Sense and Sensibility
[by Jane Austen]
I had not read before classics of the 18th century, at least not in the original form; I had only read abridged versions of a few of these quite famous novels, like 'Pride and Prejiudice' and 'Wuthering Heights', but could not find the patience to read the complete versions. I mostly read contemporary fiction, so getting a novel written in early 1700s was rather out of character for me. How did I happen to buy it, is quite another story.
This is the story of two sisters, Elinor and Marianne, who represent Sense (rational thinking) and Sensibility (emotional and impulsive behavior) respectively. The plot is very precisely outlined on Wikipedia.
The story is good, and the characters are finely described, which is perhaps the reason that Austen's works are still popular. However, I found it difficult to identify with, because the complete context is of a culture alien to us, and mannerisms which are outdated even for the current generation of people belonging to that culture. The language, of the prose, as well as the dialogues, was quite flowery, so that it was rather unnatural to me, and difficult to follow in some places. I found it difficult to understand why would people address their own family members in such a formal manner, and why one's mother and sister think it improper to ask what troubles them. Once or twice, it tired me so much that I thought of abandoning it; only the curiosity about the story stopped me from doing so. :-)
In all, I think it was fairly good read, but for now I am cured of "period classics". :-P
Now to the story - and I am still laughing at myself at this - although I knew that it was not my cup of tea, how did I happen to get it. Quite some time back, a book was recommended to me. By the time I went to the book fair, I had completely forgotten the name of the book, as well as that of the person who recommended it. Browsing in the fair, I saw Sense and Sensibility, and thought that the name sounded familiar, and thought that perhaps this was that book. I was also keen to see what it is in these works, that they continue to enthrall people for almost three centuries. So, I went ahead with my purchase. Shortly after I searched my Inbox, to realise that what I had intended to look for was 'Wise and Otherwise' on a recommendation by Cuckoo.
[by Jane Austen]
I had not read before classics of the 18th century, at least not in the original form; I had only read abridged versions of a few of these quite famous novels, like 'Pride and Prejiudice' and 'Wuthering Heights', but could not find the patience to read the complete versions. I mostly read contemporary fiction, so getting a novel written in early 1700s was rather out of character for me. How did I happen to buy it, is quite another story.
This is the story of two sisters, Elinor and Marianne, who represent Sense (rational thinking) and Sensibility (emotional and impulsive behavior) respectively. The plot is very precisely outlined on Wikipedia.
The story is good, and the characters are finely described, which is perhaps the reason that Austen's works are still popular. However, I found it difficult to identify with, because the complete context is of a culture alien to us, and mannerisms which are outdated even for the current generation of people belonging to that culture. The language, of the prose, as well as the dialogues, was quite flowery, so that it was rather unnatural to me, and difficult to follow in some places. I found it difficult to understand why would people address their own family members in such a formal manner, and why one's mother and sister think it improper to ask what troubles them. Once or twice, it tired me so much that I thought of abandoning it; only the curiosity about the story stopped me from doing so. :-)
In all, I think it was fairly good read, but for now I am cured of "period classics". :-P
Now to the story - and I am still laughing at myself at this - although I knew that it was not my cup of tea, how did I happen to get it. Quite some time back, a book was recommended to me. By the time I went to the book fair, I had completely forgotten the name of the book, as well as that of the person who recommended it. Browsing in the fair, I saw Sense and Sensibility, and thought that the name sounded familiar, and thought that perhaps this was that book. I was also keen to see what it is in these works, that they continue to enthrall people for almost three centuries. So, I went ahead with my purchase. Shortly after I searched my Inbox, to realise that what I had intended to look for was 'Wise and Otherwise' on a recommendation by Cuckoo.
3 comments:
I think my interest increased when DD started showing those drama and movies ( I remember Jane Eyre/Wuthering heights and actually it was Trishna - hindi version which made me pick Pride and prejudice.. :-)
lol @ wise and otherwise vs S& S ... !
hey- jane austin is one of my fav ..read emma also..there is a certain quaintness abt these Victorian authors and I love classics
Oh oh! Looks like I tread on some toes here :-) Well, I would agree that there is a quaintness to these works, but I prefer fast-paced and non-serious reads :-)
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