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 utilise to offer a view into the individual temperaments of her characters than the images of natural beauty toast throughout the novel. In contrast to the Neo-classical ideal, which reserves no place for the clench of the sublime in nature in its structure and design, Romantic literature expresses a deep reverence and awe toward the natural world. In the pillowcase of Sense and Sensibility, this appreciation is manipulated to produce a subtle, merely humorous animadversion 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 discourse on the surroundings begins after(prenominal) Elinor comments that Norland probably looks much as it always does at this time of course of study (p. 77). Elinors comment comes as a somewhat perturbed result to Mariannes overzealous inquiries concerning the appearance of Norland. Elinor also mentions that it is probably rather gloomy and disheveled because of the beat(p) leaves that cover the woods and walks. This prompts and hitherto more dramatic ecphonesis 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 external with her appreciation of the dead leaves on the ground. In the description of them as stimulate 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 worthy of praise, and what would be 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.