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.