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Chapter 18
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Persuasion, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Status and Social Class
Marriage
Gender Inequality
Persuasion
Summary
Analysis
One day, Anne goes out with Elizabeth, Mrs. Clay, and Mr. Elliot. Because of rain, it is decided that Elizabeth and Mrs. Clay will take a ride with Lady Dalrymple while Anne walks back with Mr. Elliot. As they wait in a store, Captain Wentworth arrives with another group; for the first time, he seems more flustered than Anne in their encounter. They awkwardly discuss the Musgroves. Elizabeth proudly refuses to acknowledge him, paining Anne. Mrs. Clay and Elizabeth depart. Captain Wentworth offers Anne his umbrella, when Mr. Elliot returns to whisk her away. The ladies in Captain Wentworth’s group discuss the Elliots; they suspect that Mr. Elliot means to marry Anne.
The meeting between Anne and Captain Wentworth marks a change in their dynamic. When Captain Wentworth first encountered Anne at Uppercross, he was cool and indifferent, the subject of everyone’s admiration, while she was overcome with emotion. Now, he is embarrassed and discomfited, while she greets him with composure and has the admiring Mr. Elliot at her side. In addition, Captain Wentworth is no longer surrounded by admiration, as Elizabeth’s scorn proves.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
For her own part, Anne cannot understand Captain Wentworth’s feelings—whether he suffers over Louisa. The next day, Lady Russell pretends not to see Captain Wentworth passing opposite the street to them. Anne is weary of all the social activities they have been engaging with at Bath, and she looks forward to a concert at which she anticipates encountering Captain Wentworth. When she mentions who will be attending the concert to Mrs. Smith, her friend mysteriously hints that their acquaintance may be drawing to a close.
Anne persists in her steadfast concern for and contemplation of Captain Wentworth. The walk with Lady Russell demonstrates to her that her friend remains prejudiced against her former suitor, but Lady Russell’s marked indifference now has little sway over Anne’s own feelings, in contrast to when Anne was younger. She looks forward to future interactions with Captain Wentworth and anticipates any opportunity to rekindle their former relations.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
