| dc.description.abstract | Persuasion does not simply reflect the social mores of the landed gentry, rather, as I have argued, the novel critiques the landed gentry and indicates a path beyond their conservative values. Through Austen´s description of characters, she uses a satiric approach, humor and irony to expose the shortcomings of the landed gentry and indirectly make fun of their snobby behavior and sense of entitlement. Furthermore, Austen uses her protagonist, Anne Elliot, as an anomaly in this ´defective` society. By being humble, not altering her behavior based on people´s social class and by showing a resentment of the characteristics of the landed gentry, Anne is exemplifying a different set of values. Finally, Austen moves the plot in a directions that associates challenging social norms and the restricted values of the era, with a happier and more progressive outcome. Through this analysis I have found that Jane Austen have used Persuasion as a platform to petition the desire and necessity for societal change. | |