Elinor Dashwood
Elinor Dashwood Monologues
What do you know of my heart? What do you know of anything but your own suffering? For weeks, Marianne, I've had this pressing on me without being at liberty to speak of it to a single creature. It was forced on me by the very person whose prior claims ruined all my hopes. I have endured her exultations again and again whilst knowing myself to be divided from Edward forever. Believe me, Marianne, had I not been bound to silence I could have provided proof enough of a broken heart, even for you.
You talk of feeling idle and useless. Imagine how that is compounded when one has no hope and no choice of any occupation whatsoever.
Except that you will inherit your fortune. We cannot even earn ours.
Yes. Marianne does not approve of hiding her emotions. In fact, her romantic prejudices have the unfortunate tendency to set propriety at naught.
Rather too unspoilt, in my view. The sooner she becomes acquainted with the ways of the world, the better.
Marianne, please try... I... I cannot... I cannot do without you. Oh, please, I... I-I have tried to bear everything else... I will try... Please, dearest, beloved Marianne, do not leave me alone.
Whatever his past actions, whatever his present courseā¦ at least you may be certain that he loved you.
I am by no means assured of his regard, and even were he to feel such a preference, I think we should be foolish to assume that there would not be many obstacles to his marrying a... a woman of no rank who cannot afford to buy sugar.
In such a situation, Mamma, it is perhaps better to use one's head.
Mrs Jennings is a wealthy woman with a married daughter. She has nothing to do but marry off everyone else's.
John and Fanny are in town. I think we shall be forced to see them.