Emotion and Reason in ‘Sense and Sensibility’: A Cinematic Exploration

1. Introduction

The movie “Sense and Sensibility” is a remarkable cinematic piece that delves deep into the themes of emotion and reason. Directed by Ang Lee, this film is an adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel

2. The Representation of Emotion in the Movie

• Maryanne’s Passionate Love
  • In the movie, Maryanne is the epitome of emotion. Her love for Willoughby is intense and all – consuming. She believes in love at first sight and throws herself wholeheartedly into the relationship. For example, when she first meets Willoughby, her eyes light up, and she is immediately drawn to him. Her emotions are so strong that she ignores any potential flaws in his character. This shows how powerful and sometimes blinding emotion can be.
• Elinor’s Suppressed Emotions
  • Elinor, on the other hand, represents the struggle to keep emotions in check. She has feelings for Edward but is extremely rational in her approach. When Edward is around, she maintains a calm exterior, engaging in polite conversation and not showing any overt signs of her true feelings. This is in contrast to Maryanne’s exuberant display of emotions. Elinor’s suppression of her emotions is a result of her sense of propriety and the social norms of the time.

3. The Role of Reason

• Elinor’s Rational Decisions
  • Elinor’s rationality is evident in many situations. When faced with the news of Edward’s supposed engagement to Lucy, she does not let her emotions get the better of her. Instead, she acts with grace and understanding. She helps Lucy and Edward in their relationship, even though it pains her deeply. This shows her ability to use reason to override her personal feelings. Her rational decisions are also influenced by her concern for her family’s reputation and well – being.
• The Importance of Reason in Society
  • The movie also portrays the importance of reason in the society depicted. In the world of “Sense and Sensibility”, social status, family honor, and propriety are highly valued. Reason is required to navigate these complex social structures. For instance, when the Dashwood family faces financial difficulties, Elinor uses her reason to manage their affairs and make the best of the situation.

4. The Interaction between Emotion and Reason

• The Growth of the Characters
  • Both Maryanne and Elinor experience growth in the movie, which is related to the interaction between their emotion and reason. Maryanne, after her heartbreak with Willoughby, begins to see the value of a more subdued and rational approach to love. She realizes that pure emotion can lead to pain and disappointment. Elinor, on the other hand, when she finally learns that Edward is free from his previous engagement, allows her emotions to surface. This shows that a balance between emotion and reason is necessary for personal growth.
• The Resolution of the Story
  • The happy endings for both sisters in the movie also signify the importance of finding a balance between emotion and reason. Maryanne marries Colonel Brandon, a relationship that is based on mutual respect and a more tempered form of love. Elinor marries Edward, and their relationship is now free from the constraints of false pretenses and unexpressed emotions.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, “Sense and Sensibility” is a movie that masterfully explores the themes of emotion and reason. It shows how these two elements interact in the lives of the characters and how a balance between them is essential for a fulfilling life. Through its vivid characters and engaging story, the movie offers valuable insights into the human psyche and the eternal struggle between what we feel and what we think.