Defending My Man: Allison on Wentworth

Melissa had her chance to brag up her man, Mr Knightley; now Allison is throwing down the gauntlet for her man, Capt. Wentworth.

1. Every post proclaiming the greatness of Captain Wentworth begins and ends with The. Letter. Sure, it might not be the only letter written by Austen’s leading men. But, I think I’ll take a proclamation of undying love and affection over a “here-are-the-reasons-I’m-not-quite-as-big-of-a-git-as-you-think-I-am” letter (*cough* Mr. Darcy *cough*), wouldn’t you?

2. He earned all the fortune and acclaim attributed to his name. This shows a large measure of bravery, determination, intelligence and just general worthiness that the others simply don’t have a chance to showcase (assuming they have any of it to begin with). Earning respect versus being born into privilege: we don’t really need to talk any further about which circumstance is preferable, do we?

3. Another great trait The Letter highlights is bravery. Not only is it one of the most romantic declarations of all time, it also shows the courage of Captain Wentworth. While some of Austen’s men (here’s lookin’ at you Mr. Knightly) make you want to beat your head against the wall because they won’t just make their move, Wentworth shows his devotion not once, but twice! After already having been rejected, he isn’t scared to tell Anne that she still owns his heart. Wouldn’t you rather have someone unafraid to tell you his feelings instead of someone who stands on the sidelines afraid to declare himself?

 

4. He is steadfast, loyal, honorable, and knows his own value. He isn’t willing to settle for one of the other girls more than willing to be Mrs. Wentworth. Oh, no. He knows his heart, and he knows he can’t give it to anyone other than Anne. He won’t settle for anything less than love for himself or for his partner. This is commendable, because we’ve seen examples (No offense, Mr. Tilney) of those willing to just settle for what is available to them instead of holding out for the real thing. I think I prefer Wentworth’s brand of love versus “I love you because you loved me first.”

So, there is really hardly room for doubt who the best of Austen’s leading men really is. 

“I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight years and a half ago. Dare not say that man forgets sooner than woman, that his love has an earlier death. I have loved none but you.”

Tell me that the man who would say such words to you (er…Anne) would not then own your (her!) heart.



Want your chance to defend your man?  Email me your defense at mbradenwf@gmail.com