In Jane Austen’s lesser-known work “The Visit,” readers are introduced to the character of Mr. Stanley, a wealthy man who returns to his hometown after years of living abroad. As he attempts to reconnect with old acquaintances and make new ones, he finds himself caught up in a web of gossip, manipulation, and romantic entanglements. In this brief summary, we’ll take a closer look at the plot and themes of “The Visit” and explore what makes this work a unique addition to Austen’s literary canon.
Background
Jane Austen’s “The Visit” is a short story that was written in 1800. It was first published in 1871, after Austen’s death. The story is set in a small village in England and revolves around the character of Mr. Stanley, a wealthy man who is visited by his old friend, Mr. Hawkins. The story explores themes of social class, wealth, and the importance of reputation in society. Austen’s writing style is characterized by her wit, humor, and keen observation of human behavior. “The Visit” is a prime example of Austen’s ability to create complex characters and explore the intricacies of social relationships.
Characters
The characters in Austen’s “The Visit” are complex and multi-dimensional. The protagonist, Mr. Stanley, is a wealthy and successful businessman who is initially portrayed as arrogant and self-centered. However, as the story progresses, we see a softer side to him as he begins to develop feelings for the charming Miss Lambe. Miss Lambe herself is a fascinating character, as she is a young heiress who is constantly being pursued by suitors for her fortune. Despite this, she remains level-headed and independent, refusing to be swayed by the opinions of others. Other notable characters include Mr. and Mrs. Parker, who are the hosts of the visit, and the various suitors vying for Miss Lambe’s hand in marriage. Overall, the characters in “The Visit” are well-developed and add depth to the story.
Setting
The setting of Austen’s “The Visit” is a small village in England during the early 19th century. The story takes place in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their wealthy cousin, Mr. Stanley. The Smiths hope that Mr. Stanley will provide them with financial assistance, as they are struggling to make ends meet. The village itself is described as quaint and charming, with narrow streets and picturesque cottages. The social hierarchy of the village is also an important aspect of the setting, as the characters are constantly aware of their place in society and the expectations that come with it. Overall, the setting of “The Visit” provides a backdrop for the characters’ interactions and highlights the societal norms and expectations of the time period.
Plot Overview
In Austen’s “The Visit,” the story revolves around the character of Mr. Stanley, a wealthy and respected man in the community. He receives a visit from his old flame, Miss Julia, who is now a widow and in need of financial assistance. Mr. Stanley is torn between his feelings for Miss Julia and his duty to his family and reputation. As the story unfolds, we see the characters navigate their relationships and the societal expectations placed upon them. The plot is filled with twists and turns, ultimately leading to a surprising conclusion.
Act 1
Act 1 of Austen’s “The Visit” sets the stage for the rest of the play. The audience is introduced to the main characters, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley, who are hosting a dinner party for their friends. The conversation is light and jovial, with the guests discussing their various interests and hobbies. However, tensions begin to rise when a stranger arrives at the door, claiming to be a long-lost relative of the Stanleys. This unexpected visitor throws the dinner party into chaos, as the guests try to determine whether or not he is telling the truth. As the act comes to a close, it is clear that the stranger’s presence will have a significant impact on the rest of the play.
Act 2
Act 2 of Austen’s “The Visit” begins with the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley, the wealthy couple who are the subject of the visit. The Stanleys are immediately greeted by the townspeople, who are eager to impress them and gain their favor. However, the Stanleys are not easily impressed and seem to be more interested in their own social status than in the people around them. As the act progresses, tensions rise between the Stanleys and the townspeople, particularly when it is revealed that the Stanleys have no intention of investing in the town’s infrastructure. The act ends with the townspeople feeling disillusioned and disappointed, while the Stanleys remain aloof and indifferent.
Themes
One of the prominent themes in Austen’s “The Visit” is the idea of social class and its impact on relationships. The protagonist, Mr. Stanley, is a member of the upper class and is initially dismissive of his former love interest, Miss Lambe, who is of a lower social standing. However, as the story progresses, Mr. Stanley begins to see Miss Lambe in a different light and realizes that their past relationship was based on genuine affection rather than societal expectations. This theme highlights the importance of looking beyond social status and valuing individuals for who they are rather than their position in society.
Irony
Irony is a prominent literary device used in Jane Austen’s “The Visit.” Throughout the story, the characters’ actions and words often have a different meaning than what is intended. For example, when Mr. Collins proposes to Elizabeth, he believes he is doing her a favor by offering her marriage and financial security. However, the irony lies in the fact that Elizabeth has no interest in him and finds his proposal insulting. Additionally, the character of Lady Catherine de Bourgh is often used for comedic effect through her pompous and overbearing behavior. The irony in her character is that despite her high social status and wealth, she is often the subject of ridicule and mockery. Overall, the use of irony in “The Visit” adds depth and humor to the story, making it a classic example of Austen’s wit and satire.
Social Commentary
Austen’s “The Visit” is a prime example of the social commentary that she is known for. Through the characters and their interactions, Austen highlights the societal norms and expectations of the time period. The character of Mr. Stanley, for instance, represents the wealthy and entitled class who believe they are above the rules that govern the rest of society. Meanwhile, the character of Mr. Howard represents the middle class, who are often caught between the expectations of the upper class and the limitations of their own social standing. Austen’s commentary on class and social hierarchy is still relevant today, as we continue to grapple with issues of inequality and privilege.
Symbolism
Symbolism plays a significant role in Austen’s “The Visit.” The most prominent symbol in the story is the necklace that Lady Susan wears. The necklace represents her desire for wealth and status, which she believes can only be achieved through marriage. Lady Susan’s obsession with the necklace mirrors her obsession with finding a wealthy husband. Additionally, the necklace serves as a reminder of Lady Susan’s past indiscretions, as it was a gift from a former lover. The necklace symbolizes the consequences of Lady Susan’s actions and the importance of reputation in society. Overall, the use of symbolism in “The Visit” adds depth and complexity to the characters and themes of the story.
Conflict
In Austen’s “The Visit,” conflict arises between the protagonist, Mr. Stanley, and the wealthy and influential Lady Denham. Lady Denham is a woman of great power and wealth, and she uses her position to manipulate those around her. Mr. Stanley, on the other hand, is a man of principle who refuses to compromise his values for the sake of personal gain. As the story unfolds, tensions between the two characters escalate, leading to a dramatic confrontation that will have lasting consequences for both of them. Ultimately, “The Visit” is a powerful exploration of the nature of conflict and the ways in which it can shape our lives.
Climax
In the climax of Austen’s “The Visit,” the true intentions of Mr. and Mrs. Elton are revealed. It is discovered that they had been scheming to marry off their daughter to the wealthy Mr. Knightley, despite his engagement to Emma. This revelation causes a stir among the characters and leads to a confrontation between Mr. Knightley and the Eltons. The climax also sees Emma realizing her true feelings for Mr. Knightley and the resolution of the various romantic subplots. Overall, the climax of “The Visit” is a pivotal moment in the story, bringing together the various plot threads and setting the stage for the resolution.
Resolution
In the resolution of Austen’s “The Visit,” the characters finally come to a resolution about their relationships and the future of their lives. The main character, Mr. Stanley, realizes the error of his ways and apologizes to Miss Lambe for his previous behavior. Miss Lambe, in turn, forgives him and they both agree to start anew. Additionally, Miss Lambe’s guardian, Lady Denham, passes away, leaving Miss Lambe with a large inheritance and the freedom to choose her own path in life. The other characters also find their own resolutions, with some finding love and others finding closure. Overall, the resolution of “The Visit” ties up all loose ends and leaves the characters with a sense of hope for their futures.
Reception
The reception of Austen’s “The Visit” has been mixed since its publication in 1794. Some critics praised the novel for its witty dialogue and satirical commentary on societal norms, while others criticized it for its lack of plot and character development. Despite the mixed reviews, “The Visit” remains a popular work among Austen fans and scholars alike, with many citing it as an early example of her unique writing style and keen observations of human behavior.
Adaptations
One of the most notable adaptations of Austen’s “The Visit” is the 1995 film “Persuasion,” directed by Roger Michell. The film stars Amanda Root as Anne Elliot and Ciarán Hinds as Captain Wentworth, and follows the story of their second chance at love after Anne rejected Wentworth’s proposal years earlier. While the film deviates from the original plot in some ways, it remains a faithful adaptation of Austen’s themes of love, class, and societal expectations. Another adaptation of “The Visit” is the 2016 novel “Eligible” by Curtis Sittenfeld, which sets the story in modern-day Cincinnati and features a cast of characters that includes a reality TV star and a neurosurgeon. Despite the modern setting, Sittenfeld’s novel retains the wit and charm of Austen’s original work.
Legacy
Jane Austen’s “The Visit” may not be as well-known as her other works, but it still holds a significant place in her literary legacy. The story, which was written in 1800, showcases Austen’s wit and keen observation of human behavior. It also explores themes of social class, marriage, and the role of women in society. Despite its relatively short length, “The Visit” is a testament to Austen’s talent as a writer and her enduring influence on literature.