Persuasion · Chapter
Chapter XIX explained
Anne encounters Captain Wentworth in Bath, observing his discomfort and embarrassment.
What happens
Anne encounters Captain Wentworth in Bath, observing his discomfort and embarrassment. She declines his offer of an umbrella, waiting instead for Mr. Elliot, with whom she walks away. Later, at a concert, she hopes for a chance to speak with Wentworth, feeling strengthened by the coldness of Elizabeth and Lady Russell toward him.
Themes in this chapter
Regret and Second Chances
Anne and Captain Wentworth's awkward reunion in Bath highlights unresolved feelings and the possibility of reconciliation.
Social Class and Rank
Elizabeth's coldness toward Wentworth and the deference to Lady Dalrymple's carriage underscore class distinctions.
Love and Constancy
Anne's enduring affection for Wentworth is evident in her heightened awareness and desire to speak with him.
Characters to notice
- Anne Elliot
Sensitive to Captain Wentworth's unease; struggles with her feelings and resolves to seek a conversation with him.
- Captain Frederick Wentworth
Appears uncomfortable and embarrassed upon seeing Anne; his manner suggests change or lingering emotion.
- Elizabeth Elliot
Coldly refuses to acknowledge Captain Wentworth, turning away from him.
- Mr. Elliot
Attentive and solicitous toward Anne; escorts her home and is the subject of speculation by others.
- Lady Russell
Overlooks Captain Wentworth at the concert, contributing to Anne's sense of duty toward him.
- Mrs. Smith
Good-humoredly releases Anne from their evening plan, but hints at a foreboding about future visits.
Key passages
“Anne continuing fully sensible of his being less at ease than formerly. They had, by dint of being so very much together, got to speak to each other with a considerable portion of apparent indifference and calmness; but he could not do it now. Time had changed him, or Louisa had changed him.”
Anne noticed that Captain Wentworth was more uncomfortable than before. Their previous ease in conversation was gone; either time or Louisa had altered him.
Anne observes Wentworth's changed demeanor, suggesting emotional turmoil.
“She saw that he saw Elizabeth, that Elizabeth saw him, that there was complete internal recognition on each side; she was convinced that he was ready to be acknowledged as an acquaintance, expecting it, and she had the pain of seeing her sister turn away with unalterable coldness.”
Anne perceived that both Elizabeth and Wentworth recognized each other, but Elizabeth deliberately snubbed him, causing Anne distress.
Elizabeth's cold rejection of Wentworth contrasts with Anne's sensitivity.
“Anne would have been particularly obliged to her cousin, if he would have walked by her side all the way to Camden Place, without saying a word. She had never found it so difficult to listen to him, though nothing could exceed his solicitude and care... But just now she could think only of Captain Wentworth.”
Anne wished Mr. Elliot would walk in silence, as she was too preoccupied with thoughts of Captain Wentworth to attend to his conversation.
Anne's mind is consumed by Wentworth, making Mr. Elliot's attentions burdensome.