Natural Reflection :: essays research papers

Jane Austens novel Sense and Sensibility illustrates a number of characteristics particular to Romantic Literature. Of these characteristics, few are better utilized to beseech a view into the individual temperaments of her characters than the images of natural beauty present throughout the novel. In contrast to the Neo-classical ideal, which reserves no place for the appreciation of the sublime in nature in its structure and design, Romantic literature expresses a deep reverence and awe toward the natural world. In the case of Sense and Sensibility, this appreciation is manipulated to put forward a subtle, but humorous reflection on the temperament of the Miss Dashwoods. Upon Edward Ferrars arrival at Barton, he joins Marianne and Elinor on their walk back to the cottage. During this walk, a converse on the surroundings begins after Elinor comments that Norland probably looks much as it always does at this time of year (p. 77). Elinors comment comes as a approximately perturbed response to Mariannes overzealous inquiries concerning the appearance of Norland. Elinor also mentions that it is probably rather gloomy and untidy because of the dead leaves that cover the woods and walks. This prompts and even more salient exclamation from Marianne Oh cried Marianne, with what transporting sensations have I formerly seen them fall (p. 77). In this line, and in those that follow, it seems that Marianne gets carried away with her appreciation of the dead leaves on the ground. In the description of them as animate transporting sensations in her, the extent of Mariannes sensibility is aptly conveyed in a very concise scene. The sense that is characteristic of Elinor is depicted in her response to Mariannes exaggerated praises It is not every one, said Elinor, who has your passion for dead leaves (p. 77). It is not that she is unmoved by the beauty of her surroundings, but she understands the difference between what is truly praiseworthy of praise, and what would b e an exaggeration or possibly even an affectation. She does not have the propensity to swoon when she thinks of the dead leaves at Norland, but she has the wit and sense to subtly joke about her sister.