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FEMINISM IN JANE AUSTENS PERSUASION

By :ANDI JAIHUTAN SILITONGA, S.S, M.Hum

Senior Lecture of English and Linguistics

Faculty of Letters

University of Darma Agung, Medan

ABSTRAK

Artikel ini menganalisa aspek feminism dalam novel Persuasion oleh Jane Austen. Artikel menganalisa tentang karakter Anne Elliot yang jatuh cinta dengan Fredrick Wentworth, seorang pelaut. Anne memutuskan untuk menikah dengannya walaupun ayahnya tidak setuju. Ayahnya justru membujuknya untuk menikahi Charles Musgrove. Ayahnya bahkan menganggap Fredrick sebagai pria yang miskin, yatim piatu, dan tidak memiliki masa depan. Meskipun demikian Anne tidak memperdulikan keinginan ayahya, dia tetap memutuskan untuk menikahi Fredrick. Artikel ini juga memaparkan tentang kondisi para kaum wanita di Inggris pada abad kesembilanbelas dimana mereka harus tinggal dirumah, memelihara anak mereka serta masalah keluarga. Dalam menganalisa novel, penulis menggunakan pendekatan intrinsic berdasarkan data dalam novel serta buku yang berhubungan dengan permasalahan.Keywords : Household affairs, Extravagance, Wise Woman

The Background Jane Austen is a famous British female novelist. She had a talent in describing the involvement of feeling and character of ordinary life. The reason for me to choose Jane Austens novel, Persuasion, as the subject of this article because I want to know more about feminism, the way it undergoes life and the way it influences the human traits.Persuasion is used as the object of the analysis written by British author Jane Austen in 1888. We know that British writers have different ways among them to write their works, for example about reality or what they have in their life, such as about strong and weak people, history, and even about their feelings as well as past experience. Jane Austen also has her own characteristics in writing her literary works. Her stories usually concern with the life of women.

There are two kinds of theoretical approach in studying literature, they are extrinsic and intrinsic approach. Extrinsic approach means the analysis of literary works deals with other fields of the study such as history, biography, religion, moral, sociology and psychology. While intrinsic approach is used when the analysis based on the text by not relating it to another discipline. So in analyzing this novel I use intrinsic approach because the analysis using the text based on the novel itself.Clarification of the Term

General Concept of Feminism

Before discussing further about feminism in Jane Austens Persuasion, it is better to understand the meaning of feminism. In this article, I quote some meanings of feminism in order to know more about it. According to the World Book Encyclopedia:Feminism is the belief that women should have economic, political, and social equality with men. The term feminism also refers to a political movement the works to gain such equality. This movement is sometimes called the womens liberation movement or womens right movement. (New York 1983:73)

According to Hornby:Feminism is movement for recognition of the claim of women for right (legal, political, etc) equal to those possessed by men. (1974:315)

When we talk about feminism, we talk about women who want to free themselves from male domination in family and society. They refuse to be treated as the second society and regarded as inferior. The distinction between biological sex and socially constructed in gender is a key concept to understand feminist theory which underpins the womans movement of the subordinate status assigned to woman in patriarchal culture. Patriarchy is the popular sense of male domination, either in home or outside, and the power relation by which man dominates woman. This cultural construction of gender forms the basis for feminist demands for sex equality and woman liberation. Feminism is not only about womans struggle for political rights but also a system of ideas and a social movement directed toward opposing mens privilege of position and womans subordination. Tommy F. Away describes feminism as cultural phenomenon arising from the patriarchal construction (2003:1). This reaction took a long term, or ironically, because until now there is no term as an independent or original for feminism. Feminism is totally about socio-cultural construction more than natural phenomenon where it tries to fight for the existence of woman.

At the beginning, feminism was only a social movement, then it was transformed into social theory with various theoretical forms, these terms oppose womans subordination after frontal challenge to patriarchal culture and social organization. It is political label indicating support for the aim of the new womans movement started in 1960.

According to Oxford Advance Learners Dictionary of Current English, feminism is a movement for recognition of the claims of women for right (legal, political equal to those possessed by man). It is true that feminism is a social and political movement that focuses on the struggle of women behalf of herself trying to find out their existence in life. It is about women liberation, sexual equality between women and man that have the same responsibilities and privileges in society against women and children. Violence, rap and pillage a womans body and emotion, also teaches women to defense herself from improper condition, how to maximize her talents and side by side work with man to make a better life. It is true that feminism want to raise the essences of women that for centuries regarded as oppressed, weak, sensitive, gloomy, passive, instable, irritable, piety, materialist and confine person.

In general, the meaning of feminism is a sort of political movement that focused on the struggle of women on behalf of themselves trying to find out the existence in life. Feminism is also called women liberalization that is to have the same right with men. They want to be equal in getting the freedom to ascertain their own carriers and life patterns.

Feminism recognizes a mans right to defense his children and does not seek to silence in the political arena when he seeks to defend his children in the legislature or the courtroom. It recognizes that men have a right to defend all children everywhere from abortion as well as a duty and that is part of the essence of manhood. Feminism teaches women how to give birth and how to raise their children. It shows us that dyadic relationship between women and her children never ends. It demands that children respect their mothers. It demands that society respect motherhood. It demands that society be compelled to retrain from inserting itself into that dyadic relationship at all stages of motherhood.

Feminism teaches us that we have both the responsibility and the right to educate our own children. This is a paramount duty that belongs to both the mother and father. The feminist rebels against the involuntary intermittent incarceration of children for the crime of being young. The feminist seeks to educate mothers and fathers so that they are able to educate their children. The feminist seek to give women permission to have and use their intellect and to develop its capacity.

Feminism teaches that women worked in house. We have a life of our own. We have needs of our own. If we trained our intellect, we must feed it, we cannot do this by being incarcerated four walls doing menial tasks to please the house beautiful all day. We must have access to the educational and artistic resources of the community. We must have industry reformed such that mothers can participate fully with their children by their side.

Feminism brings about a world in which people of all ages and both sexes embrace full responsibility for their action. It teaches us that women are not slaves to men. Our bodies are our most precious material possession, we will only have one body. We deserve to have that body respected by men. This means that rape is unacceptable. Assault is unacceptable. We have a right to be free of the myth than there is such a thing as free sex. Our emotions are also a most precious possession. We have a right to a fortress of peace in which to raise our children, and we have a right to be free of the mind control that is used women to convince them that they do not deserve peace in their homes.

Feminism teaches women that we have a duty to help other women to become economically independent, and to provide networks of volunteer organizations to bring this about. We also have a duty to use our creativity to determine the most efficient ways. Feminism helps women to become economically independent. Feminism means stopping all the economic lies about issue of wealth and financial independence, and stopping all the thefts of our property in the name of humanitarianism.FEMINISM IN JANE AUSTENS PERSUASION

Persuasion is a novel which tells about the life of a rich family. They live in luxury. In the 19th century, there was the middle and upper class living in different level. In the novel, the family consists of a father, Mr. Walter Elliot and his daughters, Elizabeth, Anne and Mary. He falls bankrupt because he and his eldest daughter, Elizabeth spend their money extravagantly. Even his friend has advised him to reduce their expenditure. We can see in the quotation below:

Vanity was the beginning and the end of Sir Walter Elliots character; vanity of person and of situation. He had been remarkably handsome in his youth; and, at fifty four, was still a very fine man.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .He was not only growing dreadfully in debt, but was hearing of it so often, that it became vain to attempt concealing it longer, even partially, from his daughter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Their two confidential friends, Mr. Shepherd, who lived in the neighboring market town, and Lady Russell, were called to advise them; and both father and daughter seemed to expect that something should be struck out by one or the other to remove their embarrassments and reduce their expenditure, without involving the loss of any indulgence of taste or pride. (Jane Austen 2003: 163 - 166)

From the quotation above, we can also see Walters vanity. He ignores his friends advice. His habit cannot be lost even though he is in difficult situation.Actually, there are characters who show feminism in the novel. They are Lady Elliot, Elizabeth, and Anne. Lady Elliot is a good mother for them. She is patient, easygoing, and friendly and she does all her duties as a wife and a mother. She educates her daughters well. She has also good principles in her life. Not only for her family, but she also often help her friends. Her kindness and advice always remembered by all the people around her although she has died, as shown on the following quotation:

Lady Elliot had been an excellent woman, sensible and amiable; whose judgment and conduct, if they might be pardoned the youthful infatuation which made her Lady Elliot, had never required indulgence afterwards. She had humored, or softened, or concealed his failings, and promoted his real respectability for seventeen years, and though not the very happiest being in the world herself, had found enough in her duties, her friends, and her children, to attach her to life, and make it no matter of indifference to her when she was called on to quit them. Three girls, the two eldest sixteen and fourteen, was an awful legacy for a mother to bequeath, an awful charge rather, to confide to the authority and guidance of a conceited, silly father. She had, however, one very intimate friend, a sensible, deserving woman, who had been brought, by strong attachment to herself, to settle close by her, in the village of Kellynch and on her kindness and advice, Lady Elliot mainly relied for the best help and maintenance of the good principles and instruction which she had been anxiously giving her daughter. (Jane Austen 2003:162)

From the quotation above, we can see a woman who shows feminism. She is a high principle woman in her life and good woman in the neighborhood.

Since Lady Elliots death, Elizabeth Elliot as the eldest daughter manages all kinds of thing in their household. She manages the family economy and she always makes all decision and ignoring other member of family. She feels that she has full power to manage their household to change her mothers position, because she thinks that in every household affairs, it needs a woman to manage it, as seen in the quotation below:

Elizabeth did not quiet equal her father in personal contentment. Thirteen years had seen mistress of Kellynch hall, presiding and directing with a self-possession and decision which could never have given the idea of her being younger than she was. For thirteen years had she been doing the honors, and laying down the domestic law at home, and leading the way to the chaise and four, and walking immediately after Lady Russell out of all the drawing rooms and dining rooms in the country. (Jane Austen 2003:163)

Actually, managing household affairs is not easy, especially for a woman who never get experience in managing it. Elizabeth takes over all family economy afffairs although she is so extravagant. Her extravagance is the beginning of Elliots bankrupt. The next quotation shows the cause and impact of their bankrupt:

Such were Elizabeth Elliots sentiments and sensations, such the cares to alloy, the agitation to vary, the sameness and the elegance, the prosperity and the nothingness of her scene of life such the feelings to give interest to a long, uneventful residence in one country circle, to fill the vacancies which there were no habits of utility abroad, no talents or accomplishments for home to occupy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .While Lady Elliot lived, there had been method, moderation, and economy, which had just kept him within his income; but with her, had died all such right-mindedness, and from that period he had been constantly exceeding it. It had not been possible for him to spend less; he had done nothing but what Sir Walter Elliot was imperiously called on to do; but blameless as he was, he was not only growing dreadfully in debt, but was hearing of it so often, that it became vain to attempt concealing it longer, even partially, from his daughter. (Jane Austen 2003:165)

From the quotation above, we can see Elizabeths incapability in managing the household, especially in economy. Elliots bankrupt is caused by a woman who is unable to manage it skillfully, like Lady Elliot, Elizabeths mother. It shows that the role of experience woman in managing the household is important.Mr. Elliot and Elizabeth force Anne, Mr. Elliots elder daughter, to marry soon so that she can help her father to pay his debts because of his bankruptcy. Anne is a melancholic and unselfish girl, not like her sister, Elizabeth. She loves Wentworth who is a sailor. She loves him very much and they will get married. But, her father does not approve of her getting married with Wentworth, because of his job. Besides that, he has no parents, fortune, and certainly he is not able to help Mr. Elliots financial problem, especially in paying off the debt. Absolutely, her father does not realize that Fredrick Wentworth is an intelligent, spiritful, and brilliant man. It can be proved from the following quotation:And having no parent living, found a home for half a year at Monk ford. He was, at the time, a remarkably fine young man, with a great deal of intelligence, spirit, and brilliancy.Captain Wentworth has no fortune. He had been lucky in his profession; but spending freely, what had come freely, had realize nothing. But he was confident he should soon be rich full of life and ardor, he knew that he should soon have a ship, and soon be on a station that would lead to everything he wanted. (Jane Austen 2003:175 - 176)

From the quotation above, we can see that Annes father is contemptuous of Wentworth, but Fredrick still has determination that he will be rich. He can prove it one day.It is not only her father who does approve of her marrying Fredrick but also Lady Russell, as her fathers friend, who also considers the same thing. Lady Russell believes that Fredrick Wentworth is not suitable for Anne. Lady Russell is Annes fathers friend, she cares about Elliots problem, especially in choosing a mate for each Elliots daughters. Actually, Anne loves a man, Fredrick Wentworth. He is a navy, but her father, Walter Elliot does not like him. Some people around her seduce Anne to leave Wentworth including Lady Russell. Anne accepts Lady Russell and her fathers wish to her wisdom. She thinks that her fathers decision is the best for her life and also for the intimacy of her family, as seen from the quotation below:

Anne herself was become hardened to such affronts; but she felt the imprudence of the arrangement quite as keenly as Lady Russell. With a great deal of quiet observation, and a knowledge, which she often wished less, of her fathers character, she was sensible that results the most serious to his family from the intimacy were more than possible. She did not imagine that her father had at present and idea of the kind.(Jane Austen 2003:180)

From the quotation above, we can see how a wise woman making a decision. She does not want to disturb her family As a woman who loves Anne, she wants Anne to be happy in her future life. Her father wants a rich man who will marry Anne. This is also Lady Russells reason for not accepting Wentworth as Annes husband. She disapproves of Annes and Wentworths marriage. She wants Anne to be happy. Walter Elliot wants her daughter to get married with a rich and aristocratic man because of his pride of his aristocratic blood. Yet he is thinking of his social status. Anne does not believe that Lady Russell whom she loves very much like her own mother cannot support her opinion, Anne has been persuaded by Lady Russell that she had made wrong decision. Russell thinks that if Anne gets married with Wentworth, Anne is capable to get success, as stated in the quotation below:

But Lady Russell, whom she had always loved and relied on, could not, with such steadiness of opinion, and such tenderness of manner, be continually advising her in vain. She was persuaded to believe the engagement a wrong thing indiscreet, improper, hardly capable of success, and not deserving it. (Jane Austen 2003: 176)

From the quotation above we see that nobody support Anne to get married with Wentworth, even Lady Russell, her fathers friend whom she considers like her own mother. Anne never thinks that Lady Russell has the same opinion with her father. Anne Eliot does not have determination character, so that she can easily yield. Lady Russell is very clever in persuading Anne. Besides that, Russell also asserts that Anne has to build her relationship with her father. Lady Russell considers that Anne is a mistress of Kellynch, like her mother. Lady Russell does not want if Anne looses her popularity, her status, her virtue and her rights as the mistress of Kellynch by marrying Wentworth. It is proved from the quotation below:

Im no match-maker, as you well knowbeing much to well aware of the uncertainty of all human events and calculations. I only mean that if Mr. Elliot should some time hence pay his address to you, and if you should be disposed to accept him, I think there would be every possibility of your being happy together. A most suitable connection everybody must consider it- but I think it might be a very happy one.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lady Russell let this pass, and only said i9n rejoinder, I own that to be able to regard you as the future mistress of Kellynch, the future Lady Elliot to look forward and see you occupying your dear mothers self in countenance and disposition; and if I might be allowed to fancy you such as she was, in situation and name, and home, presiding and blessing in the same spot, and only superior to her in being more highly valued! M y dearest Anne, it would give me more delight than is often felt at my time of life. (Jane Austen 2003: 261)

From the quotation above we know that Lady Russell continually convinces Anne to make right decision. By Russells assertion, she tries to give a view about who is Anne exactly. However, Anne does not approve with that. She argues with her father. She tries to convince him that Wentworth is a good man. We can see in the quotation below:

You should have distinguished, replied Anne

You should not have suspected me now, the case so different, and my age so different if I was wrong in yielding to persuasion once, remember that it was to persuasion exerted on the side of safety, not of risk. When I yielded, I thought it was to duty; but not duty could be called in aid here. In marrying a man indifferent to me, all risk would have been incurred, and all duty violated. (Jane Austen 2003:197)

From the quotation above, it is clear that by Annes assertion too, she opposes Russells statement. Anne has strong determination. Anne wants Russells persuasion will be for her own safety, not to be risky or exerted persuasion.

From what Anne says to her father above, we can see that Anne does not want to be forced by her father to marry a man she does not love. She is already an adult woman who has the right to do what she wants, but she believes that Lady Russells persuasion is not too bad for her. This is said by Anne Elliot to Fredrick Wentworth, the man whom she loves much. We can see in the quotation below:

I have been thinking over the past and trying impartially to judge the right and wrong. I mean with regard to myself and I must believe that I was right, much as I suffered from it, that I was perfectly right to being guided by the friend whom you will love better than you do now. To me, she was in the place of a parent, do not mistake me, however, I am not saying that she did not err in her advice. It was, perhaps, one of those cases in which advice is good or bad only as the even decides; and for myself, I certainly never should, in any circumstance to tolerable similarity, give such advice. But I mean, that I was right in submitting to her, and that it I had done otherwise, I should have suffered more in continuing the engagement than I did even in giving it up, because I should have suffered in my conscience. I have now, as far as such a sentiment is allowable in human nature, nothing to reproach myself with; and if I mistake not, a strong sense of duty is no bad part of a womans portion. (Jane Austen 2003: 212)Here, we can see that Annes reason for yielding to Lady Russells persuasion is reasonable. If she gets married with Wentworth without the approval of her father and Lady Russell, she certainly sacrifices her relationship with her family and Lady Russell. On the other hand, if she follows their advice, she will sacrifice her love and suffer. Wentworth has to leave Anne in order to fulfill Annes fathers wish. He does not dare to force Anne because he does not have power to do that. Her father wants her daughter to get married with a wealthy man. He wants her to get married with Charles Musgrove, the son of Charles, one of the rich men in Kellynch Hall, a place in Summerset, but she cannot accept any proposal from any other man in Kellynch Hall. From the statement above, we see that in the 19th century, there was the difference between the rich and poor. Mary, Annes sister, is a woman who likes to get plenty of attention since she is the youngest child in the family. She is rather stupid and pretends to show her attractiveness to other people, we can see in the quotation below:

No one had ever come within the Kellynch circle, who could be a comparison with Fredrick Wentworth, as he stood in her memory. She had been solicited, when about two and twenty, to change her name by the young man (Charles Musgrove), who not long afterwards found a more willing mind in her younger sister; and Lady Russell had lamented her refusal. (Jane Austen 2003:209)

From the statement above, I assume that what is in Marys mind is only Charles Musgrove. But, her sister, Anne, has been paired with Charles Musgrove. Since Charles Musgrove is an heir of a great property, and he has been paired with Anne. Certainly Lady Russell does not allow Mary to get married with Charles Musgrove.

Mary, Annes sister also regards the same thing with her father and Lady Russell that Wentworth does not descent to Anne to be a husband. Without any consideration Mary persuades Anne, but Anne, with her strong determination, she still chooses Wentworth without any doubt, even though Wentworth had hurt her in the past. We can see in the quotation below:Mary had no feelings to make her respect her sisters in a common way, but she was perfectly unsuspicious of being inflicting any peculiar wound.

Altered beyond his knowledge! Anne fully submitted, in silent, deep mortification. Doubtless it was so; and she could take no revenge, for he was not altered, or not for the worse. She had already acknowledge it to herself, and she could not think differently, let him think of her as he would. No, the years which had destroyed her youth and bloom had only given him a more glowing, manly, open look, in no respect lessening his personal advantages. She had seen the same Fredrick Wentworth. (Jane Austen 2003:198)

From the quotation above, it seems that Mary shows her roughly attitude toward Anne, because Anne still chooses Wentworth as her husband, but her determination is wrong, even though Wentworth had hurt her. Anne observes that it is her unconvinced heart which has led her to make wrong decision, she has sacrificed her own love and happiness. Moreover, she knows that her sister, Mary, likes Charles Musgrove too. In other words, she will sacrifice for her sisters love. Lady Russells and Sir Walters estimation about Wentworths fortune is also missleading. Finally, Wentworth gets success. He becomes a Captain of a ship. We can see in the quotation below:

His genius and ardor had seemed to foresee and command his prosperous path. He had, very soon after their engagement ceased, got employ, had taken place. He had distinguished himself, and early gained the stop in rank- and must now, by successive captures, have made a handsome fortune. (Jane Austen 2003:178)

From the quotation above we see that Lady Russell and Walters estimation is wrong. Wentworths intelligent and ardor make him becoming a captain of a ship. Anne does not blame Lady Russell for her persuasion even though Anne realizes that she has been influenced by Lady Russell. We can see in the quotation below:

She did not blame Lady Russell; she did not blame herself for having been guided by her; but she felt that was any young person, in similar circumstances, to apply to her counsel, they would never receive any of such certain immediate wretchedness, such uncertain good future. How eloquent, at least, where her wishes on the side of early warm attachment, and a cheerful confidence in futurity, against that over anxious caution which seems to insult exertion and distrust providence. (Jane Austen 2003:177)

From the quotation above, it seems that Anne besides having a good attitude, however she is also a weak girl. It proves that she is easily influenced by Lady Russell and her father.Anne is like her mother, Lady Elliot who shows feminism when her sister, Mary is sick. She comes to her sisters house and take cares of her. When people does not want to take care of her, including her neighbors, her carefull caring for Mary shows her feminism, as seen in the quotation below:

Well you will soon be better now, replied Anne, cheerfully. You know I always cure you when I come. How are your neighbors at the Great House? I can give you no account of them. I have not seen one of them today, except Mr. Musgrove, who just stooped and Spoke through the window, but without getting off his horse; and though I told him how ill I was, not one of them have been near me. It did not happen to suit the Miss Musgrove, I suppose, and they never put themselves out of their way.(Jane Austen 2003:183)

As a wife, Mary does not always fulfill her duties. One of them is caring for her children. Her husband wants her to keep their child in their house without going anywhere. But Mary does not like her husbands decision, she also wants to be free, she wants to go out like her husband. She thinks that her husband does not have feeling, he only wants his wife to stay at home to look after their child, while he goes away and enjoy himself, as seen in the quotation below:

So! You and I are to be left to shift by ourselves, with this poor sick child and not a creature coming near us all the evening! I knew how it would be. This is always my luck! If there is anything disagreeable going on men area always sure to get out of it, and Charles is as bad as any of them. Very unfeeling! I must say it is very unfeeling of him to be running away from his poor little boy. Talks of his being going on so well! How does he know that he is going on well, or that there may not be a sudden change half an hour hence? I did not think Charles would have been so unfeeling. So, here he is to go away and enjoy himself, and because I am the poor mother, I am not to be allowed to stir- and yet, I am sure, I am more unfit than anybody else to be about the child. My being the mother is the very reason why my feelings should not be tried. I am not at all equal to it. You saw how hysterical I was yesterday.(Jane Austen 2003:194)

From the quotation above, we can see that the writer of the novel wants to show feminism for a woman, especially a wife who has to be able to manage her household affairs. She just stays at home, but Mary refuses to accept it.

Annes wisdom in solving a problem is shown in the next quotation. When she knows Marry and her husbands quarell about their sick child and nobody looks after their child. Anne offers herself to help them. She is able to look after their child at home whenever they have to go away. Annes kindness is shown in the quotation below:

Well- if you do not think it too late to give notice for yourself, suppose you were to go, as well as your husband. Leave little Charles to my care. Mr. and Mrs. Musgrove cannot think it wrong while I remain with him.(Jane Austen 2003:195)

Mary does not show that she is a good wife and a good mother for her child. She prefers to go away than look after her child. Mary is different with her sister, Anne who has characteristic of feminist. Anne gives attention to her sister, she is able to look after her sisters child. Annes wisdom in finishing her sisters problem is shown in the quotation below:

Dear me! Thats a very good though, very good indeed. To be sure, I may just as well go as not, for I am of no use at home- am I? And it not only harasses me. You, who have not a mothers feelings, are a great deal the prop rest person. You can make little Charles do anything; he always minds you at a word. It will be a great deal better than leaving him only with Jemima. Oh! I shall certainly go; I am sure I ought if I can, quite as much as Charles, for they want me excessively to be acquainted with Captain Wentworth, and I know you do not mind being left alone. An excellent thought of yours, indeed, Anne! I will go and tell Charles, and get ready directly. You can send for us, you know, at a moments notice, if anything is the matter; but I dare say there will be nothing to alarm you. I should not go, you may be sure, if I did not fell quite at ease about my dear child.(Jane Austen 2003:195)

Anne is rather a calm woman, it is shown when Miss Musgrove tells her about Fredrick Wentworth, Annes past beloved. Miss Musgrove tells that now Fredrick Wentworth has changed. He has become a captain, but Anne receives it calmly. She does not want to show her feeling toward Captain Wentworth to the other people.

Annes loyalty toward her love is shown when Charles wants to marry Anne. Anne refuses Charless wish, she still love Fredrick Wentworth, and still hope him to come back to her. Because of Annes refusing, Charles marries Annes younger sister, Mary. The following quotation will proof the idea:

We do so wish that Charles had married Anne instead. I suppose you know he wanted to marry Anne?

After a moments pause, Captain Wentworth said,

Do you mean that she refused him?

Oh! Yes; certainly.

When did it happen?

I do not exactly know, for Henrietta and I were at school at the time; but I believe about a year before he married Mary. (Jane Austen 2003:215)

Anne is a patient woman, she does not like a dispute, when many people are talking about her fathers ill manners, including her sister, Mary. She tries to avoid the conversation about her father, she does not want to make a dispute. If she disputes their statements, automatically they will get a dispute, although she knows that what they are talking about her father is right, as seen in the following quotation:

Anne avoided a direct reply, but it was just the circumstance which she considered as not merely unnecessary to be communicated, but as what ought to be suppressed. The offence which had been given her father, many years back, she knew; Elizabeths particular share in it she suspected; and that Mr. Elliots idea always produced irritation in both was beyond a doubt. Mary never wrote to Bath herself; all the toil of keeping up a slow and unsatisfactory correspondence with Elizabeth fell on Anne.(Jane Austen 2003:227)

From the quotation above, we can see a woman who has feminism character who does not like to make a dispute. She prefers to avoid the peoples conversation about her fathers attitude. This shows about wise woman character.When Anne knows that Wentworth must come back to Kellynch, she thinks that she has to meet him. But later, she knows that he tries to avoid her. Then she receives a cruel jolt from Mary, like in the quotation below:

The Captain Wentworth was no gallant by you, Anne, though he was so attentive to me. Henrietta asked him what he thought of you, when they went away; and he said, you were so altered he should not know you again. (Jane Austen 2003:197)

Based on the quotation above, it is clear that Mary, her sister, also influences her to break off her relationship with Wentworth. It seems that she has to deal with her problem alone.It seems to Anne that Captain Wentworth still does not forgive her for giving him up. Eight years have passed and time has changed, but the bitterness of the past may still felt deep in his heart. Anne feels confused. It can be seen in the quotation below:

He had not forgiven Anne Elliot. She had used him ill, deserted and disappointed him and worse, she had shown feebleness of character in doing so, which his own decided, confident temper could not endure. She had given him up to oblige others. It had been effect of over- persuasion. It had been weakness and timidity. He had no desire of meeting her again. Her power with him was gone forever. (Jane Austen 2003: 199)After reading the quotation before, we see that Wentworth has been disappointed by Anne. Certainly, it affects their relationship. Wentworth cold politeness and his grace are worse than anything to Anne. He feels sorry, Anne to be over persuaded easily. Anne should realize that persuasion is her weakness. When there is a dancing party, as usual, Anne will offer her services to play the piano. It can be seen from the quotation below:

The evening ended with dancing. On its being proposed, Anne offered her services, as usual, and though her eyes would sometimes fill with tears as she at the instrument, she was extremely glad to be employed, and desired nothing in return but to be unobserved. (Jane Austen 2003:204)Based on the quotation above, we see that she is glad to be employed as a pianist, she plays the piano heart fully. Yet, it portrays her feeling. Although Russell gets angry with Anne, it does not reveal her real attitude to Anne. Besides that, she underestimates Annes love toward Wentworth. We can see in the following quotation:Lady Russell had only to listen composedly, and wished them happily; but internally her heart reveled in angry pleasure, in pleased contempt, that the man who at twenty-three had seemed to understand some what the value of an Anne Elliot, should eight years afterwards, be charmed by a Louisa Musgrove. (Jane Austen 203:199) At last, Russell has realized her attitude towards Anne. She is unwise and underestimates Wentworths job because she has persuaded Anne to break off her relationship with Wentworth. She feels sorry for Annes frustrated love for eight years.

Even though Lady Russell has influenced and persuaded her, Anne does not hate her. Moreover, Anne suggests Russell to marry her father, Mr. Elliot. She does not even hate her father too, although her father has bad attitude for her. It can be seen in the quotation below;

Mr. Elliot is an exceedingly agreeable man, and in many respects I think highly of him we should not suit. (Jane Austen 2003:260)

Based on the quotation above, seems that Lady Russell does not want to be paired with Mr. Elliot. Russell thinks that she and Mr. Elliot are not suitable even tough she respects Mr. Elliot very much.

In fact, Lady Russell does not want to marry her father. Lady Russell wants to let this pass and she tells Anne that she only wishes Anne to be a successful like her mother. So, she can be the mistress of Kellynch Hall, by marrying Charles Musgrove. It can be seen from the quotation below:

I own that to be to regard you as the future mistress of Kellynch, the future lady Elliot- to look forward and see you occupying your dear mothers place, succeeding all her rights, and all her popularity as to all her virtues, would be the highest possible gratification to me. My dearest Anne, it would give me more delight than is often felt at my time of life. (Jane Austen 2003:260) From the statement above, we see that women in the nineteenth century have to manage the household affairs after they got married. It shows the meaning of feminism that teaches woman about their responsibilities and their rights in managing the household affairs, but Lady Russell realizes that she cannot do those all.Lady Russells persuasion has made Anne frustrated of her love even though she has to fight her own heart. She is sure that Lady Russell cannot be blamed because she really knows her character. She knows that Lady Russell has been influenced by her father too, because Lady Russell knows that Annes father may hide something bad in the past. We can see in the quotation below:

Mr. Elliot was rational, discreet, polished, but he was not open. There was never any burst of feeling, any warmth of indignation or delight, at the evil or good of others. She herself prized the frank. The open hearted the eager character beyond all others, warmth and enthusiasm did captive her still. She felt that she could so much depend upon the sincerity of those who sometimes looked say a careless or a hasty thing, than of those presence of mind never varied, whose tongue never slipped. (Jane Austen 2003: 156)

Now, Anne only thinks about Captain Wentworth. She hopes that she can get the love from Wentworth, but she is not sure if Wentworth still loves her. Most of all, she cannot understand his present feelings. Her father, Sir Walter Elliot and her sister, Elizabeth have judged Wentworth. Wentworth knows that Annes father and sister do not want him. Annes father wants to match her with a man who makes her comfortable. Wentworth thinks that the only man whom her father wishes to be her husband is Musgrove. In her fathers mind, only Musgrove can make that comfortable life for Anne. We can see in the quotation below:They had no difficulties to content with at home, no opposition, no caprice, and no delays. Musgrove were behaving like themselves, most honorably and kindly, only anxious with true parental hearts to promote their daughters comfort. All this was much, very much in favors of their happiness more than perhaps. (Jane Austen 2003: 212)

From the quotation above, it seems that Wentworth is hopeless. For Anne, she is sure that Wentworth has forgiven her.

One day, Anne visits her friend. Her name is Mrs. Hamilton but she changes her name becomes Mrs. Smith. Mrs. Smith is three years older than Anne. She is her ex - school friend and she is her friend when she was a child. She is a widow and poor. She is handicapped. Her foot had broken because of rheumatic fever. Actually, Mrs. Smith is a rich woman. But now, she is poor because her husband is extravagant. That is why her husband leaves her in dreadful life. Anne comes to visit her house to learn how Mrs. Smith faces her life alone. Mrs. Smith teaches many things to Anne so that she can deal with the situation she is facing. Mrs. Hamilton, now Mrs. Smith, had shown her kindness in one of those periods of her life when it had been most valuable. She was a widow and poor. Her husband had been extravagantly dreadfully involved. She had had difficulties of every sort to contend with, and in addition to these distresses had been afflicted with a severe rheumatic fever, which, finally settling in her legs had made her for the present a cripple.

Anne found in Mrs. Smith the good sense and agreeable manners which and be cheerful beyond her expectation. Anne had reason to believe that she had moments only of languor and depression, to hours of occupation and enjoyments. How it could be? She watched observed reflected and finally determined that this was not a case of fortitude or of resignation only.

There had been a time, Mrs. Smith told her, when her spirits had nearly failed. She could not call herself and invalid now, compared with her state on first reaching Bath. She had seen too much of the world, to expect sudden or disinterested attachment anywhere, but her illness had proved to her that her landlady had a character to preserve, and would not use her ill; (Jane Austen 2003: 256 - 257)

Now, Anne realizes the truth. It is possible that she has been persuaded by Lady Russell in order to get married with Musgrove, but her conviction has saved her by marrying Musgrove. Yet, she knows that because of her fathers wish. She feels glad to comply her own heart. So, she does not necessary comply to her fathers wish. Anne refuses to meet Musgrove because Anne still loves Wentworth with all her heart even though they have been separated for a long time. Anne is never been influenced by any man. It means that her love is only for him forever.

Anne does not feel happy because her love for Wentworth cannot be reached, she cannot forget him. He is different than unusual. Their hard hearted manner indicates that they still love each other. For the first time, Wentworth has ever wanted to marry Louisa, Musgroves sister. But at last, Louisa gets married with Captain Benwick, Wentworths friend. He also ever wanted to marry Henrietta, Musgroves sister too. However, Henrietta gets married with Charles Heyter, Wentworths friend.

When Wentworth fails to marry both of the women, he comes back to Anne. He hopes that Anne still loves him. He sends her a letter and tells that he still loves her convinced heart has ruined her love for eight years. Wentworth realizes that he has been unwise because he gives attention only for Louisa. But, his love is only for Anne. Finally, he tells her that he feels jealous for Mr. Musgrove. We can see in the quotation below:

To see you in the midst of those who could no be my well- wishers, to see your cousin close by you, conversing and smiling, feel all the horrible eligibilities and proprieties of the match. (Jane Austen 2003:230)

As the two lovers are united again, a happy marriage soon follows. Anne is satisfied with her husbands successful profession as a future landowner. Spending eight years in frustrated love is enough for Anne. She might have been absolutely rich and perfectly healthy, and yet be happy. She gloried in being a sailors wife. (Jane Austen 2003:230)

Finally, Anne gets married with Captain Wentworth. She gets her own happiness by marrying the man whom she really loves. She fells happy and lucky to get married with Wentworth.Conclusions1. The analysis of this article is about the Feminism in Jane Austen, Persuasion. The novel describes about the women characters that live in a rich family; they are Anne, Mary, and Elizabeth. Walter Elliot. There is a class distinction in the story. It can be proved when Annes father, Walter Elliot wants his daughter to get married with Charles Musgrove, a rich man. Charles Musgrove is an heir of Musgrove family, one of the rich family in 19th century. So, she can pay her fathers debts. Actually, she does not love him. But, she only loves Fredrick Wentworth, a sailor.2. In Persuasion, the writer describes a wifes duties in the household. She has to be responsible for looking after her children and managing all things in the household.3. The writer of the novel shows the characteristic of feminist. It shown by the character of Anne. Anne shows her wisdom in facing the problem. Not just for herself but she also help the peoples problem around him, like helping her younger sister, Mary, looking after Marys child. 4. Persuasion tells a womans struggle for her love. She is Anne who does not want to marry another man, because of her loyalty for her love.

5. In Persuasion, it shows that a woman has the right to choose a suitable man to be loved.

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