Happy Jane Austen January! Lisa from Boondock Ramblings and I are hosting a month long blog event that centers around Jane Austen. Together, we are focusing on four movies, and we will be posting non-movie related content independently as the month goes on. We would love it if you participated as well! Book reviews, movie reviews, or as Joy has already posted, a post about the places that you can visit from Sense and Sensibility! You can find Lisa’s thoughts on Sense and Sensibility here.

My “minor” in college was literature, and I read so many books – Jane Austen, the Brontes, Shakespeare, Mary Shelley, etc. You get the idea. I loved Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, it was probably one of my favorites that I read my whole college career. However, it was a long time ago now that I was in college (sob) and while I don’t recall much of the books, I also don’t really want to reread them necessarily. So I unfortunately can’t compare the movie to the book, and I apologize. I know that some of you will know more of these details and I hope that you will share them, either in the comments or in a blog post you write.

One thing I do remember however, is how Jane Austen’s writing was a social commentary, exposing the ideas of her time about marriage, prejudice, social class. Sense and Sensibility in particular in my mind, illustrates this division, although in this movie we see how men are also pawns in the game as well, at times.

The story centers on the Dashwoods, on the sisters Elinor and Marianne, their widowed mother, and youngest sister Margaret. When their father dies, his estate falls to their eldest half-brother John, and while their shared father has told John to take care of his sisters, John lets his pushy wife Fanny, who is utterly deplorable, to dissuade him, and convinces him to give them far less to live on then he had originally intended. They are not completely destitute at 500 pounds a year, but it sure won’t go far, especially for a family that is used to the finer things. Luckily, Mrs. Dashwood’s cousin has an adorable cottage, Barton Cottage, that they can live in, as they have to move from their estate which now belongs to John and his wife.

Before the Dashwoods leave however, Elinor meets and falls in love with Edward Ferrars, who is brother to Fanny, her not very nice sister-in-law. Edward however is apparently to marry well, or he will lose his fortune, as Fanny not so subtly warns Mrs. Dashwood.

The Dashwoods head to their new home in Devonshire, where they meet Colonel Brandon, and John Willoughby. And from here, all the Jane Austen style hijinks begin. The marriages, secrets, social class as a great divide – all of it.

Elinor and Marianne are so very different, in fact they are Sense – Elinor, and Sensibility – Marianne. Elinor is all common sense (or so it appears), and Marianne is carefree and emotional. Elinor is reserved, Marianne is open and allows her emotions to be seen by all. When I was younger, Marianne was my very favorite Jane Austen heroine. Probably because when this movie came out, I was just about the same age as Marianne (and Kate Winslet). Her wild impetuosity and desire to be true to herself and love and just go for it appealed to me. Why would she love a Brandon, when there was a Willoughby? Now though, I look at it and feel the opposite. Willoughby now compared to Colonel Brandon? No contest. We all know who the best man is. Back when I first watched this, it partly was an age thing for me, but at the time the book was written that was definitely not uncommon, a large age difference, and now I see past this age difference and can consider the character of the character, if you will.

Now though, watching this as an adult, Elinor appeals to me much more. (although 11 year old Margaret is an awesome character with her love of pirates and a good map and tree houses). Elinor’s quietness and reserve can be a bit maddening, and I can understand Marianne’s impatience with her sometimes, especially the whole situation with Lucy Steele. You want to say, “Come on Elinor! Speak up for yourself!” although, on another level, you know why she doesn’t. It does seem as if she is more willing to speak honestly of certain things with Edward, such as in this exchange.

Elinor: You talk of feeling idle and useless. Imagine how that is compounded when one has no hope and no choice of any occupation whatsoever

Edward: Our circumstances are therefore precisely the same.

Elinor: Except that you will inherit your fortune. We cannot even earn ours.

Edward: Perhaps Margaret is right.

Elinor: Right?

Edward: Piracy is our only option.

I still love this story, the trials and tribulations that the sisters go through, how they react, and especially of course the ending. I actually also really enjoyed seeing this story through my own different lens of age, from how I felt about the characters now compared to when I was a young teenager/early adult.

And…. I need to stop because I don’t want to spoil anything! I highly encourage you to watch this movie if you haven’t seen it.

Next up – Pride and Prejudice! And remember, the linky link is always at the top of my blog in the header!