised words such as in, “…and she knew not now, whether the more gentle…” The use of italics in “now” places emphasis on the fact that eight years ago, in the past, Anne Elliot would have known these things about Captain Wentworth, but she no longer shares such a relationship with him. This technique makes us aware of the difference between the past and present, and perhaps evokes a greater sympathy in us for Anne, especially as the changes that have occurred between the past and the present seem to have brought her only negative tidings, whereas Captain Wentworth has made a name of himself.
This passage thus emphasises on several issues which form the foundation on which the rest of the novel is based. Tension in the novel is also heightened noticeably at this point in that Charles Hayter’s marriage to Henrietta seems less feasible, Charles Hayter thinks Captain Wentworth in the way, the Musgrove daughters are both competing for Captain Wentworth, as well as other incidents. Nevertheless, the passage is an important development in the novel and is consequently of great thematic significance.
