Reading Jane Austen

You probably noticed that in the last few episodes of our Persuasion season, Ellen had reduced her role in the podcast. This was because her health had begun to decline.

I'm very sad to say that she passed away this week, after a short stay in hospital.

At this stage, I have not made any decision about whether it will be possible to continue the podcast without her, or if so, who else might join it.

I do know that she was very pleased that we were able to complete Persuasion.

In our final episode on Persuasion, we talk about how much more satisfactory this is than the original ending, the purpose of the discussion between Mrs Croft and Mrs Musgrove, the conversation between Anne and Captain Harville, Wentworth’s letter, his feeling that he had a moral obligation to marry Louisa and the wrap-up of the story.

The character we discuss is Anne Elliot. In the historical section, Michael talks about the British Navy at the end of, and after, the Napoleonic Wars, and for popular culture Harriet discusses various modernised versions of Persuasion.

Things we mention:

General discussion:

• Janet Todd and Antje Blank [Editors], The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Persuasion (2006)

Character discussion:

• YouTube video: Karolina Żebrowska, Why Does Hollywood Hate Gentle Characters? ‖ Netflix “Persuasion” Review (2022)

Popular culture discussion:

• Melissa Nathan, Persuading Annie (2000)
• Sara Marks, Modern Persuasion (2017)
• Sonali Dev, Recipe for Persuasion (2020)
• Sarah Dass, Where the Rhythm Takes You (2021)
• Uzma Jalaluddin, Much Ado About Nada (2023)
• Melodie Edwards, Once Persuaded Twice Shy (2024)
• Rhombus Media, Slings and Arrows (2003-2006) [mentioned but not a Persuasion adaptation]
• Diana Peterfreund, For Darkness Shows the Stars (2012)
• John Wyndham, The Chrysalids (1955) [mentioned but not a Persuasion adaptation]
• Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games (2008) [mentioned but not a Persuasion adaptation]

Creative commons music used:

• Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. Adagio.
• Extract from Joseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006. File originally from IMSLP.
• Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto Grazioso. File originally from Musopen.
• Extract from George Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. Allegro. File originally from Musopen.
• Extract from Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major. File originally from Musopen.

In this episode we look at the published version of Chapter 22. We talk about how proactive Anne is in these final chapters, the arrival of Charles, Mary and the Musgrove clan, Louisa’s change in personality, how the Musgroves all want Anne to be with them, and the first time Wentworth actually refers to the time he and Anne were together.

The characters we discuss is are Charles and Mary Musgrove. In the historical section, Michael talks about the shooting, and for popular culture Harriet looks at two books that retell Persuasion from the point of view of another character.

Things we mention:

General discussion:

• Janet Todd and Antje Blank [Editors], The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Persuasion (2006)
• Sheila Kaye-Smith and G.B. Stern, Talking of Jane Austen (1943) and More Talk of Jane Austen (1950)

Historical discussion:

• E. W. Bovill, English Country Life, 1780-1830 (1962) 
• ‘The Thing About Willoughby’s Pointers with guest Dr. Stephanie Howard-Smith‘, The Thing About Austen podcast, Episode 73

Popular culture discussion:

• Amanda Grange, Captain Wentworth’s Diary (2007)
• Dorothea-Sofia Rossellini, Mrs Clay: The Austen Expert’s Companion to ‘Persuasion’ (2016)
•  Diana Birchall, In Defense of Mrs Elton (1999) 

Creative commons music used:

• Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. Adagio.
• Extract from Joseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006. File originally from IMSLP.
• Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto Grazioso. File originally from Musopen.
• Extract from George Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. Allegro. File originally from Musopen.
• Extract from Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major. File originally from Musopen.

In this much-delayed episode (recorded months ago, but stuck in editing limbo), we look at Chapter 21, and the original version of Chapter 22, which Jane Austen rewrote before publication to become the Chapters 22 and 23 we now have. This cancelled chapter is available in many modern editions of the book. We talk about Mrs Smith’s infodump about Mr Elliot, her change in tone, her patronising attitude towards Nurse Rooke, how in the cancelled chapter Anne was more of an observer (compared to the much better final version where she has regained her voice), and the fact that the cancelled chapter is unpolished, and even if Jane Austen had retained that, it would still have been improved before publication.

The character we discuss is Mr Elliot. In the historical section, Michael talks about the engagements, and for popular culture Harriet reflects on the various film adaptations of Persuasion, considering some of the characters, as well as how each adaptation deals with three key scenes (presenting the backstory, Louisa’s fall, and the scene at the White Hart Inn).

Things we mention:

General discussion:

• Janet Todd and Antje Blank [Editors], The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Persuasion (2006)
• Paul Wray, ‘Persuasion: Why the Revised Ending Works So Well’, Persuasions Online (2017), Volume 38, No. 1, Winter 2017.

Historical discussion:

• Rory Muir, Love and Marriage in the Age of Jane Austen (2024)

Popular culture discussion:

• Podcast Into the Austenverse
• BBC, Persuasion (1971) – starring Ann Firbank and Bryan Marshall. 
  • Watch on YouTube: Part 1 and Part 2
• TVE, Novela: Persuasión (1972) – starring Maite Blasco and Juan Diego
  • Watch on YouTube
• BBC Film, Persuasion (1995) – starring Amanda Root and Ciarán Hinds
  • Watch on YouTube
• Clerkenwell Films, Persuasion (2007) – starring Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry-Jones
  • Watch on YouTube
• Netflix, Persuasion (2022) – starring Dakota Johnson and Cosmo Jarvis
• Louisa’s fall from the Cobb (this YouTube video shows the same scene from the 1971, 1995, 2007 and 2022 adaptations of Persuasion)

 For a list of music used, see this episode on our website.  

In this episode, we talk about private communications in public spaces, Wentworth’s possible feelings in the encounter at Mollands and in the Assembly Room, the question of whether Lady Russell was legitimately trying to identify a set of curtains, and Anne’s feelings towards Mr Elliot.

The character we discuss is Elizabeth Elliot. In the historical section, Michael talks about the Bath Assembly Rooms, and for popular culture Harriet discusses the 2023 independent film Persuasion.

Things we mention:

General discussion:

• Janet Todd and Antje Blank [Editors], The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Persuasion (2006)

Historical discussion:

• Blackadder the Third (1987)
• YouTube video: Dr Timothy Moore, ‘Change & Challenge: The History of Bath’s Assembly Rooms‘, Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, 30 July 2024
• Assembly Rooms floorplan
  (Source: http://www.victoriahinshaw.com/victorias-vibes—-a-blog/archives/05-2019)

Popular culture discussion:

• Persuasion (2023, Agatha Films) – starring Skylar Pierce and Dan Brown

Creative commons music used:

• Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. Adagio.
• Extract from Joseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006. File originally from IMSLP.
• Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto Grazioso. File originally from Musopen.
• Extract from George Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. Allegro. File originally from Musopen.
• Extract from Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major. File originally from Musopen.

In this episode, we talk about the upward and downward social interactions taking place, what the implications are behind the Dalrymples being Irish aristocracy, the introductions of Mrs Smith and Nurse Rooke, the comedy of Mary’s letter and Admiral Croft’s meeting with Anne, and the fact that in the book’s timeline it is only a month before Napoleon Bonaparte will escape from Elba.

The characters we discuss are Admiral and Mrs Croft. In the historical section, Ellen talks about nurses, and for popular culture Harriet discusses the 2020 television movie Modern Persuasion.

Things we mention:

General discussion:

• Janet Todd and Antje Blank [Editors], The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Persuasion (2006)
• Maria Edgeworth, Castle Rackrent (1800)

Character discussion:

• Walter Scott, Waverley (1814)
• Patrick O’Brien, Master and Commander (1969) and sequels in the Aubrey and Maturin series

Historical discussion:

• Charles Dickens, Martin Chuzzlewit (1844)
• Elizabeth Fry (19th century English prison reformer, social reformer, philanthropist and Quaker)
• Wellcome Collection in London

Popular culture discussion:

• Modern Persuasion (2020, Tangerine Entertainment) – starring Alicia Witt and Shane McRae

Creative commons music used:

• Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. Adagio.
• Extract from Joseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006. File originally from IMSLP.
• Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto Grazioso. File originally from Musopen.
• Extract from George Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. Allegro. File originally from Musopen.
• Extract from Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major. File originally from Musopen.

In this episode, we talk about these transitional chapters between the events at Lyme and the move to Bath. We consider the position of the old nurse in the Musgrove household, how Anne is feeling a bit sorry for herself, the delightful scenes with the Crofts and with Charles and Mary, how Mr Elliot is described as ‘underhung’, and the way Anne and Mr Elliot get on well with each other.

The characters we discuss are Mr and Mrs Musgrove. In the historical section, Ellen talks about Bath, and for popular culture Harriet discusses the 2019 YouTube series Rational Creatures.

Things we mention:

General discussion:

• Janet Todd and Antje Blank [Editors], The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Persuasion (2006)
• Noel Streatfeild, Gran-Nannie (1976) and Ballet Shoes (1936)
• Novels of Charlotte M. Yonge
• Evelyn Waugh, Brideshead Revisited (1945)
• Alexander Pope, ‘The Rape of the Lock‘ (1712)

Historical discussion:

• The Venerable Bede (c.672-735)
• Nennius (9th century Welsh monk)
• Google map of locations in Persuasion, zoomed in on Bath

Popular culture discussion:

• Rational Creatures (2019, YouTube) – starring Kristina Pupo and Peter Giessl
• Harriet’s interview with the creators of Rational Creatures

Creative commons music used:

• Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. Adagio.
• Extract from Joseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006. File originally from IMSLP.
• Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto Grazioso. File originally from Musopen.
• Extract from George Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. Allegro. File originally from Musopen.
• Extract from Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major. File originally from Musopen.

In this episode, we talk about Lyme, the connection between Anne and Captain Benwick, whether these chapters make us wonder if Anne will end up with someone other than Captain Wentworth, and Louisa’s fall from the steps.

The characters we discuss are Captains Harville and Benwick. In the historical section, Ellen talks about romantic poetry, and for popular culture Harriet discusses the 2022 Netflix film adaptation of Persuasion.

Things we mention:

General discussion:

• Janet Todd and Antje Blank [Editors], The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Persuasion (2006)
• Samuel Johnson, The Rambler (periodical, published 1750-1752)
• Dr John Gregory
• Hester Chapone
• Stairs on the Cobb
  • The stairs closest to the shore (used in the 1971 adaptation)
  • The middle set of stairs, known as ‘Granny’s teeth’ (used in the 1995 adaptation)
  • The third set of stairs (used in the 2007 and 2022 adaptations)
• Google map of the steps on the Cobb

 For a list of references in the Historical and Popular culture sections, see this episode on our website.    

In this episode, we talk about how how Jane Austen has solved the problem of the infodump, the realism of the scene with little Walter, how she shows the relations within families, and how events on the walk to Winthrop affect Wentworth’s feelings.

The characters we discuss are Louisa and Henrietta Musgrove. In the historical section, Ellen talks about curates, and for popular culture Harriet discusses the 2007 ITV film adaptation of Persuasion.

Things we mention:

General discussion:

• Janet Todd and Antje Blank [Editors], The Cambridge Edition of the Works of Jane Austen: Persuasion (2006)
• Maria Edgeworth (reference in the Persuasion footnotes is to A Memoir of Maria Edgeworth with a Selection from her Letters (1867), vold. 2, pp. 5-6.)

Character discussion:

• Irene Collins, Jane Austen and the Clergy (2002)

Historical discussion:

• Anthony Trollope, The Last Chronicle of Barset (1867)
• Stipendiary Curate Act 1713 

Popular culture discussion:

• Clerkenwell Films, Persuasion (2007) – starring Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry-Jones
  • Watch on YouTube
  • Stairs on the Cobb (photo)
  • Louisa’s fall (this YouTube video shows the same scene from four different adaptations of Persuasion)

Creative commons music used:

• Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. Adagio.
• Extract from Joseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006. File originally from IMSLP.
• Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto Grazioso. File originally from Musopen.
• Extract from George Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. Allegro. File originally from Musopen.
• Extract from Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major. File originally from Musopen.

This is an in-between ‘extras’ episode. Our episodes are normally not more than an hour in length, which means that we usually have to cut a certain amount of material in the editing. But for Episode 3, we had much more material than usual. So we kept the episode down to an hour, but decided to release an ‘extras’ episode, with some of the bits we edited out.

It’s a bit disjointed, but we hope you enjoy it.

THINGS WE MENTION

Character discussion:

• Sheila Kaye-Smith and G.B. Stern, Talking of Jane Austen (1943) and More Talk of Jane Austen (1950)

Historical discussion:

• The Aubrey & Maturin novels of Patrick O’Brien
• Admiral Thomas Cochrane (1775-1860)

Popular culture discussion:

• BBC Film, Persuasion (1995) – starring Amanda Root and Ciarán Hinds
• The Bounty (1984)

CREATIVE COMMONS MUSIC USED

• Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. Adagio.
• Extract from Joseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006. File originally from IMSLP.
• Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto Grazioso. File originally from Musopen.
• Extract from George Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. Allegro. File originally from Musopen.
• Extract from Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major. File originally from Musopen.