Romanticism: Sense and Sensibility

Sense and Sensibility is a story about the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne. When their father dies they are left with many financial difficulties. Their brother John, who was told by their father to take good care of the girls and their mother, turns on them and leaves them with nothing. The girls are forced to marry for financial security. The novel and movie are easily analyzed by the name of the title: Sense and Sensibility. Jane Austen wrote the novel, Sense and Sensibility, which the movie is based off of, around the turn of the eighteenth century. Which was between two cultural movements: Enlightenment and Romanticism.Which in turn, is why both Enlightenment and Romanticism characteristics are found in each sister.

Elinor Dashwood, the older of the two, represents the qualities of "sense." Such qualities seen in Elinor are: reason, restraint, social responsibility and a clear-head, often worrying about others over herself. Elinor represents the Enlightenment perspective because of her use of rationality, insight, good judgment and balance in her choices. She never loses sight of what is most important in their lives, often times Elinor will remind Marianne that they can't afford something or of what the smarter decision would be. Elinor doesn't portray her love for Edward, she holds it inside. This follows the Enlightenment thought of "beauty over truth." Elinor doesn't openly show her love for Edward, only knowing the beauty over the truth of their love.

Marianne Dashwood, the younger of the two, represents the qualities of "sensibility." Such qualities seen in Marianne are: emotion, impulsiveness and devotion. Marianne represents the Romanticism perspective because of her embracing romance, wild imagination, idealism, and her love for nature's undying beauty. Marianne was viewed many times in the movie with musical instruments and outside, portraying her love for nature. Marianne openly portrays her love for John Willoughby. Never hiding how she truly feels for him.

Elinor, though representing sense, does not lack passion, and Marianne, though representing sensibility, is not always foolish and headstrong. Both Elinor and Marianne find their happiness at the end of the movie, but only by learning from one another. Elinor finally marrying her long love, Edward and Marianne finally falling in love with Colonel Brandon. It is together they figure out how to feel and express their emotions and feelings completely while also keeping control of their dignity and self-control. I didn't think that the movie argued for either side, but rather what both sides could accomplish if put together. Just as the two sisters accomplished in the movie.