| Title : Sense and Sensibility Author : Jane Austen Reading Dates : 12 Jul - 15 Jul 2010 |   |
| From goodreads: | |
Marianne Dashwood wears her heart on her sleeve, and when she falls in love with the dashing but unsuitable John Willoughby she ignores her sister Elinor's warning that her impulsive behaviour leaves her open to gossip and innuendo. Meanwhile Elinor, always sensitive to social convention, is struggling to conceal her own romantic disappointment, even from those closest to her. Through their parallel experience of love—and its threatened loss—the sisters learn that sense must mix with sensibility if they are to find personal happiness in a society where status and money govern the rules of love. | |
Book Review of Sense and Sensibility.
One of the reasons I love Jane Austen's books is her characters. I always feel as if they were based on actual people she's met or known. Best of all is the way she puts all their faults and idiosyncrasies before us without being mean about it. Case in point is the contrasts between Mrs. Jennings, her daughters and their husbands personalities. I was amused by their behavior and attitudes but I also feel a certain affection for them. That, I believe is because its the way the author feels about them.
Of all the characters though, the one I identify with most is Elinor. In part, because I see some of myself in her. But mostly because I'm seeing the story unfold from Elinor's eyes and so understand her thoughts, reasoning and feelings. To illustrate, I'd like to share one of my favorite passages from the book :
Inevitably, certain similarities in the characters will bring up comparisons with Pride and Prejudice. The Dashwood sisters at times reminds me of Jane and Elizabeth Bennet. Mr. Palmer's behavior seems to arise from the same malady as Mr. Bennet. Younger sisters in both tales are silly though the Dashwood sisters appears to have drawn the better lot. In the end, Pride and Prejudice
remains my favorite because it has both a better storyline and far more interesting main characters. This doesn't mean that Sense and Sensibility is bad, just that its not as good.
My Conclusion : A wonderful read and definite keeper.
One of the reasons I love Jane Austen's books is her characters. I always feel as if they were based on actual people she's met or known. Best of all is the way she puts all their faults and idiosyncrasies before us without being mean about it. Case in point is the contrasts between Mrs. Jennings, her daughters and their husbands personalities. I was amused by their behavior and attitudes but I also feel a certain affection for them. That, I believe is because its the way the author feels about them.
Of all the characters though, the one I identify with most is Elinor. In part, because I see some of myself in her. But mostly because I'm seeing the story unfold from Elinor's eyes and so understand her thoughts, reasoning and feelings. To illustrate, I'd like to share one of my favorite passages from the book :
"We think now," said Mr Dashwood, after a short pause, "of Robert's marrying Miss Morton."Funny, isn't it the idea that either brother will do as a groom since Miss Morton is after all marrying the eldest son of Mrs. Ferrars ?
Elinor, smiling at the grave and decisive importance of her brother's tone, calmly replied: "The lady, I suppose, has no choice in the affair."
"Choice! how do you mean?"
"I only mean, that I suppose from your manner of speaking, it must be the same to Miss Morton whether she marry Edward or Robert."
"Certainly, there can be no difference; for Robert will now to all intents and purposes be considered as the eldest son; and as to anything else, they are both very agreeable young men - I do not know that one is superior to the other."
Inevitably, certain similarities in the characters will bring up comparisons with Pride and Prejudice. The Dashwood sisters at times reminds me of Jane and Elizabeth Bennet. Mr. Palmer's behavior seems to arise from the same malady as Mr. Bennet. Younger sisters in both tales are silly though the Dashwood sisters appears to have drawn the better lot. In the end, Pride and Prejudice
remains my favorite because it has both a better storyline and far more interesting main characters. This doesn't mean that Sense and Sensibility is bad, just that its not as good. My Conclusion : A wonderful read and definite keeper.
?I've only watched the first one below. Which versions of Sense and Sensibility below have you seen ?
I *heart* S&S! I most identify with Elinor and her struggle to be responsible to the point of sacrificing her own happiness. I believe Edward suffers from the same problem--aka why they are a good couple. I love Colonel Brandon and his influence on Marianne! I reread this last month and really enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteI haven't watched any of the S&S movies yet. Neither have I read the book. I don't think the movies are sold here though. Perhaps will look them up on eBay! :)
ReplyDeleteOf all Austen's, I loved the Pride and Prejudice, too! I've seen two versions, the Ang Lee directed version and the BBC TV version. I loved both versions though but Kate Winslet as Marianne Dashwood is astounding.
ReplyDeleteI am with you! P&P is my favorite too! While I can relate to Elinor, I know I have plenty of Marianne in me. I wear my feelings on the outside and sometimes let my emotions get the best of me!
ReplyDeleteI greatly enjoyed your review!