“It is not time or opportunity that is to determine intimacy it is disposition alone. Seven years would be insufficient to make some people acquainted with each other, and seven days are more than enough for others” (49).
-by Amanda Blank
Marianne attempts to counsel Elinor about love while explaining and justifying her passionate feelings for Willoughby. Elinor considers Marianne’s decisions to be extremely rash, as Willoughby desires to give Marianne a horse, and Elinor argues that it is too soon in their relationship for such a symbol of love. However, Marianne exhibits her sensibility, sharply contrasting with Elinor’s careful judgment and common sense, as she explains to her sister that love does not depend on time or circumstance, but on the devotion and fervor of the lovers. This contributes to Austen’s portrayal of the Dashwood sisters’ relentless struggle between fairy tale romances and practicality, due to their contrasting qualities of sense and sensibility. Elinor attempts to rein in Marianne’s sensibility, while Marianne encourages Elinor to feel more passion and develop a better understanding of love. Marianne stresses that each relationship is unique and while careful people like Elinor may have to know someone for years before feeling genuine love, Marianne can experience passion after a short period of time. Marianne tries to educate Elinor of the beauty of true love and adoration, rather than relationships that are accepted solely because of security in society. Austen conveys that relationships vary depending on the person, so one should not force their opinion upon others, which is often the cause of the conflicts between Marianne and Elinor.
“When the romantic refinements of a young mind are obliged to give way, how frequently are they succeeded by such opinions as are but too common, and too dangerous!”
-By Brittany Phillips
As Elinor and Colonel Brandon discuss Marianne’s stubborn beliefs, Elinor expresses her chagrin, hoping Marianne will grow out of her immature and wishful thinking. Colonel Brandon however disagrees because he admires Marianne’s independence as something different from the monotony of common thought. Colonel Brandon is saying that unique opinions and values should be treasured rather than repudiated in favor of universal views. He calls these common thoughts dangerous because when one loses their opinion they lose their personality as well. Colonel Brandon’s words foreshadow his dark and tragic past as his reminiscent tone shows he speaks from personal experience. The quote is important because the vapidity of commonness is mocked throughout the novel through the characters of Mrs. Palmer and Mrs. Middleton. Austen is satirizing the insipidity of “proper” thoughts, ideals, dreams, and people. Austen’s words ring of “carpe diem” urging not only romanticists, but all the young to seize their youth and to value their free minds.
No comments:
Post a Comment