Persuasion: Episode 2, Chapters 4-6

In this episode, we talk about how the backstory of Anne and Wentworth is presented without comedy, and yet is absolutely enjoyable. We then move on to the introduction of Mary, and why she is the way she is, Anne’s skill at dealing with everyone’s complaints, and the very unsympathetic portrayal of Dick Musgrove.

The character we discuss is Lady Russell. In the historical section, Ellen talks about social precedence, and for popular culture Harriet has watched the 1972 Spanish television adaptation of Persuasion.

Things we mention:

General discussion:

Historical discussion:

Popular culture discussion:

Creative commons music used:

4 thoughts on “<em>Persuasion</em>: Episode 2, Chapters 4-6”

  1. Just need to say that your podcast is absolutely The Best. I have found many Austen podcasts to be silly conversations by silly giggly women. (Thinking that George Eliot wrote about this better than I can). And John Mullan has wonderful little short videos about Austen novels but they feel like teasers.
    What you two do is Perfection!
    Please consider doing this FOREVER which will require you to move to Eliot, Bronte, etc. etc.
    Sending bouquets of gratitude.

    Reply
    • Thank you, Dee. I’m so glad you are enjoying it – we love making it!
      We still have a couple of years worth of Austen left before we need to start thinking about what to do next :-).

      Reply
  2. Great episode, as usual. You both clearly love this book – you’re almost talking over each other in your enthusiasm, LOL.

    Enjoyed the Spanish TV movie; thanks for the link.

    Very interesting points about the confidence-luck circle that is Wentworth’s personality. I’d just been thinking of the circularity of Margaret Hale’s confidence in Gaskell’s “North and South” – the nouveau riche hero is attracted to her confidence and old money manners, but those are in large part a function of all the deference and privilege she enjoys because she is old money (or gentry). I hadn’t thought of Frederick Wentworth’s extroversion and charisma serving to create the “luck” (positive social response) that helps him advance in his career. “You just blew my mind” again, ladies.

    The ”everyone complains to Anne” section at Uppercross: there’s a bit of this in Mansfield Park, in the section where everyone vents to Fanny during the theatricals.

    The discussion of precedence and “place” brought to mind that Mrs. Norris tells Fanny not to take place over Miss Crawford when Fanny goes to dine at the parsonage. I guess this is about host versus guest rules, not social rank. When Fanny gets to the parsonage, she disregards the admonition because she knows it’s proper to submit to all the little distinctions that come with being the guest or principal lady in company. I guess these distinctions are what Elizabeth and Lady Russell experience routinely.

    Dee made me laugh in the comment above. I appreciate and learn a lot from other podcasts, but when the very young hosts start Googling the names of older established actors, I kinda sorta lose it and long for the next Harriet and Ellen episode to drop.

    Reply
    • Thank you for this thoughtful comment, and I’m so glad you are enjoying the podcast.

      It’s been a while since I last re-read ‘North and South’, and I don’t remember picking up that one of the things that made Margaret attractive was her confidence, but it’s a good point.

      Yes, I now feel a bit stupid with my comment on Fanny. I had been thinking of those evenings when she is helping Lady Bertram with her work, and occasionally running errands for people, but not actually being talked to (though listening attentively). I had completely forgotten that people vent to her during the play!

      I like your parallel of Fanny’s place when dining at the parsonage – and Mrs Norris taking every possible opportunity to put her down, even when it is inappropriate.

      Reply

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