Two of Jane Austen's heroines have been on my mind lately. Known for their restraint, they must bear their burdens silently before love comes knocking at their door.
Elinor Dashwood, Sense and Sensibility: Poor Elinor. Not only did she have to endure her sister, Marianne's, histrionic outpouring of grief over her loss of Willoughby, but she had to offer her support while keeping Edward Ferrar's engagement to Lucy Steele a secret. Lucy, a creepy and manipulative woman if ever there was one, targeted Elinor as her confidante on purpose, repeatedly pouring salt in the wound as she shared secrets that Elinor was honor bound to keep to herself. Not only did Elinor bear her sorrow silently as Marianne accused her of a lack of romantic feeling, but even her ally, Colonel Brandon, caused her great pain by asking her to inform Edward in person of Colonel Brandon's gift to him of a living at the parsonage at Delaford. While Elinor's heart was breaking, she had to tell Edward that he now had the means to marry Lucy.
Anne Elliot, Persuasion: Long-suffering Anne. For seven years she has regretted her decision to break off her relationship with Captain Wentworth at the urging of Lady Russell, who meant well. For seven years, her spirits have flagged, even as she lost her bloom. Suddenly he walks into her life, rich, successful, and handsome, and begins to court the Musgrove Sisters. Anne endures the situation in silence, not realizing that the Captain, while still mad with her, is in equal agony. With no one to turn to, not her selfish sister Mary, not her arrogant father and older sister Elizabeth, not even her good friend Lady Russell, Anne must endure the presence of the handsome captain, knowing she has lost him and that he will belong to someone else soon.
Gentle readers, for which lady does your heart ache more? Elinor or Anne?
Elinor Dashwood, Sense and Sensibility: Poor Elinor. Not only did she have to endure her sister, Marianne's, histrionic outpouring of grief over her loss of Willoughby, but she had to offer her support while keeping Edward Ferrar's engagement to Lucy Steele a secret. Lucy, a creepy and manipulative woman if ever there was one, targeted Elinor as her confidante on purpose, repeatedly pouring salt in the wound as she shared secrets that Elinor was honor bound to keep to herself. Not only did Elinor bear her sorrow silently as Marianne accused her of a lack of romantic feeling, but even her ally, Colonel Brandon, caused her great pain by asking her to inform Edward in person of Colonel Brandon's gift to him of a living at the parsonage at Delaford. While Elinor's heart was breaking, she had to tell Edward that he now had the means to marry Lucy.
Anne Elliot, Persuasion: Long-suffering Anne. For seven years she has regretted her decision to break off her relationship with Captain Wentworth at the urging of Lady Russell, who meant well. For seven years, her spirits have flagged, even as she lost her bloom. Suddenly he walks into her life, rich, successful, and handsome, and begins to court the Musgrove Sisters. Anne endures the situation in silence, not realizing that the Captain, while still mad with her, is in equal agony. With no one to turn to, not her selfish sister Mary, not her arrogant father and older sister Elizabeth, not even her good friend Lady Russell, Anne must endure the presence of the handsome captain, knowing she has lost him and that he will belong to someone else soon.
