I just finished the book Persuasion by Jane Austen. Yes, it took me forever to finish it, and no it wasn't because I didn't like it. I got a little distracted by a series of epic books that I will probably write about in the future. I wanted to give my opinions on this book's conclusion.
I have enjoyed this story since I watched one of the movie versions some time ago. It fascinates me that the only reason why there is a story is because two people couldn't talk to each other. It's full of awkward moments that could have been avoided had a conversation taken place. The ironic thing is that the book often comments on the value of meaningful conversation. The hard part was that such a conversation required a lot of humility and courage. The reader continues with anticipation wondering how and when the two heartbroken love birds would talk about their feelings.
Eventually, Captain Wentworth writes his heartfelt letter.
Though I think the story has a lot to offer, I must honestly admit that I am somewhat disappointed by the ending. As I said, I waited with anticipation for them to have a difficult conversation. I wondered who would be the one to initiate it and how the awkwardness would play out. Unfortunately, instead of Wentworth taking Anne aside to confess his unchanged feelings for her, he writes a letter. True, many a woman say the letter is beautiful and so romantic, but I don't think it was enough.
For all those ladies out there, put yourself in Anne's shoes. Imagine being in a wonderful relationship that is on the cusp of marriage, but you eventually end it because someone you hold in high regard persuades you to do so. Eight years later, you regret your decision and when you see him again, you find that your feelings for him have not changed. But, you broke his heart and now he avoids you when he can. Picture him eventually letting go of his pride and wanting to confess he still longs to marry you. What would you think if you got an email from him in which he writes that he has been a fool and wants to be with you. Lovely and romantic though the message may be, I can't help but think that most ladies would be a little disappointed that he couldn't muster the courage to talk face to face. The man is practically asking you to marry him, and he does it through an email? Come on, that's kind of lame.
Also, it wasn't like the ball was in Wentworth's court. She had just as much responsibility to fix their relationship. She broke it off for crying out loud, so if anything, the ball was in her court. After she got the letter, she naturally kind of freaked out and didn't know what to do with herself. Still, she didn't try to find him or anything, and instead was escorted home. What was she planning on doing, think about it for a while?
Now I'm not saying that the book is all that bad because it eventually describes how Wentworth met up with her and they talked about everything. He explained why he acted the way he had and she told him that she was sorry that she was so prideful. It all worked out in the end, which I guess is all that matters. Maybe this book teaches that, in real life, relationships aren't perfect because people aren't perfect. In a perfect world, there wouldn't have been a story because they would have talked the moment they met up again. Maybe that's why I like the story.
Interesting analysis. I can see exactly what you mean--the seemingly lazy way of confessing feelings an be a bit of a let down to one expecting more. But I feel I need to defend Austen, as well as Anne and Wentworth. First of all, in all of Austen's most loved books, never does she actually describe the conversations between heros and heroines. Elizabeth and Darcy? Eleanor and Edward? Nope, no recored conversations. A sentence or two of Austen describing that a conversation was held or that they shared their feelings freely and passionately, etc., etc., but never an actual description of what passed. I think that's why I have always had a bit of a soft spot for Persuasion--it's the only novel where Austen is actually explicit--actually shares--what transpires between the characters.
ReplyDeleteNow, to defend the art of the letter itself. I don't think there is any shame in resorting to the medium that suits you best. If Wentworth was so tragically in love with Anne (still very much licking the wounds of prior heartbreak), I see no reason why he shouldn't record his feelings in such a way that he could form his thoughts and devise his sentiments. I doubt he could approach Anne on the subject of his emotions with a clear head. Also, let's not forget that this was Austen-England. To even exchange letters with unmarrieds of the opposite sex, you would usually have to be engaged. The fact that he even wrote a letter was so unexpected (taboo, even) that it's very difficult to compare to a quickly sketched email. He obviously went way out of his comfort zone to be so honest and so revealing as to write a letter.
Wow, this polite retort to your conclusions turned into an e-rant. I still believe you have some valid points, but I hope this persuades you to reconsider your initial conclusions.