Sunday, April 15, 2012
Single and Broke
Like Madison, I was very interested in the character of Mrs. Smith. Persuasion opens with Sir Walter Elliot reading the Baronetage, a demonstration of his vanity. We, as the reader, quickly learn
that he is widowed and used to hold a great fortune. However, after his
wife's passing, he spent all his money on lavish items to display
his elite class. In Chapter 17 Anne visits her childhood friend, Mrs. Smith.
Mrs. Smith "married a man of fortune" but she is now "a widow and poor"
because her husband had "been extravagant" and left her in dreadful
affairs. I thought it was interesting how similar these situations were
for the two characters, yet their different sexes brought about completely
different treatments from society. Austen speaks poorly of Sir Walter's
vanity as he attempts to maintain his reputation in society. On the
contrary, Austen speaks highly of Mrs. Smith and her friendship with Anne,
despite Mrs. Smith's dire situation. Mrs. Smith is forced to move to
Bath and becomes a cripple. She is a victim of a patriarchal society
and social classes. She lives in a similar, or worse, situation than a
servant because she is a "poor, infirm, helpless widow." In Mansfield
Park, Austen comments on injustice towards the lower class through
humor; in Persuasion, she uses the friendship of Anne and Mrs. Smith to
break down social boundaries. Since she is an outcast of society, Anne
is warned about spending time with her. Anne rediscovers her friendship
with Mrs. Smith and becomes a loyal friend. Austen writes, "Anne viewed
her viewed her friend as one of those instances in which, by a merciful
appointment, it seems designed to counterbalance almost ever other want"
(105). Through Anne, Austen encourages readers to think critically about the class structure and its mistreatment of individuals, especially women.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I do find Anne's ability to look beyond the hierarchy of the social system so refreshing in Persuasion. I think we see this to a certain degree also in Adeline Mowbray with Adeline's friendship with Savannah. With Adeline Mowbray, however, there is slightly less of a distinction between her and Savannah because Adeline herself is so ostracized from society. Anne could have so easily looked past Mrs. Smith and kept her fine place in social standings. Austen seems to reward Anne for reaching out to Mrs. Smith by giving her the information about Mr. Elliot.
ReplyDeleteIt was really interesting for me to read the passage in which Mr. Elliot objects to Anne's connection with Mrs. Smith. Austen points out that his objections could just as easily be given to Mrs. Clay: "Mrs. Clay, who had been present while all this passed, now thought it advisable to leave the room, and Anne could have said much, and did long to say a little in defence of her friend's not very dissimilar claims to theirs." Although the two women are in similar circumstances, it seems that appearances have blinded Mr. Elliot to this connection.
ReplyDeleteI agree Austen makes an important social commentary in Anne's rejection of societal norms in her rekindling of her friendship with the outcast Mrs. Smith. However, I can't help but to wander how much of this friendship is true and loyal, and how much it serves as a means for Anne to escape her father and sister and Mr. Elliot. One time Anne strategically plans her visit as chapter 9 begins "Anne recollected with pleasure the next morning her promise of going to Mrs. Smith; meaning that it should engage her from home at the time when Mr. Elliot would be most likely to call; for to avoid Mr. Elliot was almost a first object." In another scene, I believe she cancels on Mrs. Smith when she finds out she can attend an event when Wentworth is present. Though I do think their friendship makes a social commentary, I don't know how much of the friendship is true and how much is at Anne's convenience.
ReplyDelete