Mind Reading and Cognitive Distortion in Jane Austen’s Persuasion

Abstract

Mind reading is an important aspect of narrative in Jane Austen’s fiction. Austen presents mind reading as the most effective element in the construction and development of her narrative plot in Persuasion. She mainly shows how mind reading can derive from thinking biases and bring about significant misunderstandings. By focusing on the central character Anne Elliot’s desire to read her ex-fiancé’s mental states in different situations, Austen explores the impact of mind reading quality and capacity on their relationship. Offered by the narratologist Lisa Zunshine, mind reading refers to our ability to attribute or ascribe mental states to ourselves and to other people. Relying on Zunshine’s terminology and considering her elaboration on the three main steps of mind reading, this paper has two main goals. Firstly, the essay analyses the way(s) Anne Elliot’s mind reading capacity is presented in terms of body language, performance, and embodied transparencies. Secondly, the paper examines the reliability state of Anne’s mind readings, as well as the effect of her cognitive distortions.