You all have loved our post on how to read Pride and Prejudice along with the BBC miniseries (because, Colin Firth!), and some of you have requested we do a similar post on Sense & Sensibility. So, here I am to save the day!
At the homeschool co-op where I teach literature, I also happen to teach drama. And we happened to do Sense & Sensibility as our play this fall. And I happened to direct it. And… I happened to write the adaptation.
So this story has become close to my heart lately. And, I daresay, I may even like it a tiny tad bit more than Pride & Prejudice. (Gasp!)
I am quite partial to the Emma Thompson and Ang Lee adaptation of this story, although to fit it in an hour and a half they did have to change a decent amount of the storyline to fit. So, if you’re studying through this book with your kids or just reading it for fun, here’s the chapter-by-chapter breakdown that helps you follow along with the longer 3-episode BBC miniseries version.
How to read Pride & Prejudice along with the BBC miniseries
BBC Episode 1 | Read Sense and Sensibility Volume 1, chapters 1-10
In this section of the book, we discover how the Dashwood ladies lose their home and come to land at Barton Cottage, where Marianne meets (and falls swiftly in “love”) with the handsome Mr. Willoughby. Elinor also meets Edward Ferrars, whom she forms a deep affection for, and they all become acquainted with Colonel Brandon as well.
Visit this post for recipes to serve with this episode.
BBC Episode 2 | Read Sense and Sensibility Volume 1, chapter 11 – Volume 2, chapter 6
In this section of the book we begin to see the darker side of Willoughby’s past, and how he breaks Marianne’s heart by deserting her. Brandon is shrouded in a mystery that calls him back to London for immediate attention. And Edward seems to be hiding something as well. Of course, once Elinor meets Lucy Steele she realizes exactly what that “something” is.
Visit this post for recipes to serve with this episode.
BBC Episode 3 | Read Sense and Sensibility Volume 2, chapter 7 – end
All’s well that ends well, right? We find out the truth about Willoughby. What a cad! And the Dashwood ladies do find the true love (and secure future) they’re hoping for after all.
spilledmilk.net 