All the Writings

Discussion over Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen by Rachel Dodge – Wrap Up

February 27, 2021

In Want of a Good Book

S: I’ve enjoyed going through this devotional again. I love how Dodge takes small parts of Austen’s prayers each day and discusses them, giving examples from the novels. I’m very thankful that Dodge compiled these prayers and gives extra information about Austen, as well as resources for further study.

R: Indeed, I really enjoyed learning more about Jane Austen’s life and beliefs. I hadn’t been aware before that she was a strong believer or had written out prayers. I also appreciated the format of the book, as well as how Dodge pulled in Scriptures that either applied or that Jane must have been referencing herself.

S: As we end this discussion over Jane Austen’s three prayers, we are looking forward to beginning a discussion over what has been considered by many to be Austen’s best work: Pride and Prejudice. If you want to join us, we’ll be starting our discussion in March.
Discussion over Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen by Rachel Dodge – The Third Prayer

February 13, 2021

In Want of a Good Book

S: I love the cry to God Austen begins with because it’s such a wonderful reminder not only of God’s might and power, but also of His love and gentleness. Beginning a prayer in this way is a meditation on His character and quiets the soul.

R: As always, Jane’s words are beautiful and reverent, a wonderful example of what a Christian’s prayer life should look like.

S: And, the words of this prayer are full of a desire to better follow the example of Christ and have more understanding and wisdom as we seek to know God better.

R: I like how she says, ‘dispose our Hearts in fervent prayer.’ This is something that’s missing from most Christians’ lives. I know I’ve often struggled with spending time in prayer.

S: Isn’t it sad that one of the easiest things to do to help our hearts draw nearer to the Lord is also one of the most difficult? I wonder if it’s because it’s something that never ends. The person we’re helping or mentoring may one day no longer need or want our help. There are tasks we must complete throughout the day so we can’t just sit and read Scripture 24/7; we need to make reading it a priority. Prayer, however, is something we’re told to always do (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), something that needs to never cease. As a person who enjoys lists and being able to see progress from one task to the next, sometimes it’s difficult for me to have a continual dialogue going with the Lord because it’s not something I can just check off the list; it’s not something that ever ends so it can be challenging to see change.

I notice, too, that the thankfulness which permeates this final prayer is humbling. The rest of the prayer is such an honest cry for continued mercies I find myself chastened in spirit to bring everything to Him in reverence. I’ve mentioned before the veneration with which Austen addresses God and how often I lack that in my prayer life. She encompasses everything so delicately, so fully, that even though the prayers are short, they cover all that is needed to be covered. I don’t think it’s wrong to pray specifically for a person or a situation, but since it appears this would be a prayer prayed at the end of the day, there’s an understanding that all of those specifics have already been given to Him and left in His hands.

R: The part that I found the most impactful was this: ‘May thy mercy be extended over all Mankind, bringing the Ignorant to the knowledge of thy Truth, awakening the Impenitent, touching the Hardened.’ God draws His own to Him, because, “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.’ (Romans 3.10-12)

Even though I had a more difficult time connecting with this prayer than I did with the previous two, Jane’s words are always reverent and uplifting, causing us to think about our own Christian walks and what they should look like.

One of the verses mentioned in the devotional is Psalm 100:4. The entire psalm speaks of how God is worthy of glory and praise.
On January Reading Life – 2021

January 31, 2021

The Sesquipedalian Speaks

Below are some of the books I’ve been reading this month; note that the following may contain spoilers:

Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder – The first book in the Little House series is charming and goes through a full year from the perspective of a very young child. I tried to read this book last January but only made it through the first chapter. When I began reading it again this year it was as though I was reading a completely different book – which was a very strange experience for me! Because the chapters read more like snapshots of memories rather than the typical novel story arc it may be difficult to get through, but that difficulty may also be the timing. Some books just aren’t enjoyable at certain times in life and a year may make a difference in the reading experience, so it’s okay to put down a book and come back to it at a later time; chances are, it will be much more enjoyable the second time around! This is a great read aloud.

Out of the Silent Planet, by C. S. Lewis – No one expected me to not start off the year with at least one Lewis book, right? The first in The Space Trilogy follows the story of Ransom, a philologist who is kidnapped and taken to a planet called Malacandra. It’s been so long since I last read this book that it’s as though I’m reading it for the first time.

The Book of Virtues: A Treasury of Great Moral Stories, by William J. Bennett (Editor) – This is a wonderful resource! Full of short stories, fairy tales, poetry, and more from the world over, this book helps teach children the value of virtues such as self-discipline, courage, honesty, and faith. It’s a book to read slowly and savour and that’s what I’ll be doing this year. This is a great read aloud.

The Magician’s Nephew, by C. S. Lewis – The first in chronological order but the sixth in publication order of The Chronicles of Narnia follows the adventures of Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer. I’m reading The Chronicles of Narnia in publication order this year with a friend who has never read them. Even though I personally enjoy reading a book series in publication order, it is also fun to read them through chronologically because a different perspective is gained. This is a great read aloud.
Discussion over Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen by Rachel Dodge – The Second Prayer

January 30, 2021

In Want of a Good Book
R: This second prayer of Jane Austen’s focuses on repentance and God’s mercy and goodness. He watches over all of His people, but listens to our individual prayers.

Our prayers should always include confession of any sins we’ve committed, large or small. Psalm 32.3-5:
```
For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah
I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
```
As followers of Christ, we know that all of our sins are forgiven for all time, but that doesn’t mean that we can continue in behaviors and beliefs that are contrary to God’s Word. A life lived in unrepentant sin is not a Christian life. Deuteronomy 7.9: ‘Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations…’

S: This prayer is a wonderful example of humility without condemnation. Too often we seem to have false humility when we speak of how humble we are, how we’re wretched sinners in need of a Saviour. Being a wretched sinner in need of a Saviour is true, but we need not speak of that state of being in a proud way, mistaking this attitude for humility. Austen’s prayer frequently acknowledges our true nature, but the focus is not on the person or the wretchedness; the focus is on God, His might, His power, His forgiveness, His help. This prayer is also a prayer of thankfulness, fully acknowledging and praising the God who is Sovereign over all.

I also really enjoy that it’s a communal prayer. There’s just something about coming together as a group and praying together that speaks to the soul. As I’ve mentioned before, her prayers remind me of Psalms.

R: This prayer also reminded me of how important it is to pray for others, both for how we interact with them and for their safety and salvation.

Jane’s prayer says, ‘Have Mercy Oh Gracious Father! upon all that are now suffering from whatsoever cause, that are in any circumstance of danger or distress. Give them patience under every affliction, strengthen, comfort & relieve them.’ This reminds me of my favorite Psalm – which Dodge references – Psalm 3:
```
Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! 
many are they that rise up against me.
Many there be which say of my soul, 
There is no help for him in God. Selah
But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, 
and the lifter up of mine head.
I cried unto the Lord with my voice, 
and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; 
for the Lord sustained me.
```
For your enjoyment, we’ve included a link to a video of this Psalm in song version. Singing this song in choir is how Psalm 3 became my favorite.

As Dodge recommends praying Ephesians 3:14-19 for others, we’ve included it below.
Discussion over Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen by Rachel Dodge – The First Prayer

January 16, 2021

In Want of a Good Book

S: I love this prayer. The cadence and pure adoration of God, as well as the penitence, are beautiful. My background is such that I’ve never read from the Book of Common Prayer nor had set times to pray during the day. Reading through this first prayer (and it is my suspicion that it will be the same for the other two) makes me want to incorporate this liturgical discipline into my life. It brings to mind the Psalms, and more specifically those that are for the morning, evening, and Sabbath.

R: It is such a beautiful prayer, though in the language of her day, quite simple! Until recently, I was the same as you, not really familiar with the liturgy as Jane would have been. Over the last year, though, my church has been developing a liturgy, using many elements from the Book of Common Prayer. Jane’s address of God as ‘Almighty Father’ illustrates, as in Scripture, that we can approach God in a familiar way and make our requests and needs known to Him.

Jane’s prayer goes on to acknowledge that God is always with His people and knows everything about us. Dodge quotes Psalm 139.1-4, which says:

O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

It’s a reminder that God is always near and we can go to Him with anything.

Jane highlights the importance of making God the focus of our thoughts and lives. Whatever we do, it should be done for God’s glory, even the menial or boring tasks of daily life. We should examine our hearts from God’s perspective and not allow laziness and distractions to take our focus off of our Creator. We should always be praying – asking (and thanking) God for His provision, praying for others, and confessing our sins with true repentance.

S: Scripture tells us to pray continually with thanksgiving, and the easiest way to do that is to talk to God conversationally, but there’s something to be said for the discipline of writing down prayers and really thinking about the words we use when we address the Lord as Austen’s prayers demonstrate. (Side note: It’s also a really good mental exercise to use words that are less common and incorporate them in our private prayers!)

Jesus gave His disciples, and us, an example of how to pray. As we have learned from the devotional, it was with His prayer that Jane closed her own. This is a solid foundation on which to build our own daily prayer lives.
Discussion over Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen by Rachel Dodge – Introduction

January 2, 2021

In Want of a Good Book

Happy New Year, everyone! We thought we’d start the new year off with something a little different. We’re going to be going through the devotional book Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen by Rachel Dodge during the month of January.

Jane was a faithful believer and spent time every day in prayer and Scripture (her father was an Anglican minister). This devotional takes a look at three prayers Jane Austen wrote that were preserved by her sister Cassandra. We’re not exactly sure what form our discussion will take, but we liked the idea of studying these prayers of Jane’s to better understand her and her faith in God, and to increase our own knowledge and faith in God.

If you have the book, or would like to buy it and read along, we think you’ll find it a blessing.

No comments on Discussion over Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen by Rachel Dodge – Introduction
On December Reading Life – 2020

December 27, 2020

The Sesquipedalian Speaks

December has arrived! A month of goodwill and cheer the world round, this month brings with it excitement for the new year, reflection on the quickly passed year, and many thousands of books on Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. Below are recommendations (which may include spoilers) of some of the books I’ve been reading this month:

Christmas Blessings, by Helen Steiner Rice – This is an adorable collection of some of Helen Steiner Rice’s poetry about Christmas and the New Year. It is divided into five sections, each of which begins with part of the Christmas story from the Gospels.

Handbook for Christian Homemakers, by Edith Flowers Kilgo – This is a book I’ve had on my shelf for at least a decade and finally decided to read this year. The author is practical and doesn’t assume that all women are married or have children. In fact, she makes the assertion that as a woman you are a homemaker, no matter your time of life. It is a little dated, having been published in the 1980s, but it was a refreshing read and left me wondering why I had waited so long to read it; as such, it now has a permanent place in my reread collection.

The Ickabog, by J. K. Rowling – I really enjoyed this book. This stand alone tale, which has no connection to any of the Harry Potter books, focuses on the perils of lying and hurting others and the importance of thinking critically. Be aware that there are some bits that could be scary for younger children. The chapters are short and leave the reader wanting to read more. This is a great read aloud.

The Miracle Tree, by Christobel Mattingley – This children’s story is set during and after the attack on Nagasaki, Japan during World War II. Focusing on three people, a husband, wife, and the wife’s mother, it is a story full of hope and reunion; it makes me cry every time I read it. There are few pictures, all of which are in black and white. This is a great read aloud.
On Succulents And Scripture

December 1, 2020

The Sesquipedalian Speaks

If you’ve been reading along with me, you may remember this post in which I discuss trying to keep my Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ alive, hoping he would stay around for a long while. You may also recall that the one succulent I had tried to keep alive before him was an ill-fated Aloe vera.

I thought it time for a little update on my foray into the world of Keeping Plants.

I noticed a few months ago that my little ‘Gollum’ plant and my newly inherited Aloe vera seemed to be outgrowing their pots. I was fully prepared all through the winter, spring, and summer to wake up one day and find them frozen or wilted and destined to be used as compost. Happily, however, they have remained alive and have been in need for some time of new homes. With help from a friend they are now repotted and watered, each standing proudly in their new places of residence.

I’ve come to enjoy looking at these little house plants and taking care of them. I want them to survive as long as they can. I want their roots to grow deeply, to eat of the soil that surrounds them, and to drink of the water given them.

I’ve accepted that my attempts at keeping greenery alive may fail, but this only makes me more aware of the Master Gardener. Whenever I look at my succulents I’m reminded of how thankful I am that my God not only breathes life into His creations, He is also the Living Water, the Bread of Life, and the Light of the World.

I might have to get used to my new surroundings when changes come, much like my little plants are now getting used to their new homes, and change might be difficult for a while. I may not see the bigger picture or the reason for the changes in my circumstances, but there is one thing of which I can be certain: my God doesn’t change. His character is forever the same. If I care this much about two small plants, how much more does He care for me?
On November Reading Life – 2020

November 29, 2020

The Sesquipedalian Speaks

Family, friends, thankfulness, comfort – these are the words that come to mind when I think of November. Lots of baking, lots of cups of hot coffee, lots of reading filled with a sense of calm (because it’s really autumn!) and excitement (because the holidays are upon us!). Below are recommendations (which may include spoilers) of some of the books I’ve been reading this month:

An Acceptable Time, by Madeline L’Engle – In the fifth book of the Wrinkle in Time Quintet the reader meets Polly O’Keefe, Meg and Calvin’s firstborn. Building upon the idea of tesseract, the theme of love, and the stories from A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Polly is caught in a back and forth between her present and the present of approximately three thousand years before. There is a sense of anticipation that permeates the book because the reader is never sure when the tesseract will happen, as well as the question of what it truly means to be a friend to someone. There is also more discussion of Christ and His blood sacrifice (the theme of blood sacrifice is integral to the story) and of His existing outside of time. This is a great read aloud, and though not as dark as A Swiftly Tilting Planet I would still suggest reading it alone first to make sure the themes are appropriate for those to whom you are reading the story.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, by J. K. Rowling – In this fourth book of the Harry Potter series, the reader meets numerous characters such as Victor Krum, Bartemius Crouch Sr., and Alistor Moody. Harry is suddenly tasked with taking part in the TriWizard Tournament and the reader is aware that Lord Voldemort has returned. The question is, will Harry face him again? Darker than the previous three books, it nevertheless is a good read aloud, though I would suggest reading it first to make sure the themes are appropriate, as well as the language (there are a few swear words dotted throughout).

The Hymnal for Worship & Celebration, Tom Fettke (Senior Editor) – I received this hymnal as a gift when I was a child and I am so grateful for it. Not only does it include hymns, it also includes choruses, some of the Creeds, responsive readings, select Psalms, and short services. It is an excellent addition to daily quiet time.

The Screwtape Letters, by C. S. Lewis – This fictional musing follows the letters of an older demon to a younger demon regarding the younger demon’s human charge. Much like The Great Divorce, one should not form theological ideas from this book, but the letters do make for good discussion and help the reader think about why he or she does certain things or acts in certain ways.
Sense and Sensibility: Discussion Over the 1995 Movie Adaptation

November 11, 2020

In Want of a Good Book

A quick note about this conversation: We watched the movie at the same time and wrote about things that stood out to us or that we felt were interesting choices. It might be helpful to watch the movie just before reading this or read it while watching the movie.

S: I’m so excited to watch this! It is one of my favourite movies. I remember that one year in high school I watched it four or five times in a row for a few weekends. It was awesome.

R: Oh, wow! That’s impressive! I think I was introduced to this movie in high school or the beginning of college, after my first encounter with the Pride and Prejudice mini-series. I don’t think I’d even read the book yet. The movie made me want to read the rest of the books.

S: One of the reasons I was excited about doing this conversational blog with you is because I have seen a few of the movies but have never wanted to read Austen’s books, so this has been a fun way to foray into her works.

At the beginning of the movie, Fanny’s dismayed, ‘Help them! What do you mean, help them?’ makes me laugh every time. No lie, I tried my hardest to not envision this actress’s face while reading the book, but was unsuccessful; she did such a good job!

R: The first time we see Elinor and Marianne is when Marianne is playing a very sad tune on the pianoforte and Elinor asks her to play something different. She does so, but it is an equally sad song. Elinor says, ‘I meant something less mournful, dearest.’ – One of my favorite lines, even though it’s not in the book.

S: Agreed! A family favourite line of ours is Elinor’s ‘It is the law’ when she’s telling Margaret about needing to move because the house and everything their father had went to their brother. We say it regarding almost anything that we need to do or have to do.

R: That’s hilarious!

I forgot how much Fanny’s voice annoys me.

So many good lines in this that weren’t in the book! But they made it just work so seamlessly with what Austen did write.

S: Yes. I think there is a great understanding of the characters so that all the extra stuff added in doesn’t detract. It is a little more solemn than the book, I feel – not as much wit, perhaps.

R: I agree. This beginning is a little longer, I think, than it was in the book.

S: I do, though, enjoy the imaginings of the conversations Edward and Elinor have when they first meet, and the development of Margaret’s character is fun. That was something in the book I was a little surprised by, that there was so little mention of her.

R: I just looked up the actress, Emilie Francois, and I feel old now. She’s a year older than I am! Only has three acting credits. I thought I recognized her from something else, but I was wrong.

S: That surprises me!

I’m so glad they left in part of Edward’s exposition on what his family wants him to do. It’s almost as funny in the movie as it is in the book.

One thing that is strange to me is that Mrs. Dashwood doesn’t seem as much like Marianne as she does in the book. I don’t mind how she is portrayed in the movie, but it is different and I like that Elinor is the completely level-headed one in the book.

R: I think there’s still an element there, with her trying to put Elinor and Edward together right from the start.

The exchange between Marianne and Elinor about Elinor’s feelings about Edward always gave me a giggle, but I don’t think it’s in the book at all, is it?

S: It’s one of the most easily quotable! You know, I don’t think it’s in the book, although it does seem like a conglomeration of a few exchanges. I’ll get my copy.

R: To the Kindle! Oh, it is there! Kate Winslet did an amazing job with her mimicry, which isn’t in the book.

S: You’re right! Ah, the wit.

The casting in this for everyone was EXCELLENT. (Also, the book is now remaining open next to me for the duration of the film.)

R: Oh! I never realized that Sir John was the same actor that played Sigfried in All Creatures Great and Small, wonderful British adaptation of the book series by James Herriot.

S: It has been added to my ‘To Read’ list.

COLONEL BRANDON!!!

R: Eeeeee! I can’t wait!

S: Ooh, foreshadowing from Mrs. Jennings regarding Edward! I never noticed that before.

R: Ah, little sisters.

S: Margaret is so cute!

R: I was thinking more about the murdering aspect when they tell your secrets! Ha! When Margaret hints that Elinor might have a beau whose name starts with an ‘F’. As an older sibling, I can completely understand Elinor’s exasperation with her, and then we learn that it was Marianne who told Margaret in the first place. Definitely grounds for murder.

I feel like they made Sir John more complicit in the teasing than he was in the book.

S: I would agree with that. We know of his ‘boisterous mirth’, but it doesn’t seem like he teases a lot.

It’s fun to see the way the movie moves some of the information around but still makes it make sense. The story of Colonel Brandon’s heartache moved from the middle of the story to the beginning of the movie.

R: Yes, I was just thinking that that was quite a bit more exposition than we had at this point in the book.

S: The addition of the atlas and explanation of Edward not visiting them after they’ve moved to Barton Cottage – I don’t mind it because it helps us see the differences in the characters, but I don’t know if it was necessary. What do you think?

R: It was a little more visual than just a letter, but I agree, not truly necessary.

Here comes Willoughby.

S: Meh.

R: Same!

But that exchange between the women is hilarious.

‘You will care when your nose swells.’

‘You are right. Help me, Elinor.’ Just almost deadpan.

Weird seeing Alan Rickman with light hair. Much more used to him as Snape.

S: That’s really funny, because I’m more used to seeing him as Colonel Brandon, so when I first saw him as Snape I kept thinking, ‘Wait, but he’s Colonel Brandon!’

R: I guess I was more into Harry Potter for a long time, or at least saw those movies more often, and there are eight of them.

Ugh, gag me with a spoon. Willoughby is SO fake!

S: I suppose he is, although in the book he wasn’t quite so charming to me because he and Marianne constantly made fun of others, so I never saw him as fake, only rude.

R: Fair point. They piled on the charm in the movie to the point that it feels insincere, or maybe it only seems that way because we already know his nature. It’s difficult to differentiate.

S: Truth!

R: Oh, my gosh! I love Colonel Brandon’s horse! Gorgeous! I suppose Willoughby’s are pretty, too.

Oh, so hard to like Charlotte at all considering the actress. Hiss! Umbridge!

S: I just don’t like the character’s giggliness in either the book or movie.

I said earlier that in high school I would watch Sense and Sensibility over and over. The other movie I would watch over and over was Much Ado About Nothing, so I always see the actress who played Charlotte as the character of Margaret from Much Ado About Nothing.

R: I’m not familiar with Much Ado About Nothing. It’s funny how we tend to always think of actors in the first thing we saw them in, or what we have seen them in most often, but I agree about Charlotte in general. She was just less unlikable in the book.

So when Lucy joined the party, I remembered one huge change from book to movie – it’s just Lucy, no sister. I don’t think the character even exists.

S: I don’t think she does, which is a disappointment to me because even though I didn’t like the Steele sisters’ characters I did like that Lucy had a sister.

R: Oh, I forgot how quickly the movie jumps from the party going to Colonel Brandon’s estate being interrupted to Willoughby leaving. I feel like the book took a little more time in between, but maybe not.

S: There is a bit more time and it feels like a lot more happens in the book. Willoughby is introduced in Chapter 9 and leaves in Chapter 15 – so much has happened in and between those chapters!

Ugh. Lucy. The only thing that makes the scene when Lucy is explaining to Elinor about her relationship with Edward bearable is Mr. Palmer’s dry humour and Mrs. Palmer’s amazement and excitement at all things. Also, Hugh Laurie will forever be Mr. Palmer in my mind.

R: Indeed!

Hmm, they added a year to Edward and Lucy’s engagement; five years instead of four. I wonder why.

Ooh, never caught that before. Elinor has one of Edward’s handkerchiefs, which did not happen in the book, and Lucy shows that she has one as well, staking her claim.

S: I guess it makes sense that they replaced Edward’s picture he’d given to Lucy with a handkerchief, but the changing of the amount of time of engagement is odd.

R: Oh, Lucy gives Elinor such a scathing look when Mrs. Jennings teases her about Edward when they’re on their way to John and Fanny’s for a ball.

I don’t think I realized that the Dashwoods were quite that rich. The house is massive!

S: Robert is a snob but more so, I think, in the movie than in the book. I do like the foreshadowing between him and Lucy.

R: I feel like book Robert is more snobby. Movie Robert is…slimy.

This part feels really accelerated, too. When they arrive in London, Marianne immediately writes to Willoughby, and there are several days of waiting and checking for an answer, and then suddenly we’re at the ball and Willoughby is snubbing Marianne, a major plot point. But cramming everything into a movie that’s just over two hours is nearly impossible. That’s one reason the A&E Pride and Prejudice mini-series is my most favoritist. It gave them the time to get nearly everything in.

S: It’s interesting that the gossip that was so prevalent in the book between Marianne and Willoughby moved to Lucy and Robert.

R: Maybe they were trying to expand their parts a little.

S: I don’t mind it, and it does make sense that Lucy and Robert would act like that.

R: I agree. It was a good way to show Lucy and Robert’s characters with the sort of reduced role for Lucy, but a bigger role for Robert.

S: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Mrs. Jennings rocks! Despite her gossipy nature, she really is a good friend and this is seen well when she rushes home to see how Marianne is doing after the news of Willoughby’s engagement is made public.

The scene between Colonel Brandon and Elinor when he tells her about Beth and Willoughby is so moving and really makes me love both characters even more.

R: Such a good scene between two phenomenal actors. I don’t remember if Colonel Brandon gave Willoughby that much credit in the book, that he thought Willoughby would have married Marianne if he hadn’t been disowned. They all seem to try to think a little better of him than I think he deserves.

S: I was trying to find if he had in the book, but I think the idea of Willoughby intending to marry Marianne was actually from the discourse between Elinor and Willoughby in Chapter 44.

R: I think you’re right.

Oh, and now for the most awkward scene in the entire story! Lucy, Edward and Elinor in the same room. ‘Engaged elsewhere!’ Ah, the double entendres. So, so awkward! Random aside – I do like Lucy’s coat. Has pretty edging and tassels.

S: And poor Marianne just keeps talking. It is reminiscent of earlier in the book when Margaret reveals to the Jennings family what Marianne had said about Edward and Elinor.

R: I’m glad we get to see the scene of Fanny finding out about Lucy and Edward. I’m dying laughing!

S: It is rather amusing.

R: Another amazing emotional scene between Elinor and Marianne when Mrs. Jennings tells them about the engagement between Edward and Lucy.

S: Excellent. I love the scene better in the book, but the movie version was really well done.

I like Colonel Brandon’s ‘I think not’ when Elinor suggests he tell Edward about his offer. There’s just so much in that statement. You know he doesn’t have an ulterior motive and by this time in the book we know that only Marianne truly knows of what Elinor is suffering, but it’s still amusing.

R: Oh, me too! I like his earlier line, ‘No doubt,’ as well.

S: I like the finding of Marianne by Colonel Brandon when she’s sick better in the movie. There’s so much there. The book didn’t really build up the tension as much.

R: Agreed! Very emotional, but also bookends how Willougby found her at the beginning.

S: Oh, I don’t think I’d noticed that before! (As an aside, the good Colonel doesn’t care about ‘leaving a watermark’.)

The removal scene of the Palmers’ baby and Mrs. Palmer’s freakout is a little much; it’s not nearly as troubling in the book. Also, I do wish they had retained Mrs. Jennings in the following scenes, but I understand why they didn’t.

R: I’d forgotten that she wasn’t, but it let the focus be more on Colonel Brandon, it seems.

We got some really nice sincere scenes from Mr. Palmer, though, before they left.

I always loved Elinor’s ‘She is out of danger’ line as their mother arrives. The relief is there, but it’s not overdone like Mrs. Palmer getting the baby away was.

S: Another favourite scene of mine is when Colonel Brandon reads to Marianne. The birds twittering, the sunshine, the way he responds when she asks that he not stay away long – so beautiful. The only thing that always weirded me out was that when he tells her he’s leaving he says it almost as one would say it to a child (or maybe that’s just how I hear it, but I’ve always heard it that way).

R: I suppose it could be taken that way. I saw it more like his being overly solicitous because of her continuing recovery. But it is such a lovely scene. They had to accelerate Marianne beginning to appreciate the colonel, I think, but it worked well for the medium. I do love Marianne’s straw bonnet! So simple and pretty.

S: Their clothes are great. They are so complimentary in not only shape but colours.

IT’S EDWARD!!! Out of all the scenes, the one when he visits the Dashwoods at Barton Cottage is my top favourite.

R: It is. I do enjoy the call back to Mrs. Dashwood telling Margaret to talk about the weather if she had nothing better to say.

S: That is hilarious.

R: This whole scene is the best in the entire movie. Elinor’s eyes going wide when Edward reveals that it’s Robert who married, not himself. And everyone else giving each other the eye and leaving!

S: Elinor’s reaction and letting all her emotion show is beautiful! Also, I like Marianne sending Margaret up to spy on them.

R: I love the final scene, but I wish they’d made it clearer that some time had passed. The first time I saw it, I thought both couples had gotten married at the same time.

And I can’t decide whether I like or not that they left out Willoughby’s exposition and just gave us that one glimpse of his regret.

S: I always thought it was a double wedding, too and was so confused as to why Elinor’s dress was not as pretty as Marianne’s.

I think I would have liked the added scene of Willoughby talking with Elinor. I don’t think it would have disrupted the flow of the movie. Also, in the book it makes it clear that Willoughby went on to enjoy his life of ease and he had ‘no inconsiderable degree of domestic felicity’, so his regret shot at the end of the movie doesn’t really seem to fit with the book’s ending.

R: I think other than just leaving us dangling, it was the only way to give us some closure about Willoughby without the scene from the book where he actually explains things to Elinor.

It’s such a good movie, great adaptation, beautiful costumes and scenery. All in all, one of my favorite movies! One I like to watch over and over, though it has been a few years. I can’t wait until we go on to Jane Austen’s other books and more movie adaptations! This was a lot of fun to write.

S: I love the music for the movie! It’s so beautiful. I also like that it was a bright movie. The vibrancy of colours no matter where the characters were gives the feeling of hope throughout, even when you weren’t sure if anything would be resolved. Overall, I think this is one of the best adaptations of a book in cinematic history.

If you want to join us in January for a new conversation, we’ll be going through Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen, by Rachel Dodge. I reviewed this book here if you want to read a bit about it and am excited to read through it again.