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“Sense and Sensibility revolves around the two Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne. The elder Elinor embodies sense and good judgement while the younger Marianne, with her fiercely romantic spirit, embodies sensibility (or sensitivity in modern English)
The novel sheds light on both sides, allowing the reader to make their choice as to the better option. In my opinion, although sense should definitely be one's guiding principle, a suitable amount of sensibility can bring much colour to one's life. The important thing is to strike balance between the two. Elinor and Marianne both show the extremes of the traits Austen chose to represent through them so that at times Elinor appears a bit reserved ,especially as regards to her feelings for Edward, while Marianne's reactions to certain events seem melodramatic. Towards the end however, Marianne does acquire more sobriety.
Sense and Sensibility, like Mansfield Park, is a more serious work than Pride and Prejudice and Emma (both of which are among my favourite books) It has dark underlying themes and little humour. Mrs.Jennings and Sir John Middleton are perhaps the only characters that provide any comic relief. With characters like Colonel Brandon ,who had a troubled past, the novel hints towards the murky underworld of Georgian life. I found this novel to be more enjoyable than Mansfield Park because I deeply admired the protagonist, Elinor's composure whereas Fanny Price never really endeared to me.
Like all of Austen's books, the dialogues between the characters are the cream of the cake. They are animated and full of so much life that one can practically hear the characters saying them. The conversation between Mr and Mrs Dashwood at the beginning of the book was particularly interesting as she whittles his promise to his father down to nothing.
I also felt sympathetic towards Col. Brandon and really liked his character too. Elinor and Marianne's sisterly relation reminded me somewhat of Elizabeth and Jane's from Pride and Prejudice although it was not as strong.
There are some surprises in the story too which puzzle, delight and satisfy the reader.
Overall, I found this book to be a very entertaining read and recommend it to all those who like Austen.”
Hnia // wrote this review Tuesday, November 15, 2011.
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