Mrs Crofts, a minor character in Persuasion, says much about Jane Austen‘s views on equality. Unencumbered by children, she travels the world with her husband.
The Crofts show the way to an equal and fulfilling relationship even in a time of hypocrisy. Mrs Crofts was equally a good traveler as her husband having spent much time by his side on a ship having “crossed the Atlantic four times” and been to the East Indies, as well as “being in different places about home – Cork, Lisbon, and Gibralter”. She was “shrewd”, she “seemed more conversant with business” than her husband. The Crofts go out driving in the countryside but she is acknowledged as the better driver. She would often take the reins as they drove around the countryside.
Theirs is an equal marriage; an equal marriage brings happiness in any century.
Related articles
- Mystery donor bids to keep Austen’s ring in Britain (theguardian.com)
- Jane Austen museum in bid to buy author’s ring (cbc.ca)
- Renewed interest spreads in all manner of things related to Jane Austen (miamiherald.com)
- Austen to appear on latest £10 note (standard.co.uk)
Austen's Guide to Happiness 