Questions for Section One of Sense and Sensibility (Chapters 1 - 22)
1) Going into the novel – what are your impressions of it. Have you read it before ? If so, what do you think? If not, what do you know of the storyline?
2) Why is it titled “Sense and Sensibility?” What is the difference between the modern usage of the word “sensibility” and the one in the novel? Is there one? (this is from my Russian teacher who brings this up often when we are discussing a word that has changed meaning in Russian)
"Marianne's abilities were, in many respects, quite equal to Elinor's. She was sensible and clever; but eager in everything: her sorrows, her joys, could have no moderation. She was generous, amiable, interesting: she was everything but prudent. The resemblance between her and her mother was strikingly great.
Elinor saw, with concern, the excess of her sister's sensibility; but by Mrs. Dashwood it was valued and cherished. They encouraged each other now in the violence of their affliction.” (Chapter 1)
3) What? There’s a third sister? Describe Margaret and why you think she’s not thought of (at least by me) when I think of this novel.
4) What is your reaction to the financial situation that the death of Mr. Dashwood puts the family in, of John’s behavior towards his step-mother and half sisters, and of his wife’s attitudes? Do you think the solution they arrive at is a good one?
5) What did you think of the introduction of Lucy Steele and her relationship with Edward?
6) Anything I’ve missed?
posted by Mimi @ 12/04/2010 12:54:00 PM
5 Comments
5 Comments:
"Sensibility," in Jane's context, I believe has more to do with the emotions and how we let them control us. Think about this idea as you're reading, especially as Marianne and Elinor progress through their particular (but not completely dissimilar, at least as they map initially appear) romantic interludes and the events that take place before, during and after.
Hi Am reading along (actually I just finished, but need to reread some parts because I feel like I missed a few bits of information). ANYWAY~~ I havent read it, but it seems I may have watched part of the movie - some parts seem familiar, hmm. I agree with Kaura - Sensibility being an emotional reaction, fits of hysteria perhaps. But I always think of Sensibility as more practicality - like "sensible shoes" or maybe rationality.
Who cares about Margaret? She is too young to go to parties and be social so she is useless (ha!.)
ok - gotta run and put the kids to bed! :-)
1) I had not read the book before, but had seen the 1995 movie with Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant. Honestly, as much as I love Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson, my takeaway was not the plot, but the disparity between their ages.
2) I admit to thinking of “sensibility” as sensibleness, but when I think of the phrase, “delicate sensibilities” I can definitely see where the contrast is. I like the quote that I showed, as I think that Austen is drawing a comparison between Marianne and Mrs. Dashwood.
3) While I see the point that she isn’t integral to the plot and is therefore not drawn intensely, I still had to laugh at myself – I truly and honestly was shocked that there was a third sister.
4) I was also amused at how the younger Mrs. Dashwood (Fanny, is that right?) talked herself into not feeling any guilt about stiffing the older Mrs. Dashwood and the girls. I think that the solution works out well, and obviously sets up the situation for proximity to Edward and his family.
5) I think the Steeles are intentional foils for the Dashwoods. I think that Edward and Elinor have a natural attraction, but Edward honors his previous engagement with Lucy.
6) I was struck by a comment by Mrs. Dashwood (that I couldn’t find again so I couldn’t write a question about it) about Marianne’s being too romantic to allow her beau to have a previous love, and how she conveniently overlooks her father’s first marriage. I thought it was an incredibly perceptive comment for Mrs. Dashwood to make, given that she’d been previously drawn to be so unperceptive.
I am greatly enjoying this novel, probably the most of the Austen novels I’ve read to date. I find it very readable and the storyline to be interesting.
Awesome, Kat! I'm excited.
I like that point, Laura, about letting our emotions control us.
My answers got too long! I'm enjoying this ;) they're over at http://pikku-myy.blogspot.com/2010/12/sense-and-sensibility-1.html Mimi, thanks for the questions and for your final point, which I think also points up the fact that Mr Dashwood's children from his two marriages have never really had anything to do with each other. They are so *not* close that Marianne can, at least in a way, forget how closely they are actually related, and why!
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