Sense and sensibility: Jane Austen
When reading Jane Austen this semester I was remarkably impressed with her work “Northanger abbey” and the compelling twists reflecting the gothic heroine. However her other works, specifically “Sense and Sensibility” are shown to have played a major role in understanding the Victorian era. Although many of the other readings that we read may have shown some of the same influences, Sense and Sensibility clearly displays them. It shows the immense contrast between men and women, identifies the Victorian gentlemen, and defines the issue of being able to show ones true self. Which is why I believe this text should be included in your teachings.
Though the text is lengthy at times Austen captivates the audience by associating drama with facts. When introduced to both Colonel Christopher Brandon and Edward Ferrars they are easily identified as Victorian gentlemen; both wealthy and of great stature. However Austen presents a conflict that arises in this era; men have more power over women in regards to wealth. Lore Segal states, “Jane Austen has taught her readers about the nineteenth-century gentleman's relation to his money: he has to have
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For example, although John is madly in love with Marianne, he never confronts her of these feelings and furthermore abandons her without reason; until she finds he is marrying someone else strictly because of money. At the last scene of the book as Marianne moves on to marry Christopher, John is out in the distance watching the scene and wondering “what if”. Although he may have loved Marianne, he was unwilling to marry someone who was poor. This particular scene affirms how male characters keep their feelings veiled in order to maintain social credibility, and how wealth during this time can be much greater then what the heart truly