Persuasion · Chapter
Chapter XX explained
At a concert in Bath, Anne Elliot experiences emotional turmoil as she observes Captain Wentworth's changed demeanor, suspects his jealousy of Mr.
What happens
At a concert in Bath, Anne Elliot experiences emotional turmoil as she observes Captain Wentworth's changed demeanor, suspects his jealousy of Mr. Elliot, and interprets his words and glances as signs of returning affection. Meanwhile, she navigates social pressures from her family and Mr. Elliot's attentions.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Constancy
Anne's enduring love for Captain Wentworth is rekindled as she interprets his words and glances as signs of returning affection, despite years of separation.
Regret and Second Chances
Captain Wentworth's jealousy and his reflections on first attachments suggest regret over past decisions and a desire for a second chance with Anne.
Persuasion and Influence
Anne's earlier persuasion by Lady Russell to reject Wentworth lingers in the background, influencing the current tensions and misunderstandings.
Characters to notice
- Anne Elliot
Struggles with agitation and hope as she interprets Captain Wentworth's behavior; feels jealousy of Mr. Elliot's attentions and longs to convey her true feelings.
- Captain Frederick Wentworth
Appears grave and irresolute at first, but gradually shows signs of returning tenderness; expresses jealousy of Mr. Elliot and speaks of Louisa Musgrove's inferiority.
- Mr. Elliot
Maneuvers to sit beside Anne at the concert, flatters her, and interrupts her conversation with Captain Wentworth, provoking jealousy.
- Elizabeth Elliot
Walks arm in arm with Miss Carteret, focused on social status and vanity; reluctantly acknowledges Captain Wentworth with a slight curtsy.
- Sir Walter Elliot
Present at the concert with his daughters and Mrs. Clay; gives a distant bow to Captain Wentworth.
- Mrs. Clay
Part of Sir Walter's party at the concert, though not prominently featured.
Key passages
“Jealousy of Mr. Elliot! It was the only intelligible motive. Captain Wentworth jealous of her affection! Could she have believed it a week ago; three hours ago!”
Anne realizes that Captain Wentworth's strange behavior stems from jealousy over Mr. Elliot's attentions, a thought that astonishes her given how recently she believed he had moved on.
Highlights Anne's dawning awareness of Wentworth's renewed feelings and the emotional intensity of the moment.
“His opinion of Louisa Musgrove’s inferiority, an opinion which he had seemed solicitous to give, his wonder at Captain Benwick, his feelings as to a first, strong attachment; sentences begun which he could not finish, his half averted eyes and more than half expressive glance, all, all declared that he had a heart returning to her at least.”
Anne interprets Wentworth's comments about Louisa and Benwick, his unfinished sentences, and his expressive looks as clear signs that his heart is turning back to her.
Captures Anne's hopeful analysis of Wentworth's words and demeanor, reinforcing the theme of second chances.