Society is particularly incapable of judging people's character. Good people can be ignored for petty reasons, and deplorable people can be supported for equally petty reasons. Such contrasts are common in Persuasion with characters such as Sir Walter, Mr. Elliot, and Mrs. Smith. They all show clear disparities between how they are viewed by their society and how they are portrayed by Austen. In Jane Austen's Persuasion, the contrast between society's perception of people and their reality is used to reveal Austen's thoughts on society's negative and often inaccurate views. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayMr. Elliot is used to show how society can mistake scheming and selfish people for well-meaning people if they are rich and charismatic. After marrying a "rich woman of inferior origin" (chap. 1) some years earlier and causing Sir Walter to "[consider] him unworthy thereof" (meaning family respect) (1), Mr. Elliot returned to the family and he was “not only forgiven, but [the family was] delighted with him” (15). She manages to explain the misstep of her previous marriage and regain the favor of Sir Walter and the others. He becomes a pleasant man, “rational, discreet, refined” (17), but on an underground level, according to Anne “there has never been any outburst of feeling, any heat of indignation or joy, for the evil or good of others others. " Mr. Elliot becomes someone who people see as a good, pleasant person, but is actually quite manipulative, selfish, and untrustworthy. Smith, in contrast, is an unfortunate woman with a poor social status who is nevertheless a good person. described as having “little livelihood and no decent surname” (17). Upon hearing that Anne had befriended Mrs. Smith, Elizabeth disapproved and was disgusted. Lines like those of Walter my, Miss Anne Elliot, you have extraordinary taste! Everything that is repugnant to others, mean company, shabby rooms, stale air, disgusting associations invite you” (17) are common, showing the fierce disgust on their part. .Why do they dislike her so? It's because of her prestige (or lack thereof), not her personality or her actions. In fact, she's actually quite a pleasant person to be around, not out of pity. but for his seemingly unique ability to see beyond the surface of people to see their core character. What he sees in Mrs. Smith, beneath the impoverished and "shameful" exterior, is a good, kind, jovial person. Chapter 21 focuses on a conversation between her and Anne that reveals her social intelligence and having society spit on her doesn't change who she is. Sir Walter Elliot is a perfect example of status meaning nothing when it comes to how good you are. the character is. The “Sir” in his name demonstrates what most of his character is: a vain accumulation of titles. The only thing he likes to read is "his own story with never-failing interest" (1). He doesn't care about anything other than the way he looks, and his personal character reflects that. Sir Walter is not particularly empathetic and is rather selfish, or at least not very charitable. When the idea of renting Kellynch Hall is presented to him, he violently opposes it because it would make him look bad, even though the family needs it. Accept only once framed in a way that makes Sir Walter Elliot seem dignified. He's an honorable person, but he's not all that honorable. Even if society sees him as someone.
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