I am currently reading Persuasion. I shall admit freely my own meager comprehension skills are slightly challenged by Austen’s verbosity in this particular novel. But nevertheless, I am intrigued by the story. Miss Anne Elliot, losing out on her first chance of “happily ever after” has been blessed by destiny with a reunion betwixt herself and the dashing, headstrong Captain Wentworth. I tend to be more rebellious in such fantasied imaginings, and concurred instantly upon hearing her tragic love broken tale that I, surely I, would never be so easily persuaded to give up the man I dearly love!
I will freely own that I, though previously assured I was quite the opposite, am not exceedingly stubborn a person. This dawned on me with such profundity that I quite fell over. But I realized after an instant review of the past few years, I saw that I very rarely dig my heals in the ground about anything. I parade about in garments of fun and mischief, perhaps creating illusions of an obstinate nature, but in all reality, it is just that, fun and mischief, for which I long. Don’t get me wrong: values, principles, and all things which make up the firm and resolute core of my moral being aside, in matters of lesser importance I find that I am almost always fully persuadable.
I revel in the fact that unlike the typical pattern which many in my family seem to follow, I like to look at life with an open mind, dreaming of all the “what if’s,” and am totally flexible to the idea that one way may be just as good as another way. In that sense, I suppose yes, I am persuadable. However, if the result of persuasion is not induced upon me by logic, practicality, intelligent reasoning or has nothing to do with the greater good of promoting the best in other person, then I fail to see any reason to consider such an opinion. (Unless it is to quell the vexing company of people who push their loud opinions without any logic in them whatsoever. In such cases, I believe it is best to smile quietly and try not to aggravate their stubborn opinions by pressing a matter which will never be won.)
So, to be truthful, I cannot say that I am totally persuadable. I am persuadable in triviality, unmovable in convictions, and open-minded if a better way is justly explained. Shouldn’t that be so with all people, though?
But forgive me, I ramble.
I find it interesting how often Austen uses the word ‘persuade’ in the novel. And also how firmness of character is often time shown as a weakness, while Anne’s own character of being easily persuaded set up as strength! I shall continue to read to be further enlightened… as I do so I shall try to find the correlation between persuasion and strength of character. For I see none. I find so utterly attractive the loyal, steady, clear-minded way of thinking. To decide and to do. To be unwavering in what we love and completely loyal to those we cherish—is there not a greater proof of affection than to feel the solid confidence and continuance of another’s heart?
All I am saying is that to dilly dally between feelings, to be convinced that you cannot enjoy love with another person, based on convictions not your own, I feel is signs of feeble character. I am sure to share more ramblings later, upon further reading....
