Persuasion and Prayers Read-Along: Day 3

Welcome to Day 3 of the Persuasion and Prayers Read-Along! You can follow along on this three-week discussion of Persuasion and The Prayers of Jane Austen by checking out the read-along tag or by clicking the button in the sidebar.

Today we're going to discuss chapters 5 and 6 of Persuasion. If you came prepared, go ahead and share your thoughts below! Otherwise, feel free to check in later today or tomorrow morning after you've had a chance to read today's chapters. Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

P.S. If you're a blogger, please feel free to put together your own post using the button above and linking back to the Persuasion and Prayers Read-Along tag, if you'd prefer to participate in the discussion that way. :)

~ ~ ~
Persuasion Chapters 5 and 6
Discussion Format: One quote to ponder, one observation, and one question for each day's reading.
Quote to Ponder

"There is hardly any personal defect," replied Anne, "which an agreeable manner might not gradually reconcile one to."

Observation

In these two chapters, Anne's point of view and demeanor sure clash with those of her younger sister and her sister's acquaintances! I find much to admire in Anne's peace-maker ways and her meekness as contrasted with her family's self-absorption.

But I also find it troubling that Anne has resigned herself to being of little importance or notice to anyone beyond providing a listening ear. She suffers so much in secret, and I doubt that can last forever - or at least, I don't think it should. Almost reminds me of the lesson of Inside Out...but I won't say any more on that in case you haven't seen the wonderful new addition to the Pixar lineup! (We can chat about the potential connection in the comments, though!)

An additional minor observation: It's interesting how the word "persuade" is used several times in chapter 6. There's a lot of persuading going on so far in the story, both from outside influences and internal inhibitions.

Question

How would you handle a visit to Mary's home? Would you lie low and try to keep the peace, or would you call out the petty grievances and detrimental behaviors of those around you?

Giveaway!

Don't forget to log your giveaway entries this week using the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win a hardcover copy of The Prayers of Jane Austen !

(Giveaway open to US residents only. Prize donated by the book's editor, Terry Glaspey. Thanks, Terry!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Which quote to ponder, observation, and question/response would you like to share?

Join us tomorrow to chat about chapters 7 and 8!