Misery in the eye of the beholder
Posted by Arnessa on October 21, 1997 at 18:48:05:
In response to Look at it in the long term, written by Mark on October 21, 1997 at 17:51:07
] ] *snip* It just seems as if Elinor is rewarded for her belief systems.....and Marianne is not *snip*
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] How do you define "reward" -- getting what you want, or getting what you deserve? Do any of you who are arguing that it is terrible that she didn't end up marrying Willoughby, really think that she would be happy married to him? How long would happiness last in such a marriage? (snip) I rather suspect that eventually, unless they did some rapid maturing, they would have ended up somewhat like Mr. and Mrs. Wickham, only with money.
] I submit that Marianne was rewarded, with a man who will cherish her and love her as long as they are both living. This is a tragedy!?! He will be devoted to her.
] Mark
OK, now I know I'm going to sound reaaaaally like Marianne, but I am not ashamed of this.
But since we are not dealing in a case of physical danger here, I have to say that misery with someone you really love or have loved can be more satisfying than all the quiet, calm, serene happiness in the world. And I think you have to understand that to understand Marianne's character. Marianne was longing for feeling, for emotion, all right, for passion. It's simply hard for me to believe she could be satisfied without that or that she could have that with Brandon. She might be happy with Brandon, yes. But is there a part of her left longing? That's what I wonder.
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