I just recently finished the second part of Jane Austin's first novel. I am not going to give details here of the events of the second part of the story, though I would like to say a few things.
The second part is mostly about the Dashwood sisters in London. As Marianne becomes heart broken when Mr. Willoughby never responds to her letters, and even finds that he is with another woman of great fortune, a certain Lucy Ferrars comes to know Eleanor and lead on a convincing story that Edward truly loves herself.
But perhaps so central to the second volume is details about Colonel Brandon's past that reveals him in every way to be the British gentlemen that he is. I thought the second part of the story really developed him.
As far as Marianne Dashwood goes, the second volume in many ways is gloomy yet revealing. On the one hand, Marianne begins to break emotionally apart from Willoughby, though this takes a good amount of time. Yet, it eventually gives a relief to Marianne from her persistence in waiting for his proposal to marriage. In many ways Marianne matures through this part of the novel.
I am not going to give many details here, as I said earlier. But let me again reaffirm part that this part of the book gives away many spoilers! This is especially so as concerns Colonel Brandon.
One again, like the previous volume the story is told largely by the tone attributed to Eleanor's character. Throughout much of this Volume, Eleanor is left uneasy by Lucy's stories of Edward's affection towards herself. But unlike Marianne, Eleanor does not reveal her hurt or feelings to others. Eleanor is far too concerned with the well being of her family, to die from a heart break.
Colonel Brandon as ever is in love with Marianne. Yet he cares for Marianne's feelings more than his own. The second volume of this story gave me a further compassion towards his character than I had had previously.
Jane Austin's tone of the story is truly excellent. She in no way rushes the plot nor makes it seem long and dry. Her plots are built with layers and layers of further information on the characters. Her books are truly character driven. Every chapter seems perfectly fit and tied to each volume of the book. I truly consider this one of my favorite novels.
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not: charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.
-1 Corinthians 13: 4
Colonel Brandon is 💥! Eleanor, is the idea friend, daughter, wife, and mother all wrapped up in one! If you ask me, I think they should’ve got together. But I am in no way Jane Austen! I love her stories. Great job, Joshua!
ReplyDeleteThank you sweetheart! Good characters, to say the least.
DeleteThis is my favorite movie of Austen...and you know I adore Colonel Brandon...my favorite Austen man! Love this, Joshua!
ReplyDeleteIt is a great read!
DeleteExcellent, Josh. Your review makes me want to read the book. Strange that my many literature classes never broached Jane Austin's works. Her character development skills alone would be a good example for me as I aspire to write, but have little inclination toward personal character development. Thanks for pointing out this strong feature of the book.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed!
DeleteGlad you enjoyed Ben!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you in the fact that Jane Austen certainly presents to us the deep character of all of the people in her story. For some reason Colonel Brandon reminds me of someone? Hmmmmmmm, any idea who it could be? Great work as always Joshua!
ReplyDeleteHaha! I know who you are thinking of.
DeleteI especially like this post, Joshua. Well written! You definitely encompassed the "feeling" of the story and a lot of the parts that I love, too! They are what makes the story so endearing :) What did you think of Edward?
ReplyDeleteThank you! I like Edward a whole lot. His humility brings him a long way!
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