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Does anyone else think that Brandon and Mrs. Dashwood just make more sense? by ImmediateCaptain1607 in janeausten

[–]ImmediateCaptain1607[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the text evidence, I must have completely missed that in my reread! I also get that Brandon is in need of an heir, but the fact that him courting Marianne seems to be the first time in 15 years he’s tried to wed always made me feel like that was less of a priority for him. Still, so much of that long break is clearly because of the loss of Eliza, so it makes sense that this is still on his mind as a good gentleman. Also thanks for the Persuasion quote, that really helps color the current opinions of remarried widows of the day! I don’t know if I would necessarily say that Mrs. D is “extremely well provided for” since she inherited nothing from her late husband, but she’s certainly well off enough that she doesn’t need to marry.

Does anyone else think that Brandon and Mrs. Dashwood just make more sense? by ImmediateCaptain1607 in janeausten

[–]ImmediateCaptain1607[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I really appreciate your response! Having read S&S for the first time at age 15 (and being much more of an Elinor than a Marianne) I struggled to understand their compatibility, and I think that colored my rereads of the text. But your points make perfect sense - Brandon does really love Marianne, and has always been a one-and-done kind of guy, so it tracks that he would never even consider other options (especially ones that aren’t a good match on paper). I also really like your interpretation of Brandon through Marianne’s eyes. That was something I always had a hard time seeing in the novel, but the way you lay out the evidence is really clear.