Infatuation vs. Love
Posted by Mark on October 03, 1997 at 10:02:00:
In response to Thunderbolts, etc., written by Lynne on October 03, 1997 at 01:18:37
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] ] ] ] I find it hard to believe(after watching the movie), that W did not love Marianne. They looked hit by the proverbial thunderbolt. Anyone???????
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I have always felt from reading and watching S&S that Willoughby and Marianne, if married, would have been doomed to an unhappy marriage. JA alluded to it, if you remember. They might have had one or two good years. But their hedonistic ways would have finally worn thin.
Yes, they absolutely adored each other. Yes, they derived great pleasure from each other. But what happens when the honeymoon is over? You can only seek happiness in pleasure for so long. What happens when the bills arrive, along with the dirty diapers? What happens when Willoughby wants to go to London for the season, and Marianne wants him to sit at home and read poetry to her?
I suspect that in Willoughby and Marianne, we might be seeing the courtship of Mr. Bennet and Miss Gardiner from P&P. Yes, Marianne has more intellect than Miss Gardiner, but we are seeing a courtship that is built more upon selfishness, rather than selflessness.
To tell the difference, ask yourself what each one was willing to give up for the other. Name one thing that Willoughby valued that he was willing to sacrifice Marianne. I can't think of any. Brandon, on the other hand, was willing to sacrifice everything.
Which one loved her most? Which one has the better chance of a happy marriage, not just a happy wedding?
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