Plot+Summary

The story begins with the Elliot family, Sir Walter Elliot and his three daughters, Elizabeth, Anne and Mary, all of whom are very conscious and aware of the importance and role of social stature and wealth. The first conflict of the story is of Sir Walter Elliot’s debt and the consideration of moving into another home in Bath. While Sir Walter Elliot finds this absolutely disdainful, he agrees to move into a smaller home and rent out his home in Kellynch Hall to Admiral Croft and his wife, Mrs. Croft. The reader finds that 8 years prior to the story, Anne was engaged to a man of the name Captain Frederick Wentworth (the brother of Mrs. Croft), however, the engagement was broken off after the disapproval Anne receive from her family and friends. Since Mrs. Croft and her husband are coming to Kellynch Hall, Anne hopes that will mean Captain Wentworth will also be in Kellynch Hall. Captain Wentworth does come to Kellynch Hall, however neither Anne nor Captain Wentworth show any outward emotions towards each other, but the reader knows that Anne still loves Captain Wentworth. Asides from Captain Wentworth returning to Kellynch Hall, Anne encounters another problem with her cousin, Mr. Elliot. Mr. Elliot is the heir to Sir Walter Elliot’s belongings and has come to the Elliot’s home with the hopes of marrying Anne to secure that inheritance. Anne learns from Mrs. Smith, an old friend, of Mr. Elliot’s atrocious past and plans to take ensure his inheritance. Meanwhile, Captain Wentworth’s jealousy of the relationship he believes Mr. Elliot and Anne have inspires him to write a love letter to Anne telling her of his feelings for her. Anne responds with confessing her love to Captain Wentworth as well, and become engaged, this time with the approval of the Elliots and Lady Russell (because Captain Wentworth was considerably wealthier than the last time he was at Kellynch Hall).