You know what’s a scene from Persuasion that we should talk about the way we talk about the “Wentworth pries a clinging child off Anne’s back” scene? A “this man is grade-A husband material” scene?
It’s the way Wentworth talks to Mrs. Musgrove about her dead son. He knows better than anyone that Dick Musgrove was a useless good-for-nothing, that it was a piece of “good fortune” for his family “to lose him before he reached his twentieth year.” His first reaction to Mrs. Musgrove talking about “poor Richard” to him is to laugh inwardly–but. Instead of laughing at her, he goes over and sits next to Mrs. Musgrove and speaks to her so kindly and patiently–“with so much sympathy and natural grace, as shewed the kindest consideration for all that was real and unabsurd in the parent’s feelings.”
Austen goes on for two paragraphs about how ridiculous Mrs. Musgrove looks while lamenting over her idiot son, and the entire time, Wentworth is keeping a completely straight face, focusing only on the fact that this woman is sincerely upset and he can relieve her feelings a little by showing compassion.
What could possibly be sexier than this rich, dashing, battle-hardened sea captain taking a moment to show genuine kindness, generosity, and compassion? When he could instead be flirting with two pretty, single women, or talking to anyone else in the room? What husband material. And Anne is right there, listening to this.
Jane Austen, in every novel: Does he care about people? Does he use his privilege for good? Does he have a sense of duty and does he act on it? If not, throw him in the trash.
