Andrea Donaghe’s English 12 class begins reading Jane Austen’s, ‘Persuasion’, Oct. 18. Published in 1817, ‘Persuasion’ was the last novel Austen wrote due to an illness that caused her death in July of 1817.

While being born and raised in Hampshire, England, Austen’s parents, George and Cassandra Austen, stressed the importance of reading. At only the age of 15, Austen wrote her first novel, ‘Love and Friendship’. This book allowed Austen to realize her love for writing romantic fiction novels such as, ‘Pride and Prejudice’, ‘Sense of Sensibility’ and ‘Persuasion’. In 1817, Austen became ill with Addison’s disease and died at the age of 41.

‘Persuasion’ is about a young Englishwoman, Anne Elliot, who belongs to a prideful family who are facing financial trouble. She meets Captain Frederick Wentworth, a commander for the navy, and they immediately fall in love and get engaged. When Anne tells her family about her love for  Frederick, the family disapproves because he does not have a good enough income or social status. The family wants her to break off the engagement and end the relationship with Frederick.

Will Anne listen to her family and put an end to her relationship or will she listen to her heart? The English 12 classes will be reading ‘Persuasion’ during these next couple of weeks and discussing what they believe Anne’s decision will be.

To read more on Andrea Donaghe’s English 12 class, read Senior Portfolios.

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