Sense and Sesibility: Book vs. BBC

I haven't book blogged in FOREVER but there have been a few books I've read I want to mention. First was Sense and Sensiblity. I have read it before but this time I wanted to read it after viewing the new BBC adaptation on PBS. I read the book wanting to see where the two differed. On the whole I was amazed at how close and accurate this film verson was to the book. I loved the actors chosen and the settings.

In BBC there was a bond illustrated/or a friendship between Meg and Edward which never presented itself in book. REally his character was so distant and reserved that even open friendliness to a child might have been reaching. I liked that they added it, because besides being completely steady and good, the Edward in the book lacked likability factor. Edward chopping wood in the rain was a nice add in as well.

There were a few minor discrepancies that needn't be detailed. Marianne's fall occurred a bit differently. Conversations were a bit altered. Marianne was truly disgusted by Colonel Brandon's severe old age. She felt he was in declining health due to old age.

There are other incidents with Robert Ferrars that were left out, such as when he buys a toothpick case in a shop where Elinore is and his conceited behavior is noted.

When all came out about Edward's unfortunate engagement, neither he or his mother were present. Elinore also told Marianne about the engagement herself, rather than her hearing about it in town.

Overall I thought it a close adaptation and very well done. I think overall it's a greater novel than Pride and Prejudice. Even without a character like Elizabeth's mother, Mrs. Bennet, S&S is more satirical, more poignant, and shows greater depth in behaviors, feelings, and manners. It's style is similar to her later work of Mansfield Park. The injustices seem severe on the heroines. It's difficult to say who might be a stronger character, Fanny or Elinore. Both are so strong and have many similarities in nature. Emond and Edward are very similar as well and it's difficult to say if either of them are better, though Emond's lapse in good judgement being more recent in the timeline of the story puts him second in my mind.

It is easy to see some similarities in all of her stories. Of course there is the young poor girls finding rich husbands and marrying well, but she also uses characters with similar personalities and there is a libertine in every book. There are very clear examples of poor character in women and parents also.

S&S remains my favorite of her books so far. Next of hers I'll read Persuasion.