Colonel Brandon's honor and Edward's suspicions
Posted by Barbara on January 26, 1998 at 00:04:09:
In response to A few other differences..., written by Lynne on January 25, 1998 at 23:46:23
] 2) The gift of the piano to Marianne by Brandon----well, we know which Jane Austen book that idea was borrowed from--- of course, it is a nice touch, though I always wondered about the propriety of Colonel Brandon doing this: it seems slightly out of character, though maybe someone else will post an opinion on this....
Aside from the fact that I would probably defend the dear Colonel in a duel if need be, I don't think this was all that improper. Although everyone knew the pianoforte was intended for Marianne, it is presented as though it is a gift for the Dashwood family, which Marianne herself says (and no one believes!)
Also, he has made his intentions towards Marianne perfectly clear to Mrs. Dashwood by this time, and no doubt has her approval to court Marianne. He has also been given more than a little encouragement from Marianne herself that his attentions are welcome. I don't know that that would be any more improper than giving a pianoforte to someone to whom one was secretly engaged (Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax), and then pretending that it wasn't you who had sent it at all?
] 3) Also, several people, Edward included, believed that Brandon had shifted his affections to Elinor----which causes a very comical scene between Elinor and Mrs. Jennings--and probably much inner torment for Edward. But this issue is not even addressed in the film.
It is not addressed in the film the way it is now, but there was a scene between Elinor and Edward, just after he proposes to her, where he brings this up. The scene ends with them kissing, and was even filmed but cut later.
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