Post by Lu on Apr 28, 2008 3:47:22 GMT -5
1) I agree with Michelle, that Austen was rewarding Elinor more than Marianne. I think they both have an happy ending but Marianne does change a lot during the story, so her happy ending is not the one she began the novel wanting. Elinor doesn't change as her sister.
2) I can't say exactly where Marianne's feelings for Colonel Brandon changes but I think she loves him truly. I agree with what oureternity said about the "teenage" love, I think that can be said also of Willoughby, in fact this time when I was reading the part where Marianne and Willoughby starts their aquaintance I was struck by some points:
"Encouraged by this to a further examination of his opinions, she proceeded to question him on the subject of books; her favourite authors were brought forward and dwelt upon with so rapturous a delight, that any young man of five and twenty must have been insensible indeed, not to become an immediate convert to the excellence of such works, however disregarded before. Their taste was strikingly alike. The same books, the same passages were idolized by each—or if any difference appeared, any objection arose, it lasted no longer than till the force of her arguments and the brightness of her eyes could be displayed. He acquiesced in all her decisions, caught all her enthusiasm; and long before his visit concluded, they conversed with the familiarity of a long-established acquaintance."
I sort of had the impression he wants to please Marianne and I don't think that's properly a good basis for a true love. I guess Marianne finally realizes that Colonel Brandon is way better than Willoughby.
I also thought there's a similarity between Marianne and Edward, in their emotional way, because they both fall in love (and Edward also bound himself) at a young age and then change their mind in favour of more deserving people. Apart from that, they're really different.
2) I can't say exactly where Marianne's feelings for Colonel Brandon changes but I think she loves him truly. I agree with what oureternity said about the "teenage" love, I think that can be said also of Willoughby, in fact this time when I was reading the part where Marianne and Willoughby starts their aquaintance I was struck by some points:
"Encouraged by this to a further examination of his opinions, she proceeded to question him on the subject of books; her favourite authors were brought forward and dwelt upon with so rapturous a delight, that any young man of five and twenty must have been insensible indeed, not to become an immediate convert to the excellence of such works, however disregarded before. Their taste was strikingly alike. The same books, the same passages were idolized by each—or if any difference appeared, any objection arose, it lasted no longer than till the force of her arguments and the brightness of her eyes could be displayed. He acquiesced in all her decisions, caught all her enthusiasm; and long before his visit concluded, they conversed with the familiarity of a long-established acquaintance."
I sort of had the impression he wants to please Marianne and I don't think that's properly a good basis for a true love. I guess Marianne finally realizes that Colonel Brandon is way better than Willoughby.
I also thought there's a similarity between Marianne and Edward, in their emotional way, because they both fall in love (and Edward also bound himself) at a young age and then change their mind in favour of more deserving people. Apart from that, they're really different.