Taking Back the Pen

How Jane Austen’s Persuasion Relates to Feminism and Modern Society

Introduction

“Men have had every advantage of us in telling their own story. Education has been theirs in so much higher a degree; the pen has been in their hands. I will not allow books to prove anything (Austen, p. 145).” This is a quote from one of Jane Austen’s famous novels, Persuasion. In this scene Anne Elliot, the conventionally obedient and quiet protagonist, and Mr. Harville, a mutual friend, were debating whether men or women loved deeper. Anne described that women loved more, but books—because they were written by mostly men at the time—did not portray it that way. But what if this was not simply a part of her argument? What if Jane Austen conscientiously conveyed her thoughts through Anne? What if Anne Elliot’s silence and obedience reflects women’s struggle for independence and representation? Jane Austen’s works were not solely romance novels, but messages, such as the ones in Persuasion, that conveyed her struggles as a woman that still apply to modern gender injustices.

Jane Austen’s Life as A Female Writer

In the 18th and 19th century, people saw the writing career as unladylike and improper, for women were expected not to work at all. Because of this, female authors like Jane Austen, Ann Radcliffe, Mary Shelley, and more often wrote under pseudonyms, or anonymous titles that hide the writer’s identity (Buzwell, para. 5). Still, their gender and social status prevented them from succeeding as much as wealthy, male authors. Even when women did take upon jobs, they thought lowly of and were only hired as prostitutes or factory workers rather than respectable jobs (Barrett). Compared to men at the time, women had extremely limited career options. Because women in that time period were extremely undervalued and belittled, they often did not get proper-paying jobs with safe workplaces. They were left only to work a strenuous, graceless job or rely on their own intellect and passion at home.

Austen chose the latter of the two. Despite starting her writing career fairly young, it took Jane Austen many years to get her first book published. Pride and Prejudice, or its previous name, First Impressions, was the first novel Jane sent to get published. Her father, George Austen, was the one to write a letter to a publishing company regarding her novel. According to the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation, George Austen’s letter was “...marked ‘declined by return of post.’ (Browne, para. 6).” Pride and Prejudice, Austen’s most famous novel today, was first rejected without a glance. This was likely because Jane Austen was a young female author who had no previous books published, and her family was not particularly well-known or wealthy. Thomas Cadwell, the publisher who rejected her work, presumably sent it back for he did not want to risk not making profit or wasting time. Even though she was rejected several times, Austen did not let it bring her down. She wrote another novel—known today as Sense and Sensibility—and got it issued through another publisher, Thomas Egerton. It was produced under the common pseudonym women used instead of their own name, ‘By a Lady’ (Jane Austen Society of North America). Against all odds, Austen officially published her first book, even as a middle class woman. Soon after many edits and completing other works to build credibility as an author, Austen published Pride and Prejudice, the novel loved and widely regarded by millions of readers.

Yet, even in death, Jane’s writings faced immense struggle due to the fact she was a woman. Many of her works were published and noticed much later than when she finished writing them. Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, for example, were only published after her death as a set, for several years before, she struggled with keeping her copyright (Jane Austen’s House). Even then, they gained little regard. It was not until decades after her death did her work truly start to be appreciated. Through the memoir, more of Jane Austen’s personal life and struggles were revealed to the broader public rather than just those of wealth. It also shed light on her struggles as a woman writing books. As stated by Nava Atlas at Literary Ladies Guide, “In the narrative, Austen-Leigh describes the difficulties experienced by Austen’s family to secure publication for her early works (Atlas, para. 3).” As people learned more about Austen’s life and experiences, they grew interested in her novels. From there, her fame skyrocketed. According to Oxford Bibliographies, “Austen’s popularity grew exponentially from 1870 onward, after the publication of the Memoir of Jane Austen by her nephew (Halsey, para. 1).” Through the late 1800s to today, Jane Austen’s works started to be analyzed and read by the general public. Although Austen did not live to see the popularity of her novels, she left a lasting legacy that inspires girls to let their passion shine, her work proving that women’s achievements are worth no less than men’s.

How Persuasion Reflects Society

Jane Austen expressed her feminist beliefs in several of her books, but especially in Persuasion. Prior to writing Persuasion, Austen had published several other works, but not without struggle. It often took her years to get her books published after she finished writing them. Through Persuasion, Jane Austen conveyed her unjust experiences and the suffering she went through as a woman. In Persuasion, Anne Elliot, obedient as she was, was induced to break ties with and forget about Captain Wentworth, her lover when she was young. This was because at the time, her family was wealthy and Wentworth was not. Along with the previous reasoning, Lady Russell, a friend deeply connected to her family, disapproved of his nature. In the words of Jane Austen, “His sanguine temper, and fearlessness of mind, operated very differently on her. She saw in it but an aggravation of the evil (Austen, p. 26).” Lady Russell feared Anne’s engagement, for Wentworth had a bold, adventurous personality but no fortune at the time. Because of this, Lady Russell persuaded Anne to not go through with the marriage. This reflects how society is afraid of differences and unpredictability. Specifically, people were afraid of women not doing what they were assumed to do: Stay home and be a mother. So, they prevented them from getting high-end jobs and viewed working women as inferior and unrespectable. This left women frustrated and miserable like Anne. When Anne had ended her relationship with Wentworth, Jane described that, “Her attachments and regrets had, for a long time, clouded every enjoyment of youth…(Austen, p. 26).” Just because Anne no longer had ties to Wentworth, does not mean she forgot about him, similar to how even when stopped from chasing their dreams, women still cared about their passions deeply. Anne was forced to follow societal norms instead of being with who she truly loved. This mirrors how many women’s true aspirations were suppressed and discouraged, leaving them, like Anne, in agony.

Another vital part of the plot was how Anne was assumed to be engaged to Mr. Elliot, the heir of the Kellynch estate. Anne was not very fond of Mr. Elliot, and Mr. Elliot did not love Anne at all. Anne was always indifferent about Mr. Elliot, but once she learned of his malicious past, she grew even more impassive. In Chapter 22, it is described that after she knew his real intentions, “...she saw insincerity in everything (Austen, p. 133).” Even so, Anne’s father, friends, Lady Russell, and many more tried to compel her to marry him. But, Anne had been persuaded before: Persuaded to leave her one and only love, and that only left her with unbearable misery. In a conversation with Mrs. Smith, who was trying to convince her to go through with the marriage, it is explained by Anne, “‘No…nor next week, nor next, nor next. I assure you that nothing of the sort you are thinking of will be settled any week. I am not going to marry Mr Elliot (Austen, p. 122).’” Anne realized that if she listened again, it would only leave her unhappy. This symbolizes how in many cases, society has pressured women into doing general, feminine activities—such as fabric arts or taking care of children—rather than what they were truly passionate about. But, it also shows that women have a voice, and they should not be afraid of using it if they know what is best for themselves. If they know that what others force upon them will only lead them to melancholy, they must use their voice to express it. Though it is unfortunate they must do so, women, like Anne, have to fight for what brings them genuine joy or they will be stuck in a life of regret. They cannot let their dreams be shattered by society’s harsh standards.

Persuasion does not end bitterly. It is revealed that even through their time apart, Anne and Wentworth loved only each other deep down, despite trying not to. This represents how even through oppression and discouragement, women still hold onto their passions in their mind. In the end, Anne and Captain Wentworth get back together after almost a decade, giving each other another chance. Despite others disapproving or appearing indifferent to their engagement (such as Lady Russell), Anne remains jubilant, no longer allowing others to convince her to stay away from who truly brings her joy (Austen, p. 154). This conveys the message that if they want to be truly content, women—or all people—must not let others discourage them from doing what they are completely passionate about. Anne and Captain Wentworth giving each other a second chance at love (Austen, p. 147) shows Austen’s hope for a change in society. She wished that someday, girls and boys would equally get to enjoy their pleasures and pursue their dreams without being told it was abnormal or dishonorable. Through her novels, she expressed that when given the opportunity, anyone can accomplish truly wonderful things. In a way, just like Anne Elliot, Jane Austen was granting the world a second chance.

How Jane Austen’s Works are still Relevant

Although Jane Austen’s novels were written two centuries ago, her stories and expressions are incredibly relevant in modern society. Especially in politics, women have little representation, for bias and current public standards keep them from succeeding as much as men, even now. The Inter-Parliamentary Union, or IPU, states that only, “...27.2% of the world’s MPS [Members of Parliament] are women (IPU).” Women, holding only about one fourth of global parliamentary seats, have little say in what they want. According to UN Women, “As of 1 June 2025, there are 27 countries where 31 women serve as Heads of State and/or Government. At the current rate, gender equality in the highest positions of power will not be reached for another 130 years (UN Women).” With only 27 countries out of the hundreds there are universally, saying there is a lack of woman representatives is an understatement. With such minor representation and little done about it, gender-related issues, such as abortion, marriage, and child protection rights, often go overlooked or decided by mostly men in the grand scheme of the global political world.

Not only are women underrepresented in politics, but also the corporate field. McKinsey & Company explains that in 2024, 48% of women got entry-level positions in business, and only 39% got promoted to manager roles. From the beginning, women have a disadvantage (Mc Kinsey & Company). From there, the percentages only funnel down. Women Business Collaborative, or WBC, explains that in the Fortune 500, only 10.4% of CEOs (Chief Executive Officers) are women (Women Business Collaborative). Very few women are entering the corporate field, and even fewer are getting leading positions, proving Jane Austen’s writings are still applicable to modern issues. 

Although we still have a long way to go, we as a society have made gradual, yet incredible progress towards gender equality. For example, since 2020, women have started to dominate the literary world (Rosalsky, para. 14). Over centuries of female authors fighting for their passions and combating stereotypes, women have begun to shine in the writing industry. Also, the percentage of women getting degrees has been gradually growing throughout the years. According to the Russell Sage Foundation (RSF) journal, “...in 2022, among twenty-five to twenty-nine year olds, 44% of women have completed a bachelor’s degree…(Buchmann et al, para. 2).” More and more women have gained access to higher education over time, granting them a chance at getting a stable career and an overall better life. Women all throughout history have been speaking up for change that gets us closer to a more equal world. Even subtle messages have contributed to combating inequality. Jane Austen and many more, through their efforts—no matter how small—have proven one major thing: Passionate words written in silence will always speak louder than choosing to do nothing. 

Conclusion

Jane Austen’s novels are not only described as some of the best romance stories in history, but also a subtle, yet vital symbol of women’s struggle for independence and equality. In Persuasion, Austen carefully reflects how society’s standards have stopped women from pursuing their passions and forced them to follow societal norms. Although her works were written quite a long time ago, they still prove their relevance. In the modern world, men are still dominating most fields. Jobs, such as in politics and business, have still been affected by society’s standards and are assumed to be for men. They have discouraged women and erased credit for their achievements in history. This world’s story is getting repetitive, unjust. It is time for us—as a society—to rewrite its ending. We can no longer leave our story unwritten, unread. We must use our voices to fight for our education. We cannot let ourselves be persuaded to abandon our passions. We must pick up the pen that has been idle for far too long. It is finally our turn to write our story.

Works Cited

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