Persuasion MCQs & Summary

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: March 4, 2025

Summary:

Persuasion is the last completed novel by Jane Austen, published posthumously in 1817. The novel follows Anne Elliot, a 27-year-old woman who, years earlier, was persuaded to break off her engagement with Frederick Wentworth due to his lack of wealth and status.

Years later, Wentworth returns as a successful naval captain, and Anne realizes she still loves him. However, Wentworth appears indifferent and starts showing interest in Louisa Musgrove. Meanwhile, Anne is courted by her cousin, William Elliot, who has ulterior motives.

Throughout the novel, Anne demonstrates quiet strength and maturity, contrasting with the vanity and superficiality of her family. As events unfold, Wentworth recognizes Anne’s true worth, and they reconcile. The novel ends with their long-awaited marriage, emphasizing themes of second chances, love, and the dangers of being overly influenced by others.


MCQs:

  1. Who wrote Persuasion?
    A) Charlotte Brontë
    B) Jane Austen
    C) Emily Brontë
    D) Charles Dickens
    Answer: B) Jane Austen
  2. Why did Anne Elliot originally break off her engagement with Wentworth?
    A) She fell in love with someone else
    B) She was persuaded by Lady Russell due to his lack of fortune
    C) Wentworth left her for another woman
    D) Her father disinherited her
    Answer: B) She was persuaded by Lady Russell due to his lack of fortune
  3. What is Captain Wentworth’s occupation?
    A) A wealthy landowner
    B) A clergyman
    C) A naval officer
    D) A lawyer
    Answer: C) A naval officer

    Persuasion
    Persuasion
  4. Who does Captain Wentworth initially seem interested in upon his return?
    A) Elizabeth Elliot
    B) Louisa Musgrove
    C) Mary Musgrove
    D) Mrs. Clay
    Answer: B) Louisa Musgrove
  5. Who is Anne’s vain and self-absorbed father?
    A) Admiral Croft
    B) Sir Walter Elliot
    C) Captain Benwick
    D) Mr. Shepherd
    Answer: B) Sir Walter Elliot
  6. Who is Anne’s cousin and suitor, with ulterior motives?
    A) Captain Harville
    B) Charles Musgrove
    C) William Elliot
    D) Mr. Darcy
    Answer: C) William Elliot
  7. What accident changes the course of the novel, making Captain Wentworth reconsider his feelings?
    A) Anne falls seriously ill
    B) Louisa Musgrove falls and suffers a head injury
    C) William Elliot challenges Wentworth to a duel
    D) Lady Russell arranges Anne’s marriage to another man
    Answer: B) Louisa Musgrove falls and suffers a head injury
  8. What quality makes Anne different from her family?
    A) She is more beautiful
    B) She is more intelligent and kind
    C) She is wealthier
    D) She is more fashionable
    Answer: B) She is more intelligent and kind
  9. How does Captain Wentworth confess his love to Anne?
    A) Through a letter
    B) In front of her entire family
    C) During a dance
    D) By proposing at a ball
    Answer: A) Through a letter
  10. What is the central theme of Persuasion?
    A) The importance of social status
    B) Second chances and enduring love
    C) The excitement of adventure
    D) The dangers of wealth
    Answer: B) Second chances and enduring love
QuestionAnswer
Novel NamePersuasion
AuthorJane Austen
Year Published1817 (posthumously)
Main ThemesLove, second chances, influence, social class
Literary DevicesIrony, free indirect speech, satire
Anne’s Love InterestCaptain Frederick Wentworth
Louisa Musgrove’s InjuryFalls and hits her head
Anne’s Family TraitVanity and superficiality
MessageTrue love endures, and one should not be overly influenced by others