Sense and Sensibility: Episode 3, Chapters 12-15

In this episode, we read Chapters 12 to 15 of Sense and Sensibility. We talk about Margaret’s contribution to the plot, how Elinor and Marianne’s debate on sense vs sensibility moves from the theoretical to the practical, the linking of propriety with morality, how the mystery subplot is quite unusual in Jane Austen, and the … Read more Sense and Sensibility: Episode 3, Chapters 12-15

Sense and Sensibility: Episode 2, Chapters 6-11

In this episode, we read Chapters 6 to 11 of Sense and Sensibility. We talk about how Barton Cottage and its location are described in some detail, consider how the bedrooms are shared out, the closeness between the two sisters in spite of their differences, the theme of sense vs sensibility, and the way Willoughby … Read more Sense and Sensibility: Episode 2, Chapters 6-11

Sense and Sensibility: Episode 1, Chapters 1-5

In this episode, we read the first five chapters of Sense and Sensibility. We give a brief publishing history, and talk about the themes of sense and sensibility, the lack of dialogue in the first chapter, how much money the Dashwoods have, the emphasis on caring about the arts, how very young the girls are, … Read more Sense and Sensibility: Episode 1, Chapters 1-5

Pride and Prejudice: Chapters 42-46

In this episode, we talk about the way Darcy is reintroduced into the narrative, Jane Austen’s thoughts on architecture and landscaping, the possible connection between Pemberley and Chatsworth and how Georgiana Darcy is presented in a very different manner from Anne de Burgh. We discuss Elizabeth Bennet, perhaps Jane Austen’s most popular heroine. Ellen talks … Read more Pride and Prejudice: Chapters 42-46

Pride and Prejudice: Chapters 35-41

In this episode, we talk about Darcy’s letter and Elizabeth’s reaction to it, consider what Wickham might have done in his youth, revisit the Collins marriage, discuss Mr Bennet’s abrogation of parental responsibility and look at how Elizabeth is now seeing her family through new eyes. We then look at the character of Lydia. For … Read more Pride and Prejudice: Chapters 35-41

Pride and Prejudice: Chapters 19-26

In this episode, we talk about the two marriage proposals by Mr Collins, the precise timetabling of the events, and the matter of obedience to one’s parents. We discuss Charlotte Lucas in some detail, and then Ellen talks about the ‘marriage market’. Harriet looks at where the two mini-series versions of Pride and Prejudice have … Read more Pride and Prejudice: Chapters 19-26