Persuasion

I find it interesting that Jane Austen uses irony throughout this novel in order to comment on certain aspects of social life and the customs that were customary in society at the time. She uses irony to show that not every couple is like Anne and Wentworth. She comments on how some couples are like Benwick and Louisa, and are together because they are going through similar situations and stages in life. I believe that Austen thinks that couples should get together for those reasons as opposed to love or because they're happy together. I think that her use of irony is also a commentary on how Austen is skeptical of true love and whether or not it's a real thing. 

I think she believes that the relationship that Anne and Wentworth have is especially rare for the time. A majority of people would typically get married if they were deemed a suitable match by society, which meant they came from the same social class. That idea was the end-all-be-all of the time. They thought that if you came from similar backgrounds, that you'd have a good life and be happy in your marriage and life together. 

I think that Austen didn't necessarily like the idea of the class system, but doesn't think that it should be disregarded completely. I think that she likes the aspect that couples are matched based on social classes and because they're going through similar phases and things in life. I think that she thinks that love isn't real or a viable reason to be together forever.