Question: Persuasion was the last novel fully completed by which author?
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Jane Austen.
“Persuasion” stands as a testament to the literary genius of one of the most celebrated novelists in English literature, Jane Austen. Born in 1775 in Steventon, Hampshire, Jane Austen penned several novels that would eventually be hailed as classics, delving deep into the intricacies of society, relationships, and human nature in the Georgian era.
Written between 1815 and 1816, “Persuasion” was the last novel that Austen saw through to completion before her untimely death in 1817 at the age of 41. The novel was posthumously published in December 1817, a mere five months after her passing, alongside her unfinished work “Northanger Abbey.”
Distinctive for its mature reflection on love and second chances, “Persuasion” follows the story of Anne Elliot, a woman of introspection and depth. Anne navigates societal expectations, past regrets, and the hope of future happiness as she is reacquainted with Captain Frederick Wentworth, a suitor she was persuaded to reject seven years earlier. The novel delves into themes of societal rigidity, the role of persuasion, and the potential for redemption and renewed love.
Beyond just a romantic narrative, “Persuasion” provides readers with Austen’s astute observations on society, especially the English gentry’s preoccupations, pretensions, and vulnerabilities. The novel’s portrayal of Anne Elliot showcases a character who, despite societal constraints, remains steadfast in her convictions, attesting to Austen’s talent for crafting characters of depth and resilience.
Jane Austen’s enduring appeal is evident in her novels’ continued popularity, which resonates across generations. Though her life was short-lived, her legacy is monumental. “Persuasion,” in its nuanced exploration of love lost and regained, serves as a fitting culmination to Austen’s illustrious career, affirming her status as a timeless voice in world literature.
