Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Book Review: Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen



'”Elinor, starting back with a look of horror at the sight of him, obeyed the first impulse of her heart in turning instantly to quit the room, and her hand was already on the lock, when its action was suspended by his hastily advancing, and saying, in a voice rather of command than supplication:
  'Miss Dashwood, for half an hour–for ten minutes–I entreat you to stay... My business is with you, and only with you.'
  'With me!'–in the utmost amazement–'well, sir–be quick–and if you can–less violent.'
   'Sit down, and I will be both.'
   She hesitated, she knew not what to do... After a moment's recollection... concluding that prudence required dispatch, and that her acquiescence would best promote it, she walked silently toward the table and sat down.”
                                                                                                                                                            -from Sense & Sensibility

Sense & Sensibility is surely the classic romance encapsulated: contrasting pairs of sisters, mysterious suitors, dastardly suitors, secrets, and (though it is only spoken of) even a duel between a hero and villain. Perfection indeed. Yet, though it has so much of what could be excitement and even scandal in that which takes place, it is all written in an elegance of style and tone–with a delicate handling of dialogue and description that tells so little and says so much. Clever writing, indeed, as such a tactic keeps you happily coming back for more! That and the characters are so straightforward and everyday-like and yet have an aura of romance around them, too.

I feel as though I grew up on the story, yet on each concentrated rereading I experience something new. For instance, I have always had a hearty dislike for Willoughby–nothing extremely personal, but he divides Colonel Brandon from Marianne and for that I could not forgive him. On this reading, however, I found myself catapulting along with Elinor’s thoughts upon the subject. (Note: I said Elinor not Marianne. M goes a little to far with her feelings.) I almost wish W and M could have been united...but not quite. Willoughby's character and actions are at all times utterly selfish while on the other hand Colonel Brandon truly deserves and loves her. I regret nothing. Another thing noted was that Marianne did not become ill with love for Willoughby, but from shock at his true character, actions, and what his designs upon her might have been. Very slight difference, but adds a great deal to her character.

At the end of this reading I came away with my feelings once more cemented. Though I love the rest of Miss Austen's stories as well, Sense & Sensibility is and always will be my favorite.

Note: This is my third review for the Jane Austen Review Challenge.

13 comments:

  1. I've never exactly hated Willoughby either, just pitied him. But I dearly love Colonel Brandon -- he's my favorite character in the whole book -- so I have never wished that Marianne would wind up with Willoughby.

    By the way, if you've ever wanted to read a really excellent Austen pastiche about these characters, I really liked Colonel Brandon's Diary by Amanda Grange. Clean and sweet, and a fast read. Just thought I'd mention it :-)

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    1. Colonel Brandon is simply amazing. :) He and Edward are actually my favorite Austen heroes. I guess my point was that I don't like W. any more than I used to, I just pitied him more upon this reading. :) Thank you for the book recommendation!

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  2. I have not read S&S yet, but it's ready and waiting on the shelf. I have seen 2 movie adaptions however-one multiple times-and I love the story! I can't wait to read the book. :)

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    1. I can't wait until you read it! :) Which versions have you seen?

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    2. I've seen the 1995 one and the 2008 one. I'm not sure which is my favorite. I'm leaning more toward the 1995 one, but there is a lot I like about he 2008 one. I'm sure reading the book will help me decide! Which versions have you seen?

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    3. I haven't seen the 70's, but I have seen the 80's, the '95, and the '08 versions. I think they each bring out slightly different aspects of the story. I think S&S must translate very well to film as I have not seen one rendition I did not like! However, if I must choose an overall favorite I think it would be the '95. :)

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    4. I'll have to look into the other versions you mentioned!
      What is it about the 1995 one that makes it your favorite?
      For me, the 1995 one was the first one I saw. That's probably part of the reason I tend to like it the best. :) But comparing it with the 2008 one, I also think Emma T. and Kate W. did a better job acting than Hattie M. and Charity W. What is your opinion?

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    5. My favorite thing about the ’95 version is how golden and lovely the entire film is; like a fairy-tale. :) Again, it is difficult to choose between all the S&S's when it comes to my favorite character portrayals. But just between the '95 and '08 versions: I like both Marianne's equally, but (though I think Hattie Morahan did a wonderful job with the character) Emma Thompson's Elinor is by far my firm favorite. :) As is the '95 Edward. Which Edward and/or Colonel Brandon is your favorite?

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  3. Hmmm, I'm not sure. I really should watch the '08 version again, because I can't remember some of it. Since I haven't read the book, I can't really compare the men's representation of the roles against the book characters, but to me, Hugh Grant just IS Edward. I really liked Dan Stevens, but he just didn't seem like Edward. He wasn't awkward and shy enough! :)
    As for Colonel Brandon, I really like how the '08 actor didn't talk through his nose...or whatever is going on with Colonel Brandon in the 1995 version! :) But, since Alan Rickman was the first Colonel Brandon I saw, he'll probably always be the Colonel to me. :)
    All in all, I love aspects of the 2008 version, but my ultimate favorite is definitely the 1995 version. :)
    What about you? Do you prefer one of the Edwards and Colonels or the other?

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    1. I agree that Hugh Grant is perfect as Edward and actually Alan Rickman is nearly my favorite Colonel. I say nearly because the 80's Colonel Brandon is, to quote my younger sister Arwen, "Just so sweet!" :) The 80's Edward is also wonderful and so for me my favorites for all the characters - including E & M - are a tie between the 80's and 1995 versions as there is just so much I love about each!
      S&S is "my" Austen, so I've been having lots of fun with this "conversation". :) I hope your move is going well and I can't wait to hear more about it!

      Eowyn

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    2. You've really piqued my interest for the 1980s version! Hopefully I can watch it sometime. First I'm going to read the book. I am determined to start that soon! :)
      Oh, I'm glad! I've really enjoyed this conversation too!
      Our move went very well, thank you! We're living at my Gramma's until we can find our own house. :) I was hoping to perhaps do an "update" blog post soon, but I have yet to start it. We have to go to the library to use the wifi, so I don't have as much internet time as I'm used to! :)

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    3. Do let me know if you ever see the '80's version. And I really enjoyed reading your "update" post. :) Michigan looks lovely!

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    4. I will! And thank you! Michigan IS beautiful. So different from Florida! :)

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