Second Chances in Jane Austen's Novels

The Regency-Era Author Allowed for Mistakes to be Rectified

Jun 12, 2009

Jane Austen weaves second chances through several of her novels, but two in particular allow for second opportunities, although circumstances vary.

Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion each deal with second chances. The fresh starts come about in different circumstances, but the final means by which they occur are similar. Overall, however, there are more differences in the circumstances of second chances in the novels than there are similarities.

The Novels' Different Tones

Pride and Prejudice has a more lighthearted air throughout. Whilst there is pain and some hurting hearts in this novel, overall the tone is fairly light. The most serious injury here occurs to the Bennet family’s reputation when Lydia, one of the daughters, runs away with a man without being married to him.

Here, a second chance seems almost inevitable; one keeps believing that it is possible. Both characters have loving relatives and friends.

Persuasion runs a bit darker throughout; here, there is physical injury that could lead to death. The characters of Anne Elliot and Captain Frederick Wentworth are sadder and more world-worn than those of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Here, the characters have a smaller support system, and in Anne’s case, she does not have anyone on her side, save for one poor friend in Bath.

In this novel, second chances seem unlikely as characters get caught up in the opinions and lives of others at the expense of their own.

Personal Pride vs. Outside Circumstances

In Pride and Prejudice, the personal pride and unconfirmed beliefs of the characters keep them apart until they are willing to grow. Once Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy make personal decisions to change their beliefs, the doors open for a second chance at romance and true love.

Persuasion, on the other hand, deals with outside circumstances and outsiders who meddle in the lives of others, causing situations that make second chances almost impossible. Captain Wentworth disappears for eight long years, making reconciliation with Anne Elliot impossible. When they meet once again, both are older and sadder, though still single. Captain Wentworth grows close to another young lady, and Anne fears she will lose him again. But he doubts her, as well, which is why he does not approach her initially. They still love one another, but outside circumstances keep them apart.

On Anne Elliot’s side, a family member who is scheming to get her family’s money and estate courts her, whilst with Captain Wentworth, an Elliot family friend dislikes him and keeps talking badly about him to Anne, discouraging any romance.

The Similar Reach for a Second Chance

There is one instance in which Jane Austen gives the characters in Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion similarities.

In both novels, the characters overcome fear in order to make the second chance happen; they do not wait for circumstances to send it to them. In fact, they must overcome some difficult circumstances and personal fears to finally come together.

In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy must first overcome their own prejudices and opinions about one another. Then, they must battle the opinions and prejudices of their own families. But they do so, because their love for one another is stronger than any prejudice, even their own.

In Persuasion, Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth face similar prejudices against their union, and it is up to delicate Anne to publicly discount her family’s low opinion of Captain Wentworth and choose to be with him. For Captain Wentworth’s part, he must overcome one of the greatest fears of all in order to let Anne know he still loves her. Captain Wentworth is unsure of Anne’s feelings and braves the possibility of rejection when he writes her a note, telling her of his abiding love for her.

At that moment, all of the waiting seems to be worth it and Anne ends up in Captain Wentworth’s arms, where she ideally would have been eight years earlier, had it not been for others’ interference.

Persuasion is a bit darker, a bit sadder. It could be said to be a reflection of Jane Austen’s life and world experiences, being her last fully completed novel.

Jane Austen wrote her observances into Pride and Prejudice, but she wrote her own experiences and feelings into Persuasion.

The copyright of the article Second Chances in Jane Austen's Novels in 18th & 19th Century British Fiction is owned by Pamela Mooman. Permission to republish Second Chances in Jane Austen's Novels in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.