Posted by Lynne on August 17, 1997 at 16:25:56:
I always found the first few paragraphs in the first chapter of S&S a bit confusing: the first time I read it, my head became dizzy while attempting to figure out this inheritance puzzle. I almost stopped then and there! But I went on, and finally became interested in the story, especially after the men started disappearing. Jane Austen does this same trick in "Mansfield Park" at the beginning when she is setting up the marriages of all these sisters: I had to write down all the configurations, etc., to keep it straight. Does JA do this to explain the complexity of family, especially when it is not typical----half sibs are involved or inappropriate marriages? Perhaps that is why these novels are not ranked with her greatest...it is rather a tough chew to get through that first chapter. Do not get me wrong: I liked both books after I passed that point, but with P&P and Emma, one can jump into the story right away. Maybe someone else has an opinion. Great board and thanks much to whomever set it up, etc...
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