I think the whole incident brings Wentworth back down to earth, when up to this point he has been flirting with Henrietta and Louisa to try to prove to himself that he’s not still in love with Anne. It’s a reminder to him that actions and decisions have consequences and that Anne’s prudence throughout her life, while it has caused them both grief, is ultimately a healthier way to move through the world. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with Louisa; she’s quite pleasant throughout the story and appreciates Anne’s good nature. But she lacks Anne’s maturity and thoughtfulness, which I think Captain Wentworth realizes through this ordeal. On a different note, I laughed out loud when Captain Wentworth tried to go running off looking for a surgeon even though he was a tourist in an unfamiliar town and had no idea where a surgeon might be. The fact that Anne was more composed in a crisis than a gaggle of experienced sea captains is delightful.
I have never had any patience with Louisa - she seems immature, attention seeking and completely oblivious to Anne’s (and every other woman’s) feelings because she’s so focused on monopolizing Wentworth. …And I was exactly like that at her age, so of COURSE I am pitiless when I see those traits in someone else 😂
I do think that her behavior - particularly the “courage of her convictions” / pigheadedness (depending who you ask…) helps Wentworth appreciate Anne’s level headedness and maturity. The appreciation for her maturity and judgment in particular is rewarding since the expectation in those days was for women to get married SO young - nice to see that a man of real substance could appreciate an actual adult woman
Yes. Louisa is simply immature. She's not malicious at all and would probably be very upset knowing how her behavior has hurt Anne who she really likes. (She has no idea! No one in the family knows there is a history with Wentworth!). But in comparison with Anne who is SO mature, thoughtful, and others-centered, Louisa looks quite silly as I'm sure all of us did as teenagers.
I think it’s a bit unfair to call Louisa reckless. She had jumped once and enjoyed it and wasn’t to know that the second time would go so badly wrong. It’s just an accident. I think the incident and aftermath do highlight differences between Anne and Louisa in terms of character and that makes Wentworth think. It’s not necessarily that one if better than the other, but one if probably a better fit for Wentworth.
True! Reckless is a bit strong. But I think the incident highlights part of her character that refuses to be guided by others. While Anne in her younger years leaned toward one extreme, Louisa leans toward the other.
I definitely see the turning point here as well. I think the whole incident reminds Wentworth of who Anne truly is. He realizes that he does not truly care for Louisa, but I’m not sure that he knows if he does care for Anne.
I think the whole incident brings Wentworth back down to earth, when up to this point he has been flirting with Henrietta and Louisa to try to prove to himself that he’s not still in love with Anne. It’s a reminder to him that actions and decisions have consequences and that Anne’s prudence throughout her life, while it has caused them both grief, is ultimately a healthier way to move through the world. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with Louisa; she’s quite pleasant throughout the story and appreciates Anne’s good nature. But she lacks Anne’s maturity and thoughtfulness, which I think Captain Wentworth realizes through this ordeal. On a different note, I laughed out loud when Captain Wentworth tried to go running off looking for a surgeon even though he was a tourist in an unfamiliar town and had no idea where a surgeon might be. The fact that Anne was more composed in a crisis than a gaggle of experienced sea captains is delightful.
Anne is so clearheaded! While Mary is melting down in hysterics, she has everything under control.
I have never had any patience with Louisa - she seems immature, attention seeking and completely oblivious to Anne’s (and every other woman’s) feelings because she’s so focused on monopolizing Wentworth. …And I was exactly like that at her age, so of COURSE I am pitiless when I see those traits in someone else 😂
I do think that her behavior - particularly the “courage of her convictions” / pigheadedness (depending who you ask…) helps Wentworth appreciate Anne’s level headedness and maturity. The appreciation for her maturity and judgment in particular is rewarding since the expectation in those days was for women to get married SO young - nice to see that a man of real substance could appreciate an actual adult woman
Yes. Louisa is simply immature. She's not malicious at all and would probably be very upset knowing how her behavior has hurt Anne who she really likes. (She has no idea! No one in the family knows there is a history with Wentworth!). But in comparison with Anne who is SO mature, thoughtful, and others-centered, Louisa looks quite silly as I'm sure all of us did as teenagers.
I think it’s a bit unfair to call Louisa reckless. She had jumped once and enjoyed it and wasn’t to know that the second time would go so badly wrong. It’s just an accident. I think the incident and aftermath do highlight differences between Anne and Louisa in terms of character and that makes Wentworth think. It’s not necessarily that one if better than the other, but one if probably a better fit for Wentworth.
True! Reckless is a bit strong. But I think the incident highlights part of her character that refuses to be guided by others. While Anne in her younger years leaned toward one extreme, Louisa leans toward the other.
An excellent point!
I definitely see the turning point here as well. I think the whole incident reminds Wentworth of who Anne truly is. He realizes that he does not truly care for Louisa, but I’m not sure that he knows if he does care for Anne.
And let’s not forget that jealousy is quite an eye-opener as well, prompting him to look at Anne differently during the Louisa incident