Personally I have a lot more pity for Elinor’s silent suffering than I do for Marianne’s drama. I find it especially heart wrenching when Marianne says, “Oh! how easy for those who have no sorrow of their own to talk of exertion!” and then continues to insist Elinor must be happy. I realize she’s upset and doesn’t know better but it’s so unjust and must be like a knife in Elinor’s heart to hear that and be unable to defend herself any further than she does.

After reading your post I think I’ve been unfair to Marianne and Mrs. D. I get frustrated with them (especially Marianne) for not realizing all is not well with Elinor and Edward but you’ve made me think about how truly hard to read she is.