Marianne growing up
Posted by gkb on December 09, 1997 at 11:14:10:
In response to Marianne and brandon, written by Rita on November 02, 1997 at 16:21:45
] ... the argument is fought on the basis that Ma grew up after her rejection by Willoughby.
I think she may have grown up as a result of her being rejected, but Austen gives her a long speech in which she herself says that she had time and calmness for serious reflection on her sickbed. I think she grew up very fast after being so close to death. Her rejection and her passionate response to the rejection brought her to the brink of death--but on that brink she learned to value life and love in more than the sole object of her youthful passion. She learned the value of sisterly love, motherly love, even community love. Why do you think she could not have learned the value of Brandon's love? It took at least a year before she even noticed that he was fond of her. In a year of healing and eager acceptance of life's duties, could she not gradually attach herself to someone who passionately adored her? I think you underestimate Marianne's sense and overvalue her romantic sensibility.
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