Persuasion in Persuasion

At risk of going after an obvious theme in Jane Austin's Persuasion, the art of persuasion is an important interpersonal strategy used by many of the main characters in the novel. It is unclear whether Austin finds the ability to persuade and to be persuaded a negative or positive character trait. In the beginning of the novel Anne and Mrs. Russell are able to persuade Sir Walter to rent Kellynch Hall in order to save the family from debt. In this instance, Anne must appeal to Sir Walter's vanity instead of his reason. In fear of losing social prowess, Sir Walter refuses to give up Kellynch Hall, until it is suggested that it would be socially advantageous to move to Bath. Sir Walter is clearly being manipulated by Mrs. Russell and Anne, yet as a reader, this persuasion helps us to connect with the rational side of Anne. Here, we see persuasion as a positive character trait. Yet, Anne's ability to be persuaded by Mrs. Russell out of marrying Captain Wentworth is a clear sign of her lacking conviction. For the past seven years, since she broke off the engagement, Anne has dwelled on her relationship with Wentworth. And when he is brought back into her life, Anne once again struggles to suppress the true emotions she feels for him. Though her decision to break off the union was made for the sake of her family name, I think something the entire novel sets out to question is where should one draw the line between propriety and self-fulfillment.