Austen's Anne Elliot (Persuasion) embodies a form of stoicism that is more hopeful and internally driventhan rigid, focusing on inner resilience and reason rather than outwardemotional control. Her stoicism is a quiet strength, allowing her toendure hardship, conform to social duties, and maintain a hopeful outlookthrough her self-reflection and reasoning, particularly during her longseparation from Captain Wentworth. This internal fortitude is ultimatelywhat allows her to be self-determined and persuasive when the time is right.
Anne's stoicism is not about suppressing emotions butmanaging them through reason and maintaining a hopeful inner life, especiallyregarding her love for Captain Wentworth. Her "hopeful stoicism"is demonstrated in her unwavering hope for a reunion.
A key aspect of her stoicism is her internal dialogue, whereshe reasons with her own feelings. For example, she scolds herself forquestioning Wentworth's sentiments and tries to reason herself out of herfeelings by focusing on the time that has passed.
Her stoicism is also seen in her willingness to conform todomestic duties and social expectations, as described However, the novel also questions a rigid female stoicism, and Anne's journey is one offinding her own voice and agency.
Through her actions, Anne becomes a powerful force forpersuasion. At a crucial moment, she finds the confidence to assertherself and instruct others, which gives her a new sense of confidence andeffectiveness.
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