The novel, "Persuasion," by Jane Austen, comes at a time when the wealthy class of people had started losing the strong hold to power and wealth within the community. At this time the gentry were under pressure to acknowledge the nouveau riche in society and to recognize that a person cannot live on title alone. In addition, it illustrates how the titled members of society such as Sir Walter could not socially recognize the nouveau riche even when the nouveau riche proved to be more financially sound. The titled men were losing their resources as a result of the reducing flow of incomes but still they could not accept people who had not been categorized into their social class as new members of the wealthy class. Social class played a significant role in enabling the people of new money to access what only the old families with positions and title would previously attain.
The author exemplifies the divergence between being titled and being rich. The basis of the argument lies on the firmness of one and the easy lose of the other. Sir Walter is fast losing his wealth together with the estate and home but retains the position in society and the title. The title alone after losing the wealth granted him the opportunity of entering any home and societal functions. On the other hand, Mrs. Smith attained her social position by marrying a rich man. After the death of the husband, the money disappeared and similarly, the chance to participate in social functions disappeared. The outcome is considered common once one person losses the fortunes. Mrs. Smith is living humbly, unable to afford many necessities, and in isolation from society. This position attests the fact that at the time, a person would use their position in society upon losing money but retain the position should they be holding titles. It shows that there was a particular place for the noble and that of the rich. Further, when Mrs.
