Persuasion Chapter 23

Pod and Prejudice

IT'S LETTER DAY! It's 2 PM before the soirée! Anne and Harville discuss women's vs. men's constancy, Wentworth writes Anne a kicker of a letter, and they FINALLY talk about their feelings for each other.

Topics discussed include internal panic, Wentworth's attempts to attach himself to Louisa, whether Anne was right to be persuaded by Lady Russell, Wentworth's pride, and whether hazelnuts poop Nutella.

Glossary of Terms and Phrases:

innoxious (adj.): having no adverse effect. innocuous. not injurious to physical or mental health.

Glossary of People, Places, and Things: The Notebook, Amanda Fagan - Half Agony, Half Hope, Veronica Mars, The Good Place, How I Met Your Mother, Spongebob, Kacey Musgraves - Happy & Sad, Beyonce

Patron Study Questions:

Adrianna: How does the conversation between Anne and Harville resemble the hazelnut conversation from earlier in the novel, and does this parallel show the development of Anne, Wentworth, and their relationship?

Avi: In this chapter, there is a discussion between Anne and Captain Harville about the feelings of men versus women. From this discussion, and from the other books you have read, what do you think Jane Austen is saying about the perception of women in her society?

Ghenet: OH BABY THIS CHAPTER! 1. What does Mrs. Croft and Mrs. Musgrove’s conversation about engagements show us about society and about Anne and Wentworth, their feelings and their own engagement? Why does this conversation get them so in their feels? 2. Where does the ‘half agony half hope’ proposal rank for you in other main character proposals from the books you’ve read so far (ie Edward, Darcy, Knightley etc)!

Anna: If Mrs. Croft represents the best case scenario for what Anne's life would have been if she'd married Wentworth all those years ago, Mrs. Smith in many ways represents the worst-case scenario (widowed with no income, cut off from helpful connections, etc.). Does seeing both outcomes affect your opinion on Anne's original decision all those years ago? How do you think that affect's Anne's ultimate opinion on her actions?

Becca's Study Questions: Topics discussed include Austen's beliefs on constancy and moving on, the letter's role in the story, Wentworth's heartbreak playlist and his journey through the book.

Quote: "I am half agony, half hope."

Questions Moving Forward: What will Anne's family say? What will happen with Elliot and Mrs. Smith?

Who wins the chapters? WENTWORTH

Next Episode: Volume 2 Chapter 12 / Chapter 24

Our show art was created by Torrence Browne, and our audio is produced by Graham Cook. For bios and transcripts, check out our website at podandprejudice.com. Pod and Prejudice is transcribed by speechdocs.com. To support the show, check out our Patreon!

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