Wind

Wind in my sails.

Run down my spine.

Caress me and hold me.

In the sun's crisp shine.

Breeze that beholds me.

Carry my kiss.

Across the gray oceans.

To him who I miss.

Sense and Sensibility 5-8

5. "Her mind did become settled, but it was settled in a gloomy dejection. She felt the loss of Willoughby's character yet more heavily than she had felt the loss of his heart; his seduction and desertion of Miss Williams, the misery of that poor girl, and the doubt of what his designs might once have been on herself, preyed altogether so much on her spirits, that she could not bring herself to speak of what she felt even to Elinor; and brooding over her sorrows in silence, gave more pain to her sister than could have been communicated by the most open and most frequent confession of them." (Austen 178)

Marianne's acceptance of Willoughby's nasty history is a very sad part of the book... it signifies the death of her strongest passion. This demonstrates a turning point in the book, because instead of being hysterical and upset like she usually would, Marianne starts to hold some feelings just inside herself. This shows her maturing as an individual, and also realising that sometimes some things are too good to be true. This loss of child-like innocence is more worrisome to Elinor, her older sister, than the usual fit that Marianne would have thrown at this news, because it is a stark change to her usual behavior.

6. "Her narration was clear and simple; and though it could not be given without emotion, it was not accompanied by violent agitation, nor impetuous grief. -That belonged rather to the hearer, for Marianne listened with horror, and cried excessively. Elinor was to be the comforter of others in her own distresses, no less than in theirs; and all the comfort that could be given by assurances of her own composure of mind, and a very earnest vindication of Edward from every charge but of imprudence, was readily offered." (Austen 218)

This passage is important because it shows the character contrast between Elinor and Marianne. Like night and day, the sisters have completely different personalitites. Marianne cannot control herself at all, and even though Elinor is sharing her own drama, ironically she ends up being the one doing the consolations because Marianne cannot handle the information without exploding into emotion. This passage also shows the immense inner fortitude of Elinor, who is suffering greatly on the inside but can control it effectively.

7. "How should she begin- how she should express herself in her note to Edward, was now all her concern. The particular circumstances between them made a difficulty of that which to any other person would have been the easiest thing in the world; but she equally feared to say too much or too little, and sat deliberating over her paper, with the pen in her hand, till broken in on by the entrance of Edward himself." (Austen 241)

There are a few times in the book when Elinor's feelings are explored, and most of them are silent windows to her mind because she usually doesn't talk about her feelings to others. This section is important because since Marianne is so much more vocal and dramatic about her problems than Elinor sometimes it is possible to forget about the plight of the elder sister. However, this quiet little scene really reveals her inner confusion and struggle no matter how composed she looks to everyone around her. Thank goodness Edward barged in and spared her the frustration. :)

8. "...the Colonel's manners are not only more pleasing to me than Willoughby's ever were, but they are of a kind I well know to be more solidly attached to Marianne. Their gentleness, their genuine attention to other people, and their manly unstudied simplicity is much more accordant with their real disposition, than the liveliness- often artificial, and often ill-timed of the other. I am very sure myself, that had Willoughby turned out as really amiable, as he has proved himself with the contrary, Marianne would yet never have been so happy with him, as she will be with Colonel Brandon." (Austen 286)

This line is really important because it really talks about one of the main themes in the book. Willougby, who was characterized as a 'perfect' man, was the main attention of Marianne throughout the entire book. However, by the end, we can see that even though Willoughby is handsome, young and gives the impression that he's 'all that', the imperfect Colonel Brandon defeats him in all matters of importance like character, heart and wisdom to the point where he is even more pleasing to the eye than the scandalous Willoughby. This leads to the theme that good character traits reflect on a person's beauty, while if someone is naturally handsome but have a bad character they may look ugly.

Sense and Sensibility Quotes 1-4

1. "'At first sight, his address is certainly not striking; and his person can hardly be called handsome, till the expression of his eyes, which are uncommonly good, and the general sweetness of his countenance is perceived. At present, I know him so well, that I think him really handsome; or, at least, almost so.'" (Austen 16)
Spoken by Elinor, the eldest Dashwood sister, this quote is a true window into her character. Elinor does not idealise anyone much, not even her love, which provides a contrast to Marianne who thinks that Willoughby is perfect in every manner. The ongoing crusade of Elinor's love for Edward starts with this passage, and leads the reader through the entire book, so this is also an important quote in terms of plot.

2. "'What! -while attending me in all my misery, has this been on your heart? -and I have reproached you for being happy!-'
'It was not fit that you should then know how much I was the reverse.'" (Austen 219)
Many times Elinor is so good at masking her feelings that no one knows what she is really going through, even her closest confidants. As Marianne was letting herself run wild over her drama with Willoughby, Elinor was helping her feel better and tending to her in any way possible. Now, when Marianne found out that Elinor had, in fact, been experiencing a near-heartbreak the entire time, she was shocked. This event marks the turning point in the story when finally both sisters have confided in each other and their problems begin to slowly turn around.

3. "He was the only person in the world who could at that moment be forgiven for not being Willoughby; the only one who could have gained a smile from her; but she dispersed her tears to smile on him, and in her sister's happiness forgot for a time her own disappointment." (Austen 72)
Even though Marianne was grieving for the flight of Willoughby from their cottage, she still feels happy for her sister's happiness which shows their close relationship. Also, the character of Edward is shows as so generally pleasing and likeable that he could pull some happy emotions even out of someone in deep despair like Marianne.

4."What felt Elinor at that moment? Astonishment, that would have been as painful as it was strong, had not an immedeate disbelief of the assertion attended it. She turned towards Lucy in silent amazement, unable to divine the reasone or object of such a declaration, and though her complexion varied, she stood firm in incredulity, and felt in no danger of an hysterical fit, or a swoon." (Austen 109)
This marks a low point in the book - not only has Willoughby left Marianne alone with no promise, but now it turns out that the wonderful Edward has been secretly engaged for four years! Obviously this would make anyone in Elinor's position want to cry aloud, but being so talented at controlling herself, Elinor doesn't show her true emotions to Lucy Steele, which turns out to be a good thing because the Steele's end up bringing Elinor closer to Edward, and with his fiancee and his love on the doorstep, Edward is forced to make a decision. (He makes the right one, of course!)

Restraint

When should people let themselves free, and when should people restrain their emotions?

It's hard to know when your feelings will lead to more harm than good, however it is very important not to let a good thing escalate into something out of control.

Sense and Sensibility shows this idea through the sisters Elinor and Marianne. Where Elinor does not let herself be preoccupied about Edward, Marianne gave way to herself and completely short-circuited on her love of Willoughby. Because Elinor had self-restraint, when Edward came she was ready to take him in happily. Marianne's emotions got her into trouble: Willoughby ended up leaving with another girl, and Marianne's emotional dependence on him gave her a very hard time.

Waterhouse ----> Austen

I just encountered the paintings of John William Waterhouse. I absolutely love his style and I just don't understand why I haven't come upon him earlier!

But it's pretty interesting because he is also from England, just like Jane Austen, who wrote Sense and Sensibility. Many of his pieces have to do with legends and myths, and lots of them are quite romantic.

I suppose any romantic story can find a place in Sense and Sensibility... it's just stocked with every possible circumstance is amorous type! Forbidden love, outspoken love, quiet and shy love, love at first sight. All these play part in Austen's book. It's quite amazing how she did it.

Sense and Sensibility Again

Oh, how I dreaded it...

No, but Elinor HAD to find out!

She had to find out that her beloved... is engaged!

*shocked gasps float from the audience*

Jane Austen has Elinor handle her emotions quite well. It's really quite astonishing... being faced with such brutal and cruel knowledge and every inch of her heart being denied, Elinor kept face. Not on the inside, but en face with Lucy Steele she didn't make any a distressed move.

The only thing to perhaps give her away to Lucy was her sudden hardness of character... but Lucy doesn't think much. She's not the type to read deep into people, and even less into introverted and quiet individuals, like Elinor, who do not wear their hearts on their sleeve.

Social Politics

In Sense and Sensibility, Elinor is a really admirable girl. I guess you could call her a model person, embodying many good traits.

One of those is her toleration of people. Whereas Marianne likes to flee annoying company, Elinor does not find it so easy to act so inconsiderably. The reader must sympathize with Elinor as she has to take on the tough job of speaking civilly to the most ridiculous of visitors and acquaintances.

However, this remarkable toleration does bring good to Elinor when she finds out about Lucy Steele's secret involving her beloved Edward Ferrars... *gasp*

Eugene Onegin ---> S and S

So, last weekend was a black void in terms of blogging...

because I was in CHICAGO!

Watching my favorite opera of all time... the beautiful, heartwrenching Eugene Onegin. A Russian opera based on the epic poem of Alexander Pushkin (the most famous Russian poet) and brought to measures of utter fantasy with the music of Tchaikovsky!

The plot... is pretty simple.

There's a guy named Evgeny. He's this well-to-do guy who has nothing to do, and just goes to balls and festivities. But he's bored. Soooo he goes to visit his friend Lenski in his house in the Russian countryside.

Now Lenski is completely in love with his neighbor. The neighboring house is the Larin residence, and they have two daughters. Lenski is in love with Olga - the pretty but empty-headed girl. Onegin goes with Lenski to visit this household... and the other sister, Tanya takes one look at Onegin and falls in love with HIM.

Then, Tanya does something VERY unusual for the day and age... she decides to confess her love to Onegin! She writes him a love letter, and as soon as she sent it, she regrets it...

...what will Evgeny think? She freaks out when he finally comes, but he smoothes things out. He tells her that he would make a horrible husband... that he wouldn't appreciate her. He is not ready to give up his roaming bachelor lifestyle. Tanya is releived, but heartbroken.

On Tanya's birthday there is a big party. Onegin is irritated at Lenski for dragging him to another ball. SO - he decides to push his buttons.

Onegin starts flirting with Olga. And Olga - being the pretty little bitch she is, returns the favor. Poor, idealistic, enamored Lenski was beside himself. How could this happen!?

Poor Lenski... grew angry. And Onegin didn't know when to stop. Before everyone knew it, an argument broke out, and...

LENSKI CALLED ONEGIN TO A DUEL!

Uh. Oh.

They go to the duel... Onegin came late. He didn't want to come at all.

By this time even Lenski was regretting it.

But they're MANLY men, and didn't say anything.

Well... they shot! Lenski missed... and Onegin tried to shoot without killing his friend.

But that didn't happen.

Lenski dropped dead.

What guilt for Onegin! He fled Russia and for four years travelled Europe, with his conscience trailing him. Finally he came back... only to end up at another ball!

And then, the lady of this rich house in Moscow came out...

and it was Tanya! The simple country girl who professed her love to him so long ago! But she's changed, she became stunning in mind and beauty, truly beautiful, not like her sister Olga.

And... suddenly Onegin didn't know what he was feeling! Could it be... he is in LOVE!

But it is too late. Tanya is married now, to a man who loves her very much. Onegin found her alone, and told her of what had happened, and tried to win her love again... and she confessed that although she did still love him, she could not, and would not leave her husband in disgrace for Onegin's sorry ass.

So - she left, and he was left with nothing.

Nice? Nice.

This type of story closely resembles that of Sense and Sensibility... in fact they are from the same time period. However, Sense and Sensibility takes place in England, while Evgeny Onegin takes place in Russia. But the similarities remain.

I just found a picture of the most famous Lenski of all time! (In Russia at least) Sergei Lemeshev. I have the recording, he is wonderful. :)

Sense and Sensibility 4

Although many people think that showing emotion is a bad trait for a person, the character of Marianne in Sense and Sensibility sets it in a good light.

When her sister Elinor is in love with Edward Ferrars, she is the first to note something bad about the well-thought-of Edward. She complains that he doesn't express any strong feelings and that he can read even the juiciest poetry unemotionally. Also she critisizes his lukwarm response to Elinor's drawings. The reader does not know what Edward is really thinking, but we have the assumption thus far that he is just too shy to express himself directly. We'll see if Marianne is right, but for now we'll have to respect her value of human emotion.

Sense and Sensibility 3

There is no 'good' and 'evil' in this book...

In most fantasy books, there is a strict line between the good characters and bad characters, often vulgarized by obvious character traits such as black clothing, etc. In Sense and Sensibility, good and evil dont exist... there are just many characters who all have a different sense of self and identity, and who sometimes just don't get along because of their differences.

For instance... Fanny is automatically perceived as an antagonist. She is elitist, manipulates her husband out of giving his stepdaughters money, and is very worried about the rank of Edward's prospect wife. However, she is not evil. She has her own agenda which the reader does not agree with, as we sympathise easily with Elinor and Marianna very early in the book. In fact, Jane Austen even adds humorous touches to the character of Fanny, revealed in wittily written passages that lightly make fun of the lady. She just cannot be evil if you laugh at her...

Sense and Sensibility 2

It's amazing what characterization can do.

Three sisters... each one with their own distinct personality.

Elinor, the oldest sister is introverted and rational. Being the oldest sister in a family without a father, she is naturally responsible and thoughtful about others around her. As soon as Edward Ferrars is introduced in the book, the reader begins to see that they are a perfect couple: both just as sweet as the other.

Marianne, the second sister is passionate and inspired. She is sometimes hot-tempered, but is loyal to her beleifs and will never stray from her ideals. Her character provides a contrast to Elinor, and in fact conflicts arise when Marianne feels like Elinor is 'unemotional' just because she is not as vocal about her feelings like Marianne.

The youngest sister (I forget her name...) acts as a gauge of honesty thoughout the story. Because she is young and innocent, Jane Austen uses her to show the readers how to feel about each character. Because Edward gained the little girl's trust in the beginning of the book, the reader realises that ultimately he is a good character.

Sense and Sensibility 1

Sense and Sensibility is a story with an eternal message.
However, it is set in old-time England.
Now its interesting how even though this time period has vanished from our eyes, there still remain momentos to life in this era, like Jane Austen's books. Even though we can't identify with many of the aspects of the characters' lifestyles, there are still some things and ideas which surpass the dragging clock of history. The overarching theme of love conquering societal expectations is as true today as it was during Jane Austen's time.

Now we'll just have to see HOW.

Understanding

When you feel bad, it is natural to look to friends or relatives for emotional support and help. We tend to beleive that they will understand our problems and inner struggles, but if you think about it, do they really?

For instance: person A likes the color blue. Person B despises blue, and likes orange instead. If these different colors bring pleasing reactions to the two people, then how do we know that they both see them the same way? What if person A's blue is the person B's orange? That would explain differing perspectives.

It makes an Andy Warhol look like many different human perspectives on the same object, perhaps this is right.

So when we tell a person our problems, and they understand and view the world so much differently than us, how do we know that they will understand us? We don't. Perhaps they don't identify with our pain as we do.

Maybe we're doomed to solitude in the face of our fears, our griefs.

How small we are in this enormous world.

Poetry

Well, I guess a good way to analyze what is going on in New Moon is through poetry, right?

If you look in my eyes

will you see all locked within?

Can you read their longing,

their slow, tortured hymn?

This happiness wakes me

from an enchanted state,

Now I'm here in your arms

I've just had to wait.

Don't leave me again

in this fierce, biting cold,

Keep me close to your side

as the world grows old.

I can feel all beauty

I can taste sweet desire

Now I'm with you forever

In your heart's glowing fire.

1/8/08

I wrote this thinking about how Bella probably feels in New Moon once she is reunited with Edward... she's had a very rough time, poor girl. That's ok, all better now. :)

Oh how I love him...

When Oscar Wilde was on his deathbed, he was in a cheap Paris hotel room. He hated the interior, but was too sick at this point to move to a different place. He dying poet turned to his friends and said,

"Either this wallpaper goes, or I do!"

.........

I just love him. :)

Spirit is something all people possess, but some peoples' are more outward than others'. Oscar Wilde is an example of a strong spirit: he was cynical, he was always thinking, he knew how to laugh at life, and at himself. Spirit and attitude are part of what make up a person, and it is a huge factor in communication and how people act around each other. But I suppose that's pretty self-evident.

The thing is, being able to realise that your life really is all about having fun and taking chances is probably the most important thing a person can learn. How many people I know who feel like any more they make has dire consequences, and who are afraid of doing certain things because of the outcome they expect...

Life is risk. Life is daring. Life is doing, passion, seeing where your heart leads you and looking out on the view. Fear of the unknown, fear of rejection, are the most harmful things to a person's spirit - life is for new experiences and for loving others and being loved in return.

One of my favorite quotes of all time:

"Life is too important to be taken seriously."

I only just realised, I only just looked...

... it's a quote by Oscar Wilde.

Puppies

There are some things in life that just make you HAPPY.

And happiness is something we always strive for, right?

Well puppies are one of those things. First of all, they are just CUTE. I mean, when they're all fluffy and black and grey with those shiny black eyes that always seem to smile. There are small puppies that can be cute, but really size doesn't matter because big puppies are also really cute, and they are usually even friendlier.

Also, puppies make you happy because of their own happiness which they radiate outwards to the humans around them. That's one of the main reasons why people get puppies, because they give them the happiness that they want more of. Who doesn't want a happy face?

I suppose you can tie this into New Moon simply because Jacob is a loveable werewolf... which is kind of like a puppy. As Bella describes him, he is a source of happiness in her life which she likes to be around to be happy herself.