Perhaps the most romantic scene in all literature

My older girls and I are rereading Jane Austen's Persuasion, and I am once again struck to the core by its crowning moment. If you have not read the book yet, please do not read further or play the clip, but be sure to pick it up this weekend—you are in for a treat!

Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth have been separated for eight years after an ill-fated attachment formed in youth. Young Miss Elliot broke Wentworth's heart after her friend, Lady Russell, persuaded her the match would not be a good one. Her love for him never waned, but he seemed to move on, gaining fame and fortune in the British navy. All hope seems lost . . . .

If the video is cut off on the sides, please use this link.

Why is this the most romantic scene in all literature?

The subtlety, the civility, the restraint; the manliness of Captain Wentworth and the modest grace of Anne Elliot; the incomparable and unforgettable letter; the wordless glance and the moment they clasp hands. It shows the perfection of faithfulness, constancy, love, loyalty, and respect. How I wish all young people would read this great work of literature and discover what true romance is all about. It may well be the antidote to all those Abercrombie & Fitch ads!

[BTW, this clip is dedicated to the finest gentleman I know! :)]

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August 1st update: If you decide to view the movie version of Persuasion, please be sure to look for the 1995 masterpiece starring Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds. This is the definitive version and close to the book in most ways. The 2007 Persuasion seems more loosely based on Jane Austen's work and portrays our heroine running at breakneck speed through the streets of Bath in search of Captain Wentworth in a most un-Regency-like manner. When she finally finds him, she is panting and huffing so violently that she reminds me more of the Athenian soldier delivering news of the Battle of Marathon (before dropping dead from the exertion) than Anne Elliot! Even more disappointing, the pivotal scene in which Captain Wentworth pens the letter spontaneously because he cannot wait a moment longer to speak to her is cut out, replaced by an inexplicable special delivery from Captain Harville! Here is the clip for comparison purposes. Now, as I poke fun at this movie, it must be admitted that my opinion is based solely on viewing the closing clip--so forgive me if you know it to be well done in other respects!

Comments

[MelanieB]

Alice,

I heartily agree. The most romantic scene in all of literature! Thank you for letting me relive it yet again.

[Mare]

Alice,

I just finished rereading Persuasion last week. I agree. "You pierce my soul" always takes my breath away. I look forward to reading this book with my girls someday.

[patience]

Persuasion is absolutely my most favourite book ever. I agree with you, I wish it was requisite reading for all young people. I can hardly wait to share it with my own daughter.

[Theresa]

Ahhh, sigh...

[Chris]

Thanks for the dedication, Sweetie! You're the most romantic!!

[Anne]

I read this book for the first time in middle school, mainly because the central character spelled her name Anne (with the e). I fell in love with Captain Wentworth and realized that was the kind of man and love that I aspired to have. And I did get it. Though my husband was in the Army and not the Royal Navy :). Thank you for posting this and I will probably post the youtube on my blog just so I can view it again and again --even though I do own that movie.

[Beck]

I could watch that ALL DAY - I love that book, although it always leaves me with such a bittersweet feeling.

[KC]

Sigh.

[Janet]

Oh, what a great book and movie, both of which I own! I don't think I could get my husband to watch, so I'll have to wait for my daughters to grow up and watch it with me.

I do agree, that is a very, very romantic scene. So refined and proper, but so real and moving. It always makes me sigh with the perfectness of it all.

[Tabatha]

Have you seen the BBC's North and South? I think you would like it very much.

[PASCENDI]

Wow!

I had to stop watching this so as not to spoil it... for I have not any familiarity with the story. I will have to have our family literary director (my daughter Theresa) obtain the movie for us.

This smacks of MARIAN CHIVALRY!

Ad Jesum per Mariam

[Moira F.]

"I will have to have our family literary director (my daughter Theresa) obtain the movie for us."

We'll have to borrow the movie post-haste! I've read the book (Anne is my favorite Austen heroine...asides from Elinor), but the cover of the DVD always turned me off a bit (the ones I've seen look a little mushy-gushy) ;P.

[Pascendi]

Hey M, can you get this from the local library??? (vty Dad)

[Moira F.]

Yes.
Ah, thank you for reminding me that there are two different movies, Mrs. Gunther. I had forgotten about the newer one. I didn't watch much of it, but I watched enough to know that I didn't like the cast. I noticed that most of the actors seemed to lack the refinement of Austen characters - even the unrefined ones!