Michelle
First novel published
Posts: 2,563
|
Post by Michelle on Mar 25, 2008 7:21:54 GMT -5
My answer to your questions, Kristie:
(1) I would not want a man who was exactly like me. I think you need some disagreement in a relationship. There are some things that I would like his views to be similar to mine - politics, religion, children - but for the minor things like music and books, I like a healthy debate. I find that Ben and I overlap enough that we can enjoy things together like concerts or movies but our tastes have also remained different enough to make us individuals.
(2) I like Col. Brandon and I think Elinor would have too had she not met Edward first. They seem to get along so well that if she thought her heart were free, I can't imagine the thought not crossing her mind.
And to answer my question, at this point in the novel, I think I more resemble Elinor. I'm the logical, rational one in the family that doesn't get swept up in emotions. But as the novel progresses, I think my answer does, too.
|
|
Isa
Administrator
Posts: 6,995
|
Post by Isa on Mar 25, 2008 8:48:28 GMT -5
Great questions guys, I really like how you're leading this discussion!
1) I agree with Michelle on this one. I think it's important that you share the same basic values, but not everything has to be the same otherwise I'm afraid you might lose bits of your personality. I've seen it happen with some of my friends who started dating - after a while it was like they had become the same person and it was kind of boring to tell you the truth. When you're exactly the same, it turns out you don't have much to talk about. But in Marianne's case, what makes it worst is that I don't even think she had "shared values" in mind, it was more like "shared passions". She still has a lot of growing up to do at that point in the novel..!
2) When I was reading the novel for the first time, I also thought something might happen between Colonel Brandon and Elinor because they seem to care for each other and they seem suited for each other. I guess the fact that nothing happens shows that they both have more sentiments than we might give them credit for. It would be a very reasonable match but they can't see that because they're both already in love.
As to which sister I'm the most similar to, I think I really fall half way in between. I could never control my feelings the way Elinor does (I have a very low E.Q.!) but I'm not all about feelings the way Marianne is. Perhaps I'm more like Maragaret?!
|
|
Michelle
First novel published
Posts: 2,563
|
Post by Michelle on Mar 25, 2008 8:58:02 GMT -5
As to which sister I'm the most similar to, I think I really fall half way in between. I could never control my feelings the way Elinor does (I have a very low E.Q.!) but I'm not all about feelings the way Marianne is. Perhaps I'm more like Maragaret?! That's how I feel by the end of the novel, too. Somewhere in the middle. Which I think is probably the best place to be - a nice balance. I also so less of myself in Elinor on the second reading of the novel.
|
|
|
Post by Hazy on Mar 25, 2008 8:58:54 GMT -5
This is the first time I have read Sense & Sensibility, but I had seen the movie with Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet etc. before. I've been blown away so far by Margaret, she is actually nothing like they portrayed her in the movie. I hope she gets a chance to develop as a character more throughout the rest of the book, but I'm not counting on it.
|
|
Tabitha
First short story featured in regional newspaper
Posts: 152
|
Post by Tabitha on Mar 25, 2008 10:08:34 GMT -5
1. I agree with what everyone else has said. I would find it extremely dull to be with someone who shares all the same opinions as I do. While it is important feel the same on big issues, feeling the same on everything is an extreme. I would be dating myself and I don't know about that. Conflict can be healthy. It introduces you to new ideas and situations. I love that Austen has that quote at the beginning of the novel. It is a great summation of Marianne's character and gives hints to the rest of the story.
2. I don't know if Elinor would have ended up with Col. Brandon if Edward was not there first. They seem a little too much alike, but I have yet to figure out Edward. Maybe Col. Brandon is just a welcomed break from her sister and mother, but too similar to herself to encourage any romantic feelings.
|
|
|
Isa
Administrator
Posts: 6,995
|
Post by Isa on Mar 26, 2008 7:31:37 GMT -5
This is the first time I have read Sense & Sensibility, but I had seen the movie with Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet etc. before. I've been blown away so far by Margaret, she is actually nothing like they portrayed her in the movie. I hope she gets a chance to develop as a character more throughout the rest of the book, but I'm not counting on it. I don't think I'm giving anything away by saying that the character of Margaret isn't as important in the book as it is in the movie. I thought that making her more important was one of the best things the writers of the movie did when they adapted the novel to the big screen, so I can understand how it might be a bit disappointing if you've seen the movie before reading the novel.
|
|
oureternity
Collection of short stories bought by Random House
bam.
Posts: 1,568
|
Post by oureternity on Mar 26, 2008 12:02:15 GMT -5
1) I semi agree with you guys. I don't want to be with someone who's precisely like me, but it would be nice to share the same interests. Although, even though we wouldn't share the same interests, I'd expect him to show interest in my interests. I don't think I'd mind to be with someone who isn't like me, but I know I somewhat can't be with someone who isn't like me at all, let alone someone who wouldn't show interest in my things at all, it would seem rather careless. Hence, to Michelle's question, I feel more connected to Marianne. I want to be like Elinor, the "sense", and this is why I agree with what Kristie said, I like her more, but I feel more sensitive rather than sensible.
2) I think that they might have, but not for the right reasons. In the quote she says how well read and good mannered he is - those are things which might have been very important back then at Austen's time, but it's still Austen we are talking about - and as to the possible love connection between them I have no idea. I think she would be with him if she had no choice, but I can't tell if she could possibly love him.
|
|
|
Post by bookaddict on Mar 26, 2008 15:56:30 GMT -5
1) I do not agree. Daniel and I compliment each other we're not replica's of each other. I love books and he loves sports. As much as I read and pay attention to literature he reads and studies sports. It works out perfect because when he's watching sports, I'm laying next to him reading. Yes, we do agree on a lot of things. Our morals, our idea's on what we want for ourselves are the same. Our specific likes and dislikes do not match.
2) I think it is possible that she would have loved Colonel Brandon. They seem to get a long great. When Willoughby proceeds to slight Colonel Brandon she is upset because she knows that he is a good man. However, in Austen's world I think emotion is taken out of a lot of relationships. Emotion is based on rank, title and character. He could be a very sensible man and have everything in common with Elinor but if he is a poor man, she would never be able to love him. In Persuasion Anne loves Captain Wentworth and it is only when he proves himself a good man can she really let herself love him, and not try to confine her true feelings.
What do you think of Marianne and Elinor so far? Which one do you better relate to? They both seem innocent to me, and confined. I think I would relate to Marianne. I am an emotional person when it comes to relationships.
What did you think when Mrs. Fanny Dashwood came to take over as soon as Mr. Dashwood dies? I thought it was horrible, I really don't like John Dashwood. He is really naive and gullible. His wife is greedy and cold.
|
|
Kristie
Novel turned into BBC miniseries
"If a book is well written, I always find it too short."
Posts: 7,214
|
Post by Kristie on Mar 26, 2008 16:29:24 GMT -5
This is the first time I have read Sense & Sensibility, but I had seen the movie with Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet etc. before. I've been blown away so far by Margaret, she is actually nothing like they portrayed her in the movie. I hope she gets a chance to develop as a character more throughout the rest of the book, but I'm not counting on it. I don't think I'm giving anything away by saying that the character of Margaret isn't as important in the book as it is in the movie. I thought that making her more important was one of the best things the writers of the movie did when they adapted the novel to the big screen, so I can understand how it might be a bit disappointing if you've seen the movie before reading the novel. I read this book first of all Austens because I'd seen the movie and it helped me get used to her writing style & the vocabulary. I must say I was disappointed with how Margaret is basically left out of the book--I love her in the movie! A true tomboy But then I'm left to wonder...If I'd seen the movie after reading the book, would I be upset they gave her a bigger role? (As I've said before, I will pick apart a movie if I read the book first lol)
|
|
Kristie
Novel turned into BBC miniseries
"If a book is well written, I always find it too short."
Posts: 7,214
|
Post by Kristie on Mar 26, 2008 16:31:24 GMT -5
1) I do not agree. Daniel and I compliment each other we're not replica's of each other. I love books and he loves sports. As much as I read and pay attention to literature he reads and studies sports. It works out perfect because when he's watching sports, I'm laying next to him reading. Yes, we do agree on a lot of things.Our morals, our idea's on what we want for ourselves are the same. Our specific likes and dislikes do not match. That's like me and Nick. Except he's probably playing video games more than watching sports...it depends what sport is in season lol
|
|
Kristie
Novel turned into BBC miniseries
"If a book is well written, I always find it too short."
Posts: 7,214
|
Post by Kristie on Mar 26, 2008 16:42:24 GMT -5
"What did you think when Mrs. Fanny Dashwood came to take over as soon as Mr. Dashwood dies?"
Mrs. John Dashwood. What else can I say but that she is the greediest character I think Austen ever wrote. Many of Austen's characters are vain, but Fanny is greedy. I think it is horrible the way she treated Mrs. and the Misses Dashwood. If they had had someplace to go, it might be a little more understandable, but they way she was pushing them out, basically onto the streets, was rude--no matter what the rules of decorum say about the house being hers. And don't even get me started on the way she's saying Elinor isn't good enough for Edward...
I'm not very fond of John Dashwood either. He's certainly not as bad as Fanny, but he's a "spineless jellyfish" when it comes to her persuasive techniques. It's very sneaky the way she talks him out of giving them anything little by little--telling him to give them less and less as the conversation goes. If she had said outright to not give them anything, he might've hesitated a bit longer.
|
|
annak
Collection of short stories published by an independent editor
Posts: 632
|
Post by annak on Mar 26, 2008 19:59:17 GMT -5
1) Idefinitely can't be with someone who agrees with everything I say. I like an arguement too much, and I like sharing my interests in books and music with others. If they already liked everything I did, I'm pretty sure I'd get fed up very quickly.
2) I think Elinor wouldn't have any romantic feelings towards Brandon. I think she has nothing but respect for him and it just seems like she regards him as a friend only. More like a brother than anything else. And I don't think she has no feelings for him because she's too inlove with Edward. Edward had a fiance and fell for Elinor, Elinor could have just as easily done the same.
John Dashwood really annoys me. Thats all there is to it. And if none of you have seen the Sense and Sensibility movie, please go see it and you will hate his character even more for being a complete push over.
|
|
Tabitha
First short story featured in regional newspaper
Posts: 152
|
Post by Tabitha on Mar 26, 2008 22:36:51 GMT -5
John Dashwood is extremely annoying. He seemed like he might do the right thing and then his nasty wife just would not let him. What is even worse is that he seems to justify his mean actions to himself.
|
|
thenephilim
Collection of short stories published by an independent editor
Posts: 627
|
Post by thenephilim on Mar 27, 2008 1:26:24 GMT -5
I hate Mrs. John Dashwood too. Throughout that whole conversation, I was getting frustrated to the point of actually yelling out loud, haha. Man was that annoying!
|
|