Persuasion

About the story

At nineteen, Anne Elliot was persuaded to break off her engagement to Frederick Wentworth, a young sailor with no fortune. Eight years later he returns, a successful captain — and Anne must watch him seem to fall for someone else while she quietly wonders if it's too late.

Before reading

• Have you ever been talked out of something and later regretted it?
• What is a second chance?

Discussion questions

1. Who persuaded Anne to give up Wentworth, and why?
2. How has Wentworth changed in eight years? How has Anne?
3. Anne is often overlooked by her family. How do the pictures show this?
4. What happens at Lyme, and how does it change things?
5. How do Anne and Wentworth finally communicate their feelings?
6. Was Anne wrong to be persuaded? Is it ever right to listen to advice against your heart?

Words to know

• Persuasion — convincing someone to do or believe something.
• Navy — a country's sea forces; Wentworth is a naval captain.
• Baronet — a British title, like Anne's father, Sir Walter.
• Constancy — staying faithful over time.
• Regret — feeling sorry about something you did or didn't do.

Activities

• The letter. Wentworth writes Anne a famous letter. Read that chapter in the original novel and compare it to the graphic novel's version.
• Eight years. Draw a two-panel "then and now" for Anne and for Wentworth.