Elizabeth Elliot's Disappointment

Follows Elizabeth's pride and her eventual disappointment in both Mr. Elliot and her social ambitions.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Mistress of Kellynch

The Mistress of Kellynch A Position of Authority Elizabeth Elliot has been the mistress of Kellynch Hall since she was sixteen. She is proud, handsome, and self-possessed. She enjoys her role and the deference she receives. She is her father's favourite and shares his vanity. A Dwindling Future At twenty-nine, Elizabeth is still unmarried. She has had a disappointment in Mr. Elliot, who once ignored her. She is conscious of her approaching age and fears that she may never make a suitable match. Her pride is a shield for her insecurity.

Mr. Elliot's Return

Mr. Elliot's Return A Renewed Hope When Mr. Elliot begins to court the family's favour, Elizabeth is flattered. She believes that he may be interested in her. She welcomes his visits and enjoys the attention. She hopes that he will propose. The Attentions Shift However, Mr. Elliot's attentions soon turn to Anne. Elizabeth is jealous and hurt. She realizes that she is not the object of his desire. Her pride is wounded, and she becomes cold towards Anne.

The Final Disappointment

The Final Disappointment Mr. Elliot's Departure After Anne's engagement, Mr. Elliot leaves Bath without a word to Elizabeth. She is left with nothing. She has lost her chance at marriage and her hope of becoming Lady Elliot. A Bitter Resignation Elizabeth is left to console herself with the society of Lady Dalrymple and the other aristocrats. She is still proud, but she is also bitter. Her future is uncertain, and she must face the reality that she may never marry. The novel suggests that she is unlikely to find a suitable husband, and her pride will continue to isolate her.

1814

Winter 1814

Spring 1815