Silent Monday

This year marks the 199th anniversary of the publication of Sense and Sensibility. Jane Austen showcases her wonderful dry wit over and over in this novel, as exemplified in the following passage:

After breaking up with Willoughby, Marianne grieves his absence quite publicly. She,  Elinor, and Margaret wander about the village of Allenham when they unexpectedly encounter Edward Ferrars, who has arrived for a visit. Marianne asks how dear, dear Norland looks.

Fall in Missoula. Photo from @The Uprising

"Dear, dear Norland," said Elinor, "probably looks much as it always does at this time of year. The woods and walks thickly covered with dead leaves."

"Oh!" cried Marianne, "with what transporting sensations have I formerly seen them fall! How have I delighted, as I walked, to see them driven in showers about me by the wind! What feelings have they, the season, the air altogether inspired! Now there is no one to regard them. They are seen only as a nuisance, swept hastily off, and driven as much as possible from the sight."

"It is not every one," said Elinor, "who has your passion for dead leaves."

Image from I Love Fall in Shelley's The Uprising. She has contributed book reviews to Jane Austen Today and Jane Austen's World.