the ending...
Posted by Kate on March 24, 1998 at 22:21:31:
In response to Brandon, written by Cyndie on March 24, 1998 at 21:25:30
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] >. But this is a matter on which rational beings can differ!<
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]
] Naturally we can disagree, but on this point I don't disagree with you entirely. At 17, Marianne certainly could have been left alone, and in the 20th Century, no doubt, would have been. Truth be told, no one in this century would encourage her relationship with a man twice her age. You're view makes sense to me, and knowing that S&S was extensively revised before publication makes me wonder. However, I can see why, with all the rationality of a teenager, Marianne would settle herself with someone exactly opposite from the one who had treated her so cruelly. Add to that the hopes and encouragement of her family and friends, and, in Marianne's century, the case would be won.
] What is your opinion on this..if JA had not intended Brandon to have Marianne in the end, why is he in the story at all? Only to give Edward a parish? The pregnant victim of Willoughby's seduction could have existed in the story without being related in any way to Brandon. He is, an almost insignificant character through most of the story. I wonder if he even existed in the first draft of the novel. I would dearly love to know how the original "Elinor and Marianne" ended!
Hmmm. You could be right - he is little more than a cipher for much of the book. I'd like to know too...but we never will :-(
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