In the movie
Sense and Sensibility, we have been introduced to the two sisters; Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. Though the two are sisters, they are nearly polar opposites in their social and emotional thinking. As we have witnessed in the movie, Elinor takes a more conservative and rational approach to life, while Marianna seems to live by her heart and emotions. But is there more to these two characters than what meets the eye? According to Lianna Manukyan, the differences between Elinor and Marianne represents emotion versus reason (Manukyan). From the movie, Marianne seemingly defies the aspect of rationality, while Elinor uses judgment and rational thinking to make decisions. As Manukyan explains, the concept of reason over emotion was a value attributed to the 18th century (Manukyan). Jane Austen essentially captures the two ideas within the characters and plays them off of each other. Marianne's portrayal allows her to go through many different phases so far in the movie. Because of her emotional nature, she is more willing to allow her instincts to control her desires, and then act upon them rather than rationally calculating various outcomes. Marianne's character is essential in explaining the aspect of emotion when compared to reason. Jane Austen's characters have made an impact on women's history. And the character of Marianne allows the reader to understand the use of emotion in relation to reason throughout the novel.
Source:
http://web.calstatela.edu/faculty/jgarret/467/sample4-2.htm
1 comment:
Jacob,
Interesting analysis of the two main characters in the movie. For me personally after our discussions in class, these points seem rather obvious, I would have much preferred you delve into an analysis of the male characters, or even that of Margaret Dashwood, the youngest. The reason being that through the movie's work, and presumably the book's as well the understanding of the main characters and their defining characteristics is obvious. Yet an analysis of the differences represented by Colonel Brandon and Mr. Willoughby for example would be interesting to see how they represent the society. The reason for my interest is because Austen always develops her female characters in representation to the society she knew, so what would the men be? Or are they as two-dimensional as the movie portrays them? Merely hypotheticals of course.
Post a Comment