Absolutely! And new questions
Posted by Silke on August 14, 1998 at 04:33:17:
In response to Undoubtedly, written by SusanCEC on August 13, 1998 at 10:41:52
From the book it becomes quite clear that Lucy is by no means as innocent as she pretends to be. She confides in Elinor (whom she didn't even know a few days before) only to set her straight:
Ch. 23
That Lucy was disposed to be jealous of her appeared very probable: it was plain that Edward had always spoken highly in her praise, not merely from Lucy's assertion, but from her venturing to trust her on so short a personal acquaintance with a secret so confessedly and evidently important. And even Sir John's joking intelligence must have had some weight. But, indeed, while Elinor remained so well assured within herself of being really beloved by Edward, it required no other consideration of probabilities to make it natural that Lucy should be jealous; and that she was so, her very confidence was a proof. What other reason for the disclosure of the affair could there be, but that Elinor might be informed by it of Lucy's superior claims on Edward, and be taught to avoid him in future?
Throughout the novel she behaves calculating and often rather cruel: worming herself in everybody's favour and boasting to Elinor that she is so liked by the Ferrarses, hurting both Elinor and Marianne with her provoking remarks, watching Elinor closely when Edward is by, and during Edwards visit she "would have outstaid him had his visit lasted two hours". This overall portrait of her character naturally makes us question the nature of her relationship with Edward.
This brought me to a new question: in the movie she says that she has been engaged to Edward "these five years" (later confirmed by Mrs. Jennings), whereas in the book it is four years. I know ET worked for years on the screenplay and was very careful about everything, so maybe someone can come up with an explanation.
And, further, since in the novel (as far as I remember) it is only Lucy who tells Elinor about the four years engagement and Mrs Jennings says "Mr Edward Ferrars, it seems, has been engaged above this twelvemonth to my cousin Lucy!" I wonder if it have been four years at all? Would Lucy go that far or do I miss something?
Any ideas?
- The Engagement SusanCEC 11:05:40 8/14/98
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