Persuasion

Notable for being the last novel Jane Austen finished before her death, Persuasion was published posthumously in December 1817 along with Northanger Abbey. These were Austen’s last two novels and were released under her name, unlike her previous works, which were published anonymously.

In Persuasion, Austen explores the concept of persuasion central to the process of human communication. Throughout her novel, Austen presents the consequences of ‘just’ and ‘unjust’ persuasion.

The story revolves around the character Anne Elliot, daughter of the vain widower baronet of Kellynch Hall, Sir Walter. Sir Walter’s extravagance drastically reduces the family’s wealth, so they decide to rent out their property to Admiral and Mrs. Croft for the sake of economy and to pay off debt.

Unbeknownst to Anne, her former betrothed some years back named Frederick Wentworth was actually Mrs. Croft’s brother. Anne and Frederick loved each other dearly, but she was ‘persuaded’ to break off their engagement by close friends and family due to the perceived unsuitability of the match.

Still unattached after several years, Anne and Captain Wentworth meet again, leading to a series of twists and encounters, ultimately culminating in the two of them getting another shot at romance.