I
could not picture Sense and Sensibility written
in the epistolary form, as it requires an initial clear depiction of both
Marianne and Elinor. The
epistolary form demands that the reader puzzle through what is the truth by
comparing the information given by different characters and discerning their
motives. Sense and Sensibility needed in omniscient narrator in order to
immediately alert the reader as to which sister embodies each trait signified
in the title. From the very
beginning the reader is examining the text aware that Elinor is the sensible
sister and Marianne possesses all the sensibility. This knowledge helps the reader to understand Elinor’s
apparent indifference (concerning romantic interest) towards Edward and
Marianne’s disbelief at her sister having any romantic inclinations for someone
as reserved as Edward.
Although Austen uses
an omniscient narrator to paint clear pictures of the Dashwoods I like that the
men in this story remain a mystery.
The reader can clearly see the motives of Mrs. Dashwood and her
daughters but Austen does not use her all-knowing narrator to delve in to the
minds of Edward and Willoughby.
The excessive mystery of what is true and who to trust that exists in
the epistolary form is no longer a problem but the reader is still left with
some suspense by Austen’s choice to omit lengthy character descriptions of a
few of her characters. Instead,
she chooses to allow the reader to discover their personalities through
Marianne and Elinor.
Why wouldn't you be able to understand Marianne and Elinor's essential characters quickly through the epistolary form?
ReplyDeleteI feel like you could see the difference in how each sister approaches their father's death, the uncertainty of their living situation and finances, and what they think about Edward Ferrars.