Sir Walter Elliot prides himself on his “ancient and respectable” lineage, baronetcy, and wealthy estate he is greatly preoccupied that his manner of living and ensuring that the people with whom his family associates will befit his high status, although these concerns lead him into excessive debt and undiscerning connections.Ĭonsiderations of class also affect characters of less vanity and more prudence, such as Lady Russell and the protagonist Anne Elliot. William Elliot’s first marriage, while others such as Captain Frederick Wentworth achieve status and wealth through climbing the Naval ranks. Status and independence are composed of a combination of wealth, ancestry, and occupation: certain characters achieve independence through marrying into wealth, as is the case with Mr. Persuasion, like many of Austen’s novels, is a study in 18th century English society, and its nuances of class rigidity and social mobility.
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