Sense and Sensibility
The first book by Jane Austen ever published, this novel became very popular when it was first released and, soon after, many people recognized the name when she next published Pride and Prejudice. The story centers around two sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, who have very different personalities. I like to think that Elinor is Sense and Marrianne is Sensibility. There is a difference between these words; of course, I did not know that until one day I finally googled their definitions. The Dashwoods, happily situated in Norland Park, have found themselves with only 400 pounds a year to live on after Mr. Dashwood dies. The only heir to the inheritance is Mr. John Dashwood, Mr. Dashwood's son from a previous marriage. The Dashwoods are forced out of their home and must settle in Barton Cottage, a small home owned by Mr. Jennings who is Mrs. Dashwoods distant cousin. Before leaving Norland, however, Elinor becomes quite attached to her sister-in-law's brother, Mr. Edward Ferrars. Fanny Dashwood, her sister-in-law, disapproves of this attachment and makes it very clear to Mrs. Dashwood that Edward and Elinor's marriage would never be sanctified by the rest of the family. So the family finally depart for Barton Cottage. Elinor is the eldest of the three Dashwood sisters and the most practical and realistic of all the family. She is described as "something of an artist" because she paints and draws. Her sister, Marianne, 17, is a musician and is very accomplished as a pianist. She, unlike her older sister, is very emotional and passionate. She loves poetry, particularly Romantic poetry of the time like Byron. Shortly after settling in Barton Cottage, Marianne falls deeply in love with a man named Mr. George Willoughby, although, he is hardly ever referred to as anything other than "Willoughby" and you begin to forget that that is his surname and he isn't one of those celebrities strictly referred to by one name like Madonna and Cher. Willoughby is a gentleman from the area who spends most of his time in town (this is Austen-speak for a city, probably Bath or London). He, like Marianne, is passionate and romantic. The couple's sensibility and intimacy lead the country to believe that they are secretly engaged or, at the very least, soon to be. Elinor and her mother wait anxiously to be informed of their engagement, until one day when Willoughby is urgently, and unexpectedly, called away on business in town by his aunt. Marianne is distraught at this news and mourns his absence with fervor. In his place come Lucy and Nancy Steele, relations of Mr. Jennings. When The Jennings begin to tease Elinor about her connection with a Mr. Ferrars, Lucy pulls Elinor away to confide in her that Edward and herself have been secretly engaged ever since they met four years ago at Oxford where Edward attained his education. Elinor is deeply disheartened at hearing this news but she shows no sign of her pain to Lucy and promises to keep her secret. Mrs. Jennings then invites Marianne and Elinor to town where she knows both Edward Ferrars and Willoughby to be located. Elinor is reluctant to go but Mrs. Jennings is persistent and Marianne is more than anxious for the oppurtunity to see Willoughby. They go to town and soon the Ms. Steeles follow. With all the players conjoined in town, Jane Austen works her magic and lets the pieces fall!
Wow, cliffhanger! Bet you thought I was going to give away the ending. Heh, heh, Suckers!
Wow, cliffhanger! Bet you thought I was going to give away the ending. Heh, heh, Suckers!
Sense and Sensibility (1995)
The Sense and Sensibility of 1995 is considered the classic version of Sense and Sensibility starring Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, and Hugh Grant. It is true to the book and much of the script is written by Emma Thompson herself. This was the first version I ever saw, plus it has Hugh Laurie making a short but amusing appearance as Mr. Palmer. Even so, I like the 2008 remake much better.
Sense and Sensibility (2008)
This is the most recent adaptation of Sense and Sensibility and my personal favorite, starring Hattie Morahan as Elinor, Charity Wakefield as Marianne, and Dominic Cooper as Willoughby. This three episode BBC production is AWESOME!! Hattie Morahan distinguishes her Elinor Dashwood to Emma Thompson's and, come on, DOMINIC COOPER as WILLOUGHBY, who wouldn't melt??? His good looks aside, Dominic Cooper plays Willoughby superbly; I die every single time I watch his final scene, that look of disdain as he looks at Elinor for the last time is perfect!!! Sense and Sensibility 2008 has a beautiful soundtrack and an excellent script from Andrew Davies that is true to the book but also explores Jane Austen's original novel. The trailer for this one is not as good as the other one, but don't be deceived, this one is better. WATCH IT!!!!