“…he long thought of Colonel Brandon with envy and of Marianne with regret. But that he was forever inconsolable, that he fled from society, or contracted an habitual gloom of temper, or died of a broken heart, must not be depended on; for he did neither. He lived to exert, and frequently to enjoy himself. His wife was not always out of humour, nor his home always uncomfortable; and in his breed of horses and dogs, and in sporting of every kind, he found no inconsiderable degree of domestic felicity.”
Sense & Sensibility, volume 3, chapter 14
The Jane Austen Guide to Life: Thoughtful Lessons for the Modern Woman (May, 2012)
A Walk with Jane Austen: A Journey into Adventure, Love, and Faith
I’m sorry, I must say I really enjoyed this movie. No, it didn’t perfectly adapt the book, and yes Willoughby was all wrong, but I still loved it. I thought all the women were superb, and though Colonel Brandon was not at all physically appealing the portrayal of his character was good. So there’s my opinion; if no one shares it that’s fine.
Oh, I’m glad you liked it. I think I am incredibly attached to Emma Thompson’s version.
While I am partial to the Emma Thompson version, I did enjoy this one as well for its own merits. I tend to get lost in the costumes and the scenery, so maybe that has something to do with it.
Lori, once again, great quote. I come here every day for my Austen fix, and I always enjoy your commentary. I bought your book and read it in two sittings (I have 2 young kids, so, couldn’t do it in one!)
Today’s quote makes me want to re-read S&S-soon. I too, am partial to the Emma Thompson adaptation, though I did adore the appropriately younger Elinor in this version. The scene of Elinor chugging Marianne’s wine really makes me want to page through and find how Austen wrote that-I read somewhere the scene is actually in the book. I don’t remember it.
One bit I thought very telling in the first half of this S&S-Margaret holding the fish bowl on the carriage ride from Norland to Barton cottage. Really a great metaphor for the fragility of the entire situation. Brilliant on Davies’ part.
What will we do now that Austenpalooza is over?!
I live in England so it was a while ago that I watched S&S. It may not have been a faithful adaptation in some ways, but at least it had the duel in it!!
Haven’t seen the second half yet. My VCR went on strike. Sounds like it was no great loss. 🙂 But I’ll probably take a look at the rerun Thursday night anyway, just for closure, as the pop psychologists say.
That passage you quote, Lori, really struck me as it never has before. Superb irony from Austen there. Domestic felicity with the dogs and horses . . . wow. Talk about “damned with faint praise.”
I like the Emma Thompson version as well. For some reason this one just touched me more. Maybe the fact that this Elinor was in her 20’s instead of 40 helped a bit.
thanks, karen! I am feeling a bit lost with all of the Austen hoopla coming to a close.
Gina — that struck me as well with this quote when I was typing it in.
Lizzie — I agree, a younger Elinor was nice.