Sense and Sensibility

It’s time for a ride way back in history, to one of the golden oldies, whom many were surprised I had not read yet.  Nothing like reading the classic work of Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility.  It reads like the “comedy of errors” once you get past the point of a step-brother being influenced by his wife to nix his agreement with his dying father to take care of the “step kids” and mom.  The “wicked” step sister-in-law (Fanny) continues her influence by dissuading her brother, Edward, whom is attracted to one of the three sisters (Elinor) through comments made to her step mother-in-law, which leads the four woman to leave the area! Upon arriving in Devonshire the woman begin to be warmly received in town.  Lots of misguided and misconstrued perceptions of “love” through the eyes of others, with potential pairings, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities throughout. Who is the sensible sister, who is the extravagant and less-feeling of heart sister?  How the world turns on this one which illustrates how “feelings” are exaggerated and one never really knows what lies under the surface of the characters true motivations as social norms don’t allow for true feelings to always be shared.  Motivation for landing a better lot in life through the acquisition of the “better” marriage and social standing never stray far from the main characters in this one.  While it appears that the jilted sisters are to remain in misery forever, never discount the underdog in Jane Austen stories.  While I prefer Pride and Prejudice, this one is her first and certainly lends itself to sharing a tale for “their time.”  Good story with powerful female characters, something one didn’t see much of in the day.  Good historical reflection.  Worth a browse…