Comments | rpowell: "Shifting Heirs and the Ferrars Estate"

rpowell

"Shifting Heirs and the Ferrars Estate"

Sep 11, 2013 20:45

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jane austen, movies, ang lee, television, georgian era, literary

Comments 6

helenajust September 12 2013, 21:22:55 UTC

I think that you have to look at the actual book to understand the position. Instead of merely making Robert her heir in substitution for Edward, Mrs Ferrars irrevocably settled one thousand pounds a year on Robert (probably by giving him the property which earned that amount per annum). He became entitled to the money at once, and it could not be taken away from him ( ... )

Quick question ext_4660167 May 20 2018, 20:04:00 UTC

Thank you for the excellent explanation helenajust.

I have a quick question that has bothered me for quite some time. In the movie Sense and Sensibility, directed by Ang Lee starring Emma Thompson, did Colonel Brandon know of the love that Elinor and Edward shared when he aske her to present his offer of his Parish at Delaford to Edward?
I want to say, Yes, he knew full well of their love because of all the teasing that Sir John Middleton and Mrs. Jennings gave to Elinor about "The mysterious Mr. F". If you feel that same as I do then ehat was he trying to accomplish? Did Colonel Brandon think that by putting them both in that situation they would profess their live for each other and Edward would break his promise of marriage to Lucy? That would seem unlikely to me. Or was it so they could privately say goodbye to one another?

I hope my question makes sense (no pun intended). Thank you in advance for giving me any insight into this part as it is particularly tricky for me to grasp.

Warmest Regards,
Nance

rpowell September 15 2013, 20:30:43 UTC

You don't seem to understand. I'm wondering why Mrs. Ferrars never took those steps with Edward before her discovery of his engagement to Lucy Steele . . . especially since she bent upon him being the heir and finding an heiress for him to marry.

I find the whole situation rather contrived on Austen's part.

helenajust September 16 2013, 07:14:26 UTC

You did ask " Why did Mrs. Ferrars disinherited Edward after he refused to break his engagement to Lucy . . . and fail to disinherit Robert, after he had eloped with the same woman?", so that was the question I answered ( ... )

rpowell October 14 2013, 06:31:54 UTC

It's contrived. I now see that it was a way for Austen to keep Elinor and Marianne living close to each other, while married to their husbands - Edward and Colonel Brandon.

helenajust October 14 2013, 08:24:47 UTC

Good point! They would always be happier close to each other.