I find it humorous that yet again Mr. John Dashwood tries to make excuses(in his own head) and out loud to Elinor about all the reasons why he is so poor. Basically trying to make himself feel better about not giving them any money. AHHHHH I just wanted to scream at him. It was also funny to me how a little later on in the reading he makes mention of the fact that there is no way Edward can live off of two thousand a year(when talking about the engagement to Lucy). Which if my memory serves me correct I think that is the amount that Mrs. Dashwood and the girls are living off of. He doesn't seem to think they can't live off of it.
I also found it interesting how much weight was put back then into the amount of money someone was worth. It was hilarious to me that Edward's sister and mother freaked out about him marrying Lucy. I mean sure similar things happen now in terms of marrying people at the same status as you but I don't find it near as crazy.
Can you imagine if you were told to tell the man you thought you were going to marry that he was going to be able to marry another woman now because of Colonel Brandon's gift. How horrible.
I found this part of the reading very interesting. I think Jane Austen showed two different viewpoints and ways of dealing with loss and grief. She showed the outspoken crazines of Marianne and then the quite reserved inward grief of Elinor. I think this showed that everyone grieves in their own way. I think I am more like Elinor. I know it is hard to believe but I tend to keep those feelings in and not want anyone to see them on the outside. I am all about keeping up the appearance that everything is okay. As many who know me would agree I generally stray from conflict.
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Okay, first of all, I can't believe Willoughby could do that to Colonel Brandon's pseudo-daughter. Austen definitely continues to show the contrast in character and personality of the two men interested in Marianne. What a humble man the Colonel is when he told Elinor that revealing this info was not intended to raise himself " at the expence of others."
Okay, and I am a litte confused by Elinor's and the Colonel's last conversation. So he found a parsonage for Edward? But it isn't enough for himself and Lucy? Is this giving Elinor hope? Or is she just so in love with him that she is happy just because he seems to be happy with Lucy. (Forgive me tonight, I'm a little medicated for my cold, if I'm not making sense...ha!)
And so interesting to introduce the character of Edward's brother Robert in such stark contrast to himself. And I agree, Ashley, it is quite ironic that Mr. John Dashwood doesn't think Edward can live on that amount but thought it was plenty for all the Dashwood women together!
I'm so glad Mrs. Jennings appears on the side of love more than money with her comment "I have no notion of people's making such a to-do about money and greatness. There is no reason on earth why Mr. Edward and Lucy should not marry..." because for everyone else money is the ultimate matchmaker!
Yes, Ash, you are more of an Elinor with hiding your emotions, as am I, and I think my moments of expressing them like Marianne generally do help by releasing all of that built-up emotion.
I'm anxious to see how this all ends up!
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