Romanticism And Realism

Jane Austen is one of the greatest writers in the English history. Both the general population and scholars began to recognize her work as literary masterpieces after her death. However, Austen did receive some recognition after her second novel, while she was still alive. Many of her novels were adapted by films, such as; Emma, Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. Sense and Sensibility’s popularity has influenced people to adopt it for movies and television shows, this essay will analyze the film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility.

The plot of Sense and Sensibility begins dramatically by a very sad scene when Mr. Dashwood dies. But before he dies he explains to his son John that after his death his three daughters will inherit

Romanticism and realism are important literary movements in the eighteenth century. Even though, Sense and Sensibility was published before the movements, the two movements are represented by Elinor and Marianne. Romanticism period (180-1850) was about individualism, deep and emotional characters with mysterious events, and most likely happy endings. As the language is described as literary and formal with a setting of nature, like Marianne. However, Realism period (1850-1900) was about familiar things and ordinary people with ordinary events more like Elinor. Also the subject matter is the real issue and the ending might be unhappy. (ApRoberts 351-365) says that “In the first description of the two girls, Elinor, though obviously representing sense, has feelings that are strong, and Marianne, though obviously representing sensibility, has a distinguished intellect.” It is discovered that Elinor is sense in many situations, for example when Mrs Dashwood said: “But Elinor your heart must tell you.” Elinor replied: “In such a case it is perhaps better to use one’s head.” Also when Marianne told her: “Always resignation and acceptance. Always prudence and honor and duty. Elinor where is your heart?”. It is shown by her sister and her mother that Elinor is linked to sense as she thinks reasonably before every decision and she uses her head more than her heart, and she hides her emotions as much as she can. Unlike Marianne who expresses her emotions freely without the fear of being judged by others. For example, when Marianne said: “To love is to burn to be on fire! Like Juliet or Guinevere or Eloise.” Mrs. Dashwood replied: “They made rather pathetic ends dear.” Then Marianne responded: “Pathetic? To die for love? How can you say so? What could be more glorious?” which proves that Marianne appreciates love and have no shame in sharing her emotions with her family.