Persuasion · Chapter
Chapter V explained
Anne observes the arrangements for the family's move to Bath, including Mrs.
What happens
Anne observes the arrangements for the family's move to Bath, including Mrs. Clay's role as Elizabeth's assistant, which she and Lady Russell view as imprudent. She warns Elizabeth about the potential danger of Mrs. Clay's influence on Sir Walter, but is dismissed. The Crofts agree to lease Kellynch Hall, and Anne decides to stay at Uppercross Cottage with Mary instead of going to Bath immediately.
Themes in this chapter
Family Dynamics and Duty
Anne feels a duty to warn Elizabeth about Mrs. Clay, but her advice is rejected; Mary claims Anne's company as a right, reflecting family obligations.
Social Class and Rank
Sir Walter's vanity about his appearance and rank is evident; Mrs. Clay's lower status is a concern for Anne and Lady Russell.
Persuasion and Influence
Anne attempts to persuade Elizabeth about Mrs. Clay's potential influence on Sir Walter, but fails; Lady Russell's influence on Anne's decisions is implied.
Characters to notice
- Anne Elliot
Sensitive to the imprudence of Mrs. Clay's involvement; warns Elizabeth about the potential danger; decides to stay at Uppercross Cottage with Mary.
- Lady Russell
Grieved and fearful about Mrs. Clay's role; feels the affront to Anne; plans her own absence to avoid the arrival of the Crofts.
- Elizabeth Elliot
Dismisses Anne's warning about Mrs. Clay; defends Mrs. Clay's propriety; prepares to go to Bath with Sir Walter and Mrs. Clay.
- Sir Walter Elliot
Flattered by Mr. Shepherd's assurances; approves the Crofts as tenants; prepares to remove to Bath.
- Mary Musgrove
Indisposed and self-pitying; requires Anne to stay with her at Uppercross Cottage; complains of neglect.
- Admiral Croft
Approves of Kellynch Hall and Sir Walter; cordial and good-humored in the negotiation.
Key passages
“Anne herself was become hardened to such affronts; but she felt the imprudence of the arrangement quite as keenly as Lady Russell.”
Anne had grown used to being slighted, but she was just as aware as Lady Russell of how unwise the plan was.
Highlights Anne's resilience and her shared concern with Lady Russell.
“I cannot possibly do without Anne, was Mary's reasoning; and Elizabeth's reply was, Then I am sure Anne had better stay, for nobody will want her in Bath.”
Mary insisted she needed Anne, and Elizabeth agreed, adding that Anne would be useless in Bath.
Shows Mary's dependence and Elizabeth's dismissiveness toward Anne.