#sermo

(firstly - the French translation calls her Alice instead of Anne lol)

Mais ne la plaignez pas trop; son caractère adorable, son jugement exquis, une élégance physique et morale qu'elle tenait de mère, l'avaient rendue la favorite de Lady Russell.

“But don’t pity her too much” hah. I like this translator. I hate when Anne is made out to be some sort of miserable, joyless martyr (see: adaptations which have Anne wretchedly crying and wallowing all the time), that doesn’t do justice to her strength of character. Yes she’s been neglected and ignored, but she’s made the best of her life and stays active - she likes to read a lot, she goes on daily walks and visits Lady Russell every day, she talks to the tenants and farmers and helps around Uppercross when she can, etc. - without Wentworth around she's kinda decided to be a spinster with Lady Russell until the end of her days (as seen by her attitude in Bath) and she’s okay with that! It’s just that her options as a lady are so limited compared to Wentworth as a gentleman, that despite having similar “active” and industrious characters, she couldn’t make a fulfilling life like he did. This isn’t a Fanny Price situation, is what I’m saying

Quelques années auparavant, Alice avait été très-jolie (...) mais elle avait beaucoup maigri et pâli, et même lorsqu'elle était dans tout son éclat. son père n'avait jamais voulu convenir qu'elle fut bien. De traits fins et délicats, des yeux d'un noir velouté (...) tout cela n'avait aucun rapport avec lui et avec la belle Elisabeth, et ne pouvait lui plaire: il n'accordait la beauté qu'à des cheveux blonds, de grande yeux bleus, un net aquilin, des lèvres fines et vermeilles, et une taille bien prise et bien raide, au-dessus de la grandeur ordinaire.

Anne and Anne + Elizabeth respectively:

(also, “velvety black eyes” sounds so sexy lol radio play Очи чёрные. if only it were written earlier than 1843, then Wentworth could sing along to it with sailors in the Baltic sea)

La date du jour de sa naissance et celle du mariage de sa sœur cadette lui étaient devenues insupportables: quand son père, après sa lecture journalière, laissait le livre ouvert sur la table, le premier soin d'Elisabeth était de le fermer et de le pousser loin d'elle avec une expression d'humeur et de dépit.

Ahh this bitterness (that was only implied in canon but here is made more explicit) is really interesting and adds to Elizabeth’s character. This is why I’d like to think that unlike her father, Elizabeth eventually realizes she should stop valuing appearances and rank, and maybe somewhat reconciles with Anne - who knows how many years that’ll take though

Lady Russell, not very experienced in love, believed that simply not speaking of it was enough to stop thinking about it.

Lol this is so interesting! LR “not very experienced in love”... so while she might’ve been content with her husband, it wasn’t really “love,” or anything like that huh? I got the same sense from the original.

Elle avait été prudente dans sa jeunesse, elle devenait trop romanesque en prenant des années; c'était la suite d'un commencement singulier, et le cœur ne perd pas ses droits.

“The heart does not lose its rights” what a nice phrase... Wentworth would always have a “rightful” claim on her heart and vice versa T_T

Anne had sometimes believed her feelings extinguished, or at least very weakened, but her eagerness to read the articles concerning the navy in the papers, her emotion when she found the name of Frederick Wentworth cited as one of the best officers, and how it seized her whole being when she learned that his sister Mrs. Croft (whom he cherished, and about whom he had often spoken, as well as about the Admiral) came to live in Kellinch Hall: it told her quite clearly that she felt at twenty-seven as she did at nineteen...

... si Wentworth reprenait ses chaînes et renouvelait ses offres, a n'écoutcr que son cœur, et ce cœur était plein des plus douces espérances; le hasard semblait vouloir la rapprocher de sa famille, les papiers lui avaient appris son avancement...

Anne, my beloved ;_; also this idea of “chance” or fate bringing her and Wentworth closer together omg

tout, excepté son mariage avec Alice, lui avait réussi, et peut-être cet hymen aurait-il lieu. Son ardeur, son génie semblaient devoir assurer le succès à toute

This book’s spoiling us right away lol. I like that they kept one of my favorite lines, “His genius and ardour had seemed to foresee and to command his prosperous path” :’)

(skipping ahead to describing the Musgrove sisters) their appearance was pleasant and pretty; their cheerful and agreeable character, their simple and natural manner; their talents, except for dancing, quite mediocre overall;

Uh lmao?????

...Captain Wentworth had surpassed their expectations with his amiability; he displayed neither reserve nor shyness; he was frank, polite, and averse to ceremony; with the family, it was as if he were among old acquaintances—he liked and desired only what everyone else liked and desired.

Interesting phrasing at the end, possible foreshadowing for his half-assedly entertaining the Musgrove sisters’s flirtations in the future lol

mais lui, ce Frederich si tendre, si passionné, qu'éprouve-t-il?

AAARHG

His attachment to her had been unfathomably intense; but the more he truly loved her, the more he was indignant at the weakness of character she had shown at their separation; she rejected him, abandoned him to please tyrannical relatives and a prejudiced friend, who persuaded her that she should act thus; she yielded to their advice against her own, against the voice of honor and love, since she had given him her heart and promised him her hand: this weakness or timidity was so contrary to the firm, open and decisive character of Frederick Wentworth, that he resolved to banish her from his heart...

and so it begins... I like that several extra factors are stressed, not just love but also “honor” and yielding to please “tyrannical relatives and a prejudiced friend” - it must’ve felt all the more shocking to him as someone with very supportive open-minded friends and family, without realizing his good fortune in that :/ and he probably thought “she chose her horrible abusive dad over me...”

anyway time to get back to the best Austen character: Dick Musgrove

There was then a momentary impression on the captain's countenance, a certain look that escaped from his dark eyes, full of wit and fire, a certain smile that Alice had often noticed when Sir Walter or proud Elizabeth honored him with their disdain, and which proved to her that, far from sharing Mistress Musgrove's regrets over her son, he had been delighted to be rid of him. But it was a flash: he had too much genuine sensitivity not to respect maternal tenderness, even when it is blind; and, assuming an air of interest, he came and sat down beside Mrs. Musgrove and began a conversation about her, in which he avoided destroying her opinion of her poor Richard, of whom he spoke with his grace and natural goodness and kindness.

*rips open jacket to reveal t-shirt that says ILY CPT. WENTWORTH* (also the description of Wentworth having dark eyes - full of “wit and fire” - is endearing haha. and later Harville is likewise described as having dark hair btw)

He was then on the sofa with Alice, separated from her only by Mrs. Musgrove, who was not, it is true, a slender barrier; her enormous plumpness, her large, cheerful face, seemed much more formed to express joy and good humor than tenderness and sentiment: Alice's elegant form, her curious, attractive, and thoughtful expression, formed a perfect contrast.

I like the hints that Anne’s bloom has already slightly begun, but most of all that it’s not just mere friends and family and love that cause her to recover her health and looks (after all, Lady Russell and even the Musgroves do love her, yet she still withered away in those 8 years) but specifically Wentworth and things connected to him, like his friends/family and the sea ⊹﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏⊹˖

(Sophia Croft telling Frederick women can be on ships) “...I assure you that nowhere, not even at Kellynch Hall," she said, bowing with a smile to Alice, “have I been better in every respect than on the ships I have been on; I have been on five vessels, and everywhere I have been equally comfortable.”

Alice was thinking at that moment how many times Wentworth had told her the opposite of what he thought today, using her sister as an example, and repeating that he hoped she would love him enough to follow him to sea. She remained silent.

LMFAO (though honestly I think he hadn’t really thought about it back in 1806)

The rest of this is pretty much the same as the OG, some notes I took were:

-there’s like 10 sentences dedicated to describing how handsome and full of “vitality” Wentworth was. We get it bro. also “Charles had never in his life seen a man as kind as the captain: "Isn't it true, Alice, that he is so handsome and charming... oh, he will definitely be made an Admiral. Isn’t he just wonderful?”” Charles Musgrove is there anything you want to tell us

-Charles Hayter’s name is changed to George... understandable

-(the toddler rescue scene) “Wentworth was laughingly tossing and running with the child, who with his little closed fists, playfully wanted to beat him; they both laughed and made such noise...” grinch’s heart growing three sizes.gif

-unless I misunderstood (very possible, my french is really bad) I think the author didn’t pick up that Wentworth realized Anne had rejected Charles Musgrove *against* Lady Russell’s advice? In the book he says from that point on he kept wondering if she did it for him. the 1995 movie also misses this I think

-“(Benwick’s) large, pale eyes, often lowered, were full of melancholy; his mouth was beautiful, but his lips no longer smiled” this author wants to risk it all for every sailor in this book

-(meeting the Harvilles) “Her spirits revived; it seemed to her that she was among old acquaintances she had loved all her life. How they would have loved the cherished love of their dear Wentworth, too!” AHHH

-(after Louisa goes on a long spiel about how sailors are the bestest ever) “Louisa was preaching to the already converted; Alice said nothing, so thoroughly did she agree with this reasoning.” LOL

-(lunch at the inn with Captain Harville) “Everything had been so well arranged through Wentworth’s care and diligence, that nothing was lacking in the festivities...” aww that’s his buddy

-interestingly Anne calls Wentworth’s liveliness “exaggerated enthusiasm,” I think she’s realized that he’s slightly "feigning” his “easy” manner earlier here than in the original novel(?)

-it’s even more clear that Anne sees Benwick as like.. a kid almost. also “she thought, like many moralists and preachers, I teach what I am incapable of in  practice, and one could apply this to me: "Physician, heal thyself"” AU Anne would be a physician confirmed

-"(Anne) is so good, so gentle, and so strong! No one is better suited, no one is as capable; we must ask her." <3333

Volume 2:

(Lady Russell) examined her young friend and saw that she was very beautiful; her cheeks were rounder, soft and pink; she complimented her and asked, was it the pleasure of having found her lover again, which brought about this happy change?” Alice smiled, blushed, said her health was better.

LR is thinking of Mr Elliot, Anne is thinking of Wentworth... this soap opera

...said the Admiral with a laugh. "A curious way to pay court—to smash one’s head! Fair enough to turn a girl’s head with sweet words; but to cast it onto the pavement is a bit too rough. If she recovers—whether she be mad, ugly, or mentally regressed, it matters not—he must marry her and tend to her for the rest of his life; and if she dies, nothing remains for him but to hang himself or find consolation elsewhere. What do you think, Miss Elliot? Do you not agree with me?"

THIS IS SO INSANE

“You know, Sir Walter," (Mrs. Clay) said, squeezing Elisabeth's hand against her heart, "that I can cherish beauty;

Where are the Elizabeth Elliot/Mrs Clay fanfics

Ok more notes from here on:

-(they keep using the word “hymen” for “(re)union” between Anne and Wentworth and I’m too mentally 12 years old for this)

-Mr. Elliot is even sketchier in French btw. also later when Mrs Smith pulls out his old letter, his insults of Sir Walter are way more cutting lol

-“The somber, quiet little Alice had grown into a woman elegant and graceful... with all graces, charms, and poise, and symmetrical features full of expression” once again, ANNE MY BELOVED

“Miss Elliot, don't you also think Wentworth is by far superior to Benwick, tell the truth!” Alice had a coughing fit; she couldn't reply; but the admiral waited until it had passed, and relentlessly repeated his question without mercy. “Isn't it so, Miss Alice, that Frederich is more worthy of winning the hearts of beautiful women than James Benwick?"

LMAO

-Anne here is more self-deprecatingly convinced that Wentworth and Louisa like each other while Wentworth is WAY more obvious about liking Anne, lady I’m begging you to take a hint or ten

-the “handsomest and best hung” pun wasn’t translated here (understandable) so instead the author removed all subtext and just made it text: “(Wentworth’s) gorgeous figure stood out amongst all the men around him”

-the way Wentworth speaks about Benwick, Louisa, and Fanny Harville is so gracious and moving. I can’t really do it justice through translation but it’s very sweet

-“Alice felt deep down that, if the sense of decency and immodesty impressed onto her sex hadn't objected, she would have gone to him at once.” I’m thankful to this TL for laying it out so clearly, sometimes I see readers wonder why Anne and Frederick won’t just talk to each other - as you can see it’s not just their own feelings and grief/awkwardness over the past that are posing a barrier but also societal norms and mores. As for Wentworth, he’s sorta in the position that Anne was for a quarter of the novel, he thinks she and Mr Elliot are attached, so he’s hesitant about approaching her too (though he bravely does anyway! and Anne likewise encourages him, as she kinda did back when she thought he and Louisa were attached! #infidelitywin)

Her eyes still searched for the one who occupied her mind alone. Never had she been so beautiful as that day; her complexion was vibrant, her cheeks held the softest color unsuspected by her, and she wasn't occupied with anything but the last interview with Wentworth; she went over in her mind everything he had said, she remembered their sentences fragmented, their sighs half-stifled and the ardent pressure of his gaze, which she knew so well, was palpable. It proved that the heart of her Frederich was willing to resume his first impression of her. Nervousness, injury, anger, resentment, avoidance, coldness, silence, all have disappeared; and what has succeeded these painful feelings is more than friendship, more than just a memory of the past; it is almost the past itself. Such a sudden change, total, could not have any other cause; it is nothing but love - again - the one he loved so passionately, she, who always felt the same. These thoughts, this hope, occupied her too much to be able to observe anything. (...) The concert began, and there was no sign of Wentworth; one must be content with meditating on him and that resultant joy.

Nothing to say really, just that my poor TL (nor the even poorer machine TL) again doesn’t do this lovely passage justice ;_; probably the most Brontëish thing I’ll read from an Austen novel

-”A man does not recover from such a devotion of the heart to such a woman. He ought not; he does not” gets the addendum "One should never, could never replace the object of a first affection!" which I thought was pretty funny. French people said none of that “second attachment” nonsense here

-Anne and Wentworth have a more detailed conversation about the opera and Wentworth is repeatedly referred to as a “true music lover,” cute of them to share this mutual interest. Also Anne specifically mentions they’re listening to “Cimarosa's masterpiece” aka the 1792 comic opera Il matrimonio segreto (The Secret Marriage) which... follows..... a heroine and hero who are already married...... but have to hide it because the heroine’s father wouldn’t approve of the hero since he’s from a lower class.......... WOW

-the way Anne describes women’s feelings being stronger than men’s is so poetic ahh... “The storm uproots the oak, and the weak reed may bend but never break or falter” oh Anne (it’s a reference to Aesop’s fables of course)

-Harville kinda wingmans for Anne and Wentworth at the end here (““You are an excellent woman!" exclaimed good old Harville, placing his hand on her arm... “Who will be worthy of a heart like yours?... Look at Wentworth. What zeal he puts into the commission I entrusted to him! Wouldn't you say those he cares for are the most important matter to him?””)

-Wentworth’s letter is pretty accurate from what I understood but also he calls Anne “my love” and himself as “fortunately/happily yours” in it - kinda presumptuous for a guy who’s supposed to be “half agony,” eh captain? :’D

-anyway, their conversation at the end confirms what I thought while reading the original, that they’re very playful and joking around even while discussing the events of the past few months <3 Anne playfully and coyly calls herself “poor Anne” several times so that Wentworth can pamper and coddle her lolll cute, similarly Wentworth until now has been talking in a very mature “manly” way idk how to explain it but now he sounds almost boyish (Anne too sounds very informal and cutesy whereas before her speech was really elegant and formal). I loved these parts:

“Alice believed 'that he had finished, and got up; but happy lovers are very talkative; Wentworth still... had a lot to say, and his partner never tired of listening to him any more than he did of talking.”

““...I had barely kissed my sister when I arrived (to Bath), when I left with the hope of meeting you; people I knew dragged me into a shop where my first sight was my own Alice!””

The parts I found most interesting though (I have to transcribe the original french for these):

Lorsqu'il la revit à Upcrcross il la trouva bien changée à son égard; froide, silencieuse, elle semblait craindre plutôt que désirer de se rapprocher de lui, et il pensa que le moment de sa guérison était arrivé; aidé d'ailleurs par les avances des jeunes Musgrove, il ne doutait plus d'oublier celle qu'il avait tant aimée. Oh! combien le cœur d'Alice battit à cet aveu de Wentworth et pourtant sa franchise augmen- tait sa confiance en lui. « Cette froideur, lui dit-elle en souriant, cachait un cœur bien déchiré mais continuez: vous étiez donc résolu a oublier la pauvre Alice?»

I like that Wentworth thought Anne was being cold and silent and avoidant toward him and therefore assumed she wanted nothing to do with him (and that in turn fueled his desperate and failed attempts to forget her), makes sense. Anne rightly defends herself with "well that "coldness" was hiding a broken heart" because yeah, she (correctly!) thought he was angry about the breakup and figured she was just getting out of his way or something. Anne had every reason to behave reservedly, but it’s also reasonable for Wentworth to interpret that to mean she didn't care about him even though she's just behaving as a lady "should." It's like, no matter what you do, you can't win... and of course Anne was in a similarly impossible situation back in 1806

j'allai chez mon frère Edward, où je passai six semaines. Il était aussi heureux qu'on peutre avec son aimable compagne, qui vous ressemble trop, chère Alice, parle caractère et toutes ses manières, pour que j'aie pu vous oublier. Je ne cessai de blâmer les suites funestes de l'orgueil insensé qui m'avait empêché de tachcrde reconquérir le bien que j'avais perdu, et la légèreté avec laquelle, je m'étais précipité moi-même dans un abîme dont je croyais ne plus sortir. Edward me parlait souvent de vous, en regrettant amèrement que vous ne fussiez pas sa soeur et celle de sa douce compagne; il me demandait si vous n'aviez rien perdu de vos charmes, et ne soupçonnait pas que je vous voyais, s'il était possible, mieux encore que vous étiez à vingt ans.

The image of Edward grumbling "why isn’t Anne my sister-in-law yet” and Frederick mentally going “I’M TRYING OK” is so good. Also sweet how Frederick saw his brother happy with his wife and thought of Anne and what they could have in the future.. ahh....

Elisabeth reçut cette nouvelle avec ta dignité convenable, charmée d'avoir un beau-frère d'une aussi belle tournure (...) Jamais encore son père ne l'avait appelée ma chère Alice elle n'avait de prix à ses yeux que depuis qu'elle était recherchée par un aussi bel homme.

Elizabeth feeling pleased that her new brother-in-law is handsome.. uhh ok (ditto for Sir Walter and his new son-in-law but we already knew that from the original text)

Nous n'avons plus rien à dire d'Alice et de Wentworth; ils sont heureux autant qu'on peut être ici-bas, et le seront toujours de même, parce que leur bonheur est fondé sur de solides bases; que leur affection mutuelle, mise à une si longue épreuve, ne peut ni changer ni s'affaiblir, et que tout autour d'eux tend à la fortifier. Alice va bientôt devenir mère, et se félicite de respoir de donner à son cher Wentworth un fils qui lui ressemble; il en dit autant d'une fille, portrait de son Alice: ainsi cet enfant, quel que soit son sexe, ajoutera à leur bonheur. Alice a apporté bien peu de fortune à son mari, mais la sienne suffit à leurs désirs: lady Russel l'augmentera sans doute; mais tous deux désirent recùler ce moment jusqu'à la fin de leur propre vie.

Au moment du mariage d'Alice qui fut peu retardé, Wentworth n'avait pas encore de demeure fixe; ils allèrent passer quelque temps chez Edward Wentworth, son frère aîné, possesseur d'un charmant bénéfice Alice se lia intimement avec sa belle-sœur, et ce fut encore un accroissement de bonheur; ils demeurèrent ensuite à Kellinch chez les Croft et chez Lady Russell. Wentworth acheta une charmante campagne dans ce lieu chéri, ou ils purent à leur tour recevoir leurs-amis.