Mothers |
 Dec 27 2008, 11:54 PM
Post
#1
|
|
Exclusive distributor of The Dungbomb Protection Kit  Posts: 2,642 Joined: 10:52pm March 5, 2007    |
What is the role of a mother? Is she to be the indulgent care-giver, making sure her child wants for nothing? Is she to be the disciplinarian, ensuring that her child reaches their potential, no matter what the cost? Sense and Sensibility is crowded with mothers...
Mrs. Dashwood-mother to Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret Mrs. Ferrars-mother to Edward, Robert, and Fanny Mrs. John Dashwood (aka Fanny)-mother to the spoiled Henry Mrs. Jennings-mother to Lady Middleton and Charlotte Lady Middleton-mother to four small children Charlotte Palmer-expectant mother and the mother figure, Mrs. Smith-aunt to John Willoughby All of these characters represent different stages of mothering, from the new and nervous Charlotte, to the experienced Mrs. Jennings. What do these mothers have in common? What are their faults? Who do you think was the best mother? Should a mother be held accountable for her child's actions? How much influence does the personality of the mother have on the formation of a child's character? What faults do you see in the children of these mothers that can be attributed to parenting style? These questions are simply a starting point, feel free to add your own thoughts and ideas! |
 |
 
 
|
These days, you'll hear many people justifying sex before marriage as long as they are "in love". Pity the girl who experiments with the physicality of the act rather than succumb to the emotional aspects ("it just happened...we couldn't help ourselves")...she will often be "branded" with a reputation which will be hard for her to leave behind. Mrs Dashwood knows her daughter is a "good" girl and moreover, she trusts her and will support her no matter what. She is the embodiment of unconditional love, and to me, is the "god/goddess" representation in the book. She doesn't pry, and she is willing to wait until her daughter is ready to reveal...but in the meantime, is also willing to believe the best of her daughter.
to Mrs Ferrars for the fool she was, through her skillful flattery and deception...so much so that Robert became Mrs Ferrars favorite yet again. Mrs Ferrars didn't want truth, as was evident in Elinor's and Edward's relationship...she would rather be lulled and soothed by a fantasy of her own (and society's) making.
