Close Reading IN Practice—2

1. Close Reading IN Practice—2 How to develop sophisticated analysis

2. Elinor watches Marianne and Willoughby’s courtship closely: “When he was present she had no eyes for any one else. Every thing he did was right. Every thing he said was clever. If their evenings at the Park were concluded with cards, he cheated himself and all the rest of the party to get her a good hand. If dancing formed the amusement of the night, they were partners for half the time; and when obliged to separate for a couple of dances, were careful to stand together, and scarcely spoke a word to any body else” (41). • Weak: Austen suggests that Marianne and Willoughby’s behavior is selfish; they only pay attention to each other, and they “scarcely spoke a word to anybody else.” Willoughby is even willing to cheat other people so that Marianne can win at cards. • Better: Austen chooses to describe their courtship from Elinor’s point of view, which makes their behavior seem selfish instead of romantic. Unlike her sister, who has “no eyes for any one” but Willoughby, Elinor is able to see the effects of their behavior on other people. The fact that Willoughby “cheated” other people at cards to help Marianne, and that they “scarcely spoke a word to any body else,” highlights their lack of civility to others.

3. Elinor watches Marianne and Willoughby’s courtship closely: “When he was present she had no eyes for any one else. Every thing he did was right. Every thing he said was clever. If their evenings at the Park were concluded with cards, he cheated himself and all the rest of the party to get her a good hand. If dancing formed the amusement of the night, they were partners for half the time; and when obliged to separate for a couple of dances, were careful to stand together, and scarcely spoke a word to any body else” (41). • Best: Marianne and Willoughby’s courtship is a potentially thrilling romantic event; these two attractive young people seem passionately in love with one another, and are willing to defy social conventions in order to spend more time together. Yet Austen’s decision to describe their relationship from Elinor’s point of view has a decidedly less sensational effect. The passage describes their actions, but the lines entirely lack any terms suggestive of passion—we see their behavior, but we do not feel their emotions. Even their actions are portrayed in a flat, strictly factual manner: “Every thing he did was right. Every thing he said was clever.” Not only do these words strip the lines of emotional resonance, but the exaggeration—”every thing” he does and says is right or clever—implies that Marianne’s views of Willoughby may be unrealistic. In addition to this unromantic account, Elinor’s point of view captures one other aspect of their relationship; whereas Marianne and Willoughby are wrapped up entirely in one another, to the point where they “scarcely spoke a word to any body else,” Elinor can see the effect their behavior has on other people. Elinor notes that Willoughby “cheated” others—which implies dishonesty rather than gallantry—to help Marianne win at cards, and when compelled to dance with others, they ignore their partners; their actions are a breach of protocol, but they are also simply rude and potentially hurtful to other people. Austen’s decision to describe the scene through Elinor’s eyes implies that the couple may be romantic and loving but they are also insensitive to other’s emotions. In this passage, then, Marianne seems both naïve and selfish.

4. “Marianne was silent; it was impossible for her to say what she did not feel, however trivial the occasion; and upon Elinor, therefore, the whole task of telling lies, when politeness required it, always fell. She did her best when thus called on, by speaking of Lady Middleton with more warmth than she felt, though with far less than Miss Lucy” (89). • Weak: Although honesty is generally an admirable quality, the business-like diction which Austen employs in these lines indicates that “politeness” sometimes “require[s]” telling lies. • Better: Although honesty is generally an admirable quality, the business-like diction which Austen employs in these lines indicates that sometimes civility necessitates lying. Elinor’s lies are described as a “task,” which suggests something unpleasant yet necessary. In addition, Austen writes that “politeness required” Elinor’s dishonesty; the lies seem necessary—and, ironically, necessary not to cheating or hurting other people, but to “politeness” or civility itself.

5. “Marianne was silent; it was impossible for her to say what she did not feel, however trivial the occasion; and upon Elinor, therefore, the whole task of telling lies, when politeness required it, always fell. She did her best when thus called on, by speaking of Lady Middleton with more warmth than she felt, though with far less than Miss Lucy” (89). • Best: The passage begins with a description of one of Marianne’s heartfelt principles: it is “impossible for her to say what she did not feel.” At first glance, her sentiment is praiseworthy—honesty is generally considered an admirable quality, whereas insincerity seems distasteful. Austen also uses the basic word “lies” rather than more-euphemistic terms such as “untruths” or even “compliments.” Yet Austen’s diction strongly suggests that lies may, at least sometimes, be necessary. Elinor’s lies are described as a “task,” a term which suggests that the action results from obligation rather than choice. In addition, Austen writes that “politeness required” Elinor’s dishonesty [my emphasis]; the lies are, therefore, necessary—and, interestingly, necessary not to cheating or hurting other people, but to “politeness” or civility itself. Ironically, then, certain lies are essential to good manners and sociability. Austen does suggest that excessive insincerity is distasteful; a “task” is rarely pleasant, and Elinor chooses to speak of Lady Middleton with “far less” affection than the social-climbing Steele sisters. Austen does, then, appear to recognize that “lies” are problematic to some degree. However, Marianne’s righteous silence also seems unfair when compared with Elinor’s civilityand reluctance to offend others; she preserves her authenticity, but allows all unpleasant duties to land on her sister’s shoulders. Austen therefore seems to approve of Elinor’s constant struggle to strike a balance between between two extremes: individual freedom and concern for others.