Second Chances

Persuasion Summary of Key Points

Persuasion is the last novel fully completed by Jane Austen. It was published posthumously in 1817, and it depicts the story of Anne Elliot, a young Englishwoman with modern and liberal ideas about women and society. Eight years prior to the start of the novel, Anne was persuaded to reject a proposal of marriage from Frederick Wentworth, a man she truly loved, due to his lack of fortune and uncertain prospects. However, when Wentworth returns from sea a wealthy and successful captain, Anne must confront her past decisions and the society that led her to make them.