Lady Russell's Misguided Influence

Examines Lady Russell's role as Anne's advisor and her eventual realization that her advice was not always correct.

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A Beloved Godmother

A Beloved Godmother A Mother's Substitute After Lady Elliot's death, Lady Russell becomes a mother figure to Anne. She is a woman of sense and integrity, but she has prejudices in favour of rank and fortune. She loves Anne dearly and wants the best for her. The First Great Mistake When Captain Wentworth proposes, Lady Russell advises against the match. She sees him as a man without fortune or connections, and she fears that Anne would be throwing herself away. Anne trusts her judgment and breaks off the engagement. This decision haunts both of them for years.

Continued Influence

Continued Influence Approval of the Crofts Lady Russell is pleased when the Crofts take Kellynch Hall, as it is a respectable solution to the family's financial problems. However, she is uneasy about the renewal of Anne's acquaintance with the Wentworths. Support for Mr. Elliot In Bath, Lady Russell strongly approves of Mr. Elliot. She believes he is a suitable match for Anne and would restore her to Kellynch. She urges Anne to consider him. Her judgment is again based on appearances and social standing.

The Revelation and Its Aftermath

The Revelation and Its Aftermath Learning the Truth Anne reveals Mr. Elliot's true character to Lady Russell. She is shocked and dismayed to learn that she has been deceived. She had thought him a man of principle, but he is a hypocrite. A Humble Admission Lady Russell is forced to admit that she was wrong. She has misjudged both Mr. Elliot and Captain Wentworth. She sees that she has been too swayed by outward appearances. Her influence over Anne is diminished, but she accepts Anne's decision to marry Wentworth. She eventually comes to love him as a son.

1806-1814

1814-1815

February 1815