And so we are drawn into our latest Jane Austen selection: Sense and Sensibility. Our main characters are two sisters: Elinor (the older one with "sense") and Marianne (the younger, ruled by "sensibility").
Before we go any further, we should talk about the definition of "sensibility". Originally, this word meant sentimental, ruled by emotions, even hysteria. Marianne sees the world through her emotions, speaks before she thinks, pouts, and cries. Don't we all have those days?
Through this story, the sisters' reactions to the ins and outs of their lives are guided by their sense or their sensibility. When their half brother inherits the family home and fortune, turning out the sisters and their mother, Elinor methodically sets an budget and works to find a home to rent within their means; Marianne fumes, fusses, and refuses to speak to their brother and his wife.
When handsome suitors appear (which is soon because this is a Jane Austen novel, after all) Elinor is calm and discreet; Marianne is poetic and impulsive. When those suitors disappoint their hopes Elinor holds her secret hurt, while Marianne weeps, refuses food, and eventually drives herself into a serious illness.
The other characters of Sense and Sensibility also make their own choices to follow their heads or their hearts. Mrs. Jennings and her daughter, Charlotte (benefactors of Elinor and her family), gregariously live with humor and a sometimes unrealistically positive attitude. Colonel Brandon, the reserved older gentleman who gives unselfishly to Marianne, quietly supports and encourages those he loves.
But don't think this story only promotes the English stereotype of the "stiff upper lip" view of the world. In fact, by the end of the story the characters will up-end your preconceptions, and we discover, along with the characters, that the answers are not so clear after all.
Sense and Sensibility is Jane Austen's first published novel. We can see in her writing only the beginnings of the strong character development, humor, and irony that the fangirls love. Still, this is a rich story with all the familiar themes: the love of sisters; the struggle of women who must marry well to support themselves financially; and the unfairness of the inheritance laws in England at that time. Overall, a satisfying read.
I was able to watch Emma Thompson's version of Sense and Sensibilty (1995) on YouTube. The screenplay is brilliant - adapted with an honest love for Austen's writing and just the right amount of explanation for modern times. The cast is full of British superstars. While you watch it's fun to play "Spot the Actors Who Were Also In Harry Potter Movies" - and look for a small part by Hugh Laurie. Absolutely see this one!
Thanks for hanging in there with me. The next (and final of this series) blog will be coming soon - Pride and Prejudice.
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