The Conflict Between the Old Aristocracy and the Rising Navy

Persuasion

Examines the social tensions between the landed gentry and the naval officers, symbolizing the changing social order.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Sir Walter's Prejudice Sir Walter's Prejudice from "Persuasion". Sir Walter's Prejudice A Condescending View Sir Walter Elliot despises the navy because it promotes men of obscure birth.

Sir Walter's Prejudice from "Persuasion". Sir Walter's Prejudice A Condescending View Sir Walter Elliot despises the navy because it promotes men of obscure birth.

Sir Walter's Prejudice A Condescending View Sir Walter Elliot despises the navy because it promotes men of obscure birth. He thinks it is a profession that ruins a man's looks and youth. He would be sorry to see any friend of his belonging to it. The Contrast with Anne Anne, on the other hand, defends the navy, saying that sailors have earned their comforts through hard work. She admires their character. The difference in opinion between father and daughter highlights the generational and ideological divide.

The Crofts as Tenants The Crofts as Tenants from "Persuasion". The Crofts as Tenants A New Order The Crofts, a naval family, take possession of Kellynch Hall. They are competent, practical, and happy.

The Crofts as Tenants from "Persuasion". The Crofts as Tenants A New Order The Crofts, a naval family, take possession of Kellynch Hall. They are competent, practical, and happy.

The Crofts as Tenants A New Order The Crofts, a naval family, take possession of Kellynch Hall. They are competent, practical, and happy. They contrast sharply with the vain and wasteful Elliots. The house is better cared for under their stewardship. A Symbol of Change The letting of Kellynch Hall to the Crofts symbolizes the shift in power from the old aristocracy to the new meritocracy of the navy. The Elliots are forced to make way for a more deserving family. The Crofts' success is a testament to the values of hard work and integrity.

Wentworth's Social Standing Wentworth's Social Standing from "Persuasion". Wentworth's Social Standing A Man of Merit Captain Wentworth, by his own efforts, has become a wealthy and respected man.

Wentworth's Social Standing from "Persuasion". Wentworth's Social Standing A Man of Merit Captain Wentworth, by his own efforts, has become a wealthy and respected man.

Wentworth's Social Standing A Man of Merit Captain Wentworth, by his own efforts, has become a wealthy and respected man. He is welcomed into the best society, even by the proud Sir Walter, who eventually approves of his marriage to Anne. His success challenges the notion that birth alone determines worth. The Navy's Contribution Throughout the novel, the navy is portrayed as a source of national pride and domestic virtue. The officers are shown to be loyal, generous, and capable. The novel implicitly argues that the navy represents a more dynamic and virtuous class than the decaying aristocracy.

Summer 1814

Michaelmas 1814

1814-1815