The prompt for this month’s Inklings link-up (check out the rules for linking up here!) is a scene at the piano. This prompt just calls out for Jane Austen submissions, doesn’t it? I considered trying to be different and original and going in a different direction with it, but since I had thought of the perfect Jane Austen one to do, I decided that was just foolish.
Therefore, I’m sharing a scene from towards the end of the 2008 Sense and Sensibility mini-series. Here’s a link to the scene on Youtube, though unfortunately the visual quality is pretty bad.
This is the scene (you probably all already know how S&S ends, but just in case, SPOILERS UNTIL END OF POST) in which we get to see Marianne and Colonel Brandon’s relationship really blossoming. Marianne has come to the realization that Willoughby was not what she thought and that Colonel Brandon is “the true romantic,” and as befits this deeper and more substantial relationship, their interactions together are quiet and understated, a marked difference from the gushing and overblown romance we saw before with Willoughby. I love how much this scene conveys with so little dialogue – all Marianne says the entire scene is “thank you.”
I also love the symbolism of Marianne playing the piece of music that Colonel Brandon gave her at the beginning of the mini-series, but which we see she now knows by heart. And there’s obvious symbolism with the falcon as well – in the same way that Colonel Brandon lets the wild, spirited falcon go and it comes back to him, he – like the gentleman he is – doesn’t pressure Marianne, and leaves her free to make her own choice. And since the poor girl has finally learned some sense, she makes the right decision. (Not that it’s a perfect analogy, of course. For one thing, I doubt Colonel Brandon rewarded Marianne by giving her a raw meat dinner when she chose him.)
Have you seen the 2008 Sense and Sensibility? Do you like how they portray Colonel Brandon and Marianne’s relationship? What are your favorite Jane Austen piano scenes?
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Oh, I REALLY want to see the 2008 Sense and Sensibility!! I’m always up for watching a new film version of a Jane Austen book. (By the way, can anyone participate in Inklings or is it by invitation of the creator? That last sentence sounded very Austinian 😉 ) Thank you for sharing.
Let me know what you think if you watch it! The 2008 S&S is what got me really into period drama, so it holds a special place in my heart. (And anybody can participate! No invitations or calling cards required ;))
Ohh, I’m so glad you went the Austen route, Lizzie, this scene captured my heart at first sight☺️🤗There’s something so wholesomely sweet about it…. I almost don’t have words for it, but it touches the heart🙃So much being conveyed without words…. And since I have not, indeed, seen either version of S&S, it instantly claimed a place high up on my “watchlist”! The 2008 version, specifically…. If the rest of the series is anything like it, this may become a new favourite! Bless Colonel Brandon for being such a gentleman….
And here I must admit to recalling very few Jane Austen piano scenes at all, and thereby having no favourite😆 But, along that same line, if (music lovers being abundant hereabouts) anyone happens to know what piece it is that Marianne is playing in this scene, I would very much like to know!
Thankyou for picking this particular bit, Lizzie, this made my day😜
I’m so glad you liked this scene so much! 😀 I love it too. I was rather disappointed in Marianne and Colonel Brandon’s relationship when I first read the book, but this mini-series made me love them. (I forget if I already told you this, but the first scene in the 2008 S&S provides some TMI about a Certain Character’s Doings and is better skipped – if you just skip in a minute and a half you’re in the opening credits and the rest is fine.) I think you would like it a lot – let me know if you check it out! Both versions of S&S are good and have things in their favor, but this one is my favorite on the whole. (:
I’m afraid I’ll have to lay low on the question of what Marianne is playing, for the good reason that I don’t know. I think they may have composed the piece for the series, but take what I say on this topic with a grain of salt. 😛
Aw, I’m so happy to hear that! <3