Persuasion
Persuasion quotes
Memorable lines from Persuasion, word for word as they are lettered in the graphic novel. Page numbers refer to the graphic novel.
Key lines, in story order
“Vanity was the beginning and the end of Sir Walter Elliot's character.”
Page 3 · Introduction to Sir Walter Elliot's extreme vanity and high social pride. “The navy, I think, who have done so much for us, have at least an equal claim with any other set of men.”
Page 6 · Introduction of naval tenants and Sir Walter's prejudices. “She must be composed, she must be quiet.”
Page 16 · Anne's mixed dread and longing to see Wentworth. “They were as strangers; nay, worse than strangers, for they could never become acquainted.”
Page 20 · Wentworth's flirtation with the Musgrove sisters while ignoring Anne. “He had not forgiven, but he could not see her suffer.”
Page 26 · Wentworth shows protective care for Anne despite his outward aloofness. “Captain Wentworth looked at her too, with a glance of brightness.”
Page 32 · Wentworth re-evaluates Anne's beauty and appeal. “She persisted in disliking Bath.”
Page 44 · Arrival in Bath and Anne's dislike of city confinement. “A mere Mrs. Smith, an everyday Mrs. Smith!”
Page 49 · Sir Walter's snobbery contrasts with Anne's moral integrity. “He was more obviously affected than she was.”
Page 53 · Wentworth and Anne meet face-to-face in Bath. “A man does not recover from such a devotion of the heart to such a woman! He ought not; he does not.”
Page 64 · The debate on constancy begins. “I have loved none but you. Unjust I may have been, weak and resentful I have been, but never inconstant.”
Page 69 · The complete declaration of Wentworth's undying love. “His profession was all that could ever make her friends wish that tenderness less; the dread of a future war all that could dim her sunshine.”
Page 82 · The final triumphant resolution of enduring love and constancy.
Quotes by character
“All the privilege I claim for my own sex... is that of loving longest, when existence or when hope is gone.”
Anne Elliot, page 65 
“I have never loved any woman but you, Anne. My heart has always been entirely yours.”
Captain Frederick Wentworth, page 72 
“Few men of forty and eight can boast so well-preserved a countenance.”
Sir Walter Elliot, page 3 
“He has no fortune, no connections, Anne! It would be utter madness and your ruin to bind yourself to such uncertainty.”
Lady Russell, page 9 
“Cousin Anne, the rain has abated. May I have the honor of escorting you home?”
Mr. William Elliot, page 54 
“I am so ill I can hardly speak. Not a soul has come near me all morning!”
Mary Elliot Musgrove, page 13 
“Indeed, Father. The Elliots of Kellynch have always maintained the standard of true consequence.”
Elizabeth Elliot, page 3 
“Captain Wentworth is come to Kellynch. He is staying with his sister, Mrs. Croft, and will visit Uppercross tomorrow!”
Charles Musgrove, page 15 
“A splendid house, Sir Walter! Sturdy rooms and plenty of good Somerset air.”
Admiral Croft, page 11 
“Catch me, Captain! I love the thrill of being jumped down!”
Louisa Musgrove, page 34 
“Do you not feel, Miss Elliot, that Byron's verses capture the very depths of a wounded spirit?”
Captain James Benwick, page 30 
“If you could see what men suffer when parted from those they love, you would not doubt our enduring hearts.”
Captain Harville, page 63 
“He is a man without heart or conscience.”
Mrs. Smith, page 55 
“The peace will bring many wealthy naval gentlemen ashore, Sir Walter. They make most liberal and respectable tenants.”
Mr. John Shepherd, page 6 
“Bath has nothing left for either of us, Mr. Elliot. Let us leave Camden Place together at once!”
Mrs. Penelope Clay, page 77
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