Chapter 8 Summary

Anne and Captain Wentworth are now engaged in the same social circle. They are often in the same room, but never speak. Anne remembers their relationship being so different many years before, when they never ran out of things to talk about. Captain Wentworth continues to treat her with "cold politeness." Anne watches the young Miss Musgroves flirt with him and it reminds her of her younger self.

Chapter 8 Analysis

Chapter Eight puts Anne in frequent contact with Captain Wentworth. As Anne spends more time in his presence, her emotional conflict rises. Anne is constantly reminded of what she had and what she gave up. She chose to give Captain Wentworth a chance to achieve greater status by leaving him, but she deprived him and herself, of love. Was her decision wrong? Is love more important than status? Again, no one displays knowledge...