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.