Here's how Marianne changes over the course of the story:
1.Initial Character Traits:
- Marianne is characterized by her fervent emotions and extreme sensitivity. She is quick to express both her joy and sorrow without restraint. Her emotions often carry her away, making her less practical and more prone to romantic notions.
2.Early Influences:
- Marianne is initially heavily influenced by her older sister, Elinor, who represents reason and practicality. Elinor often serves as a voice of caution, advising Marianne to control her emotions and act with prudence.
3.Influence of Willoughby:
- Marianne's emotions lead her to fall deeply in love with Willoughby, a charming but ultimately unreliable man. She idealizes him and is blind to his flaws due to her strong feelings. This infatuation highlights her initial susceptibility to romantic illusions.
4.Heartbreak and Lessons:
- After Willoughby's sudden abandonment and subsequent engagement to another woman, Marianne experiences intense emotional pain. This heartbreak forces her to confront reality, and she begins to realize that her past judgments and emotions may not have always been grounded in sound reasoning.
5.Growth and Maturity:
- As Marianne grapples with her heartache, she undergoes a period of reflection and self-examination. She recognizes the importance of balancing emotion with reason, learning from her mistakes and accepting that there may be more practical considerations to take into account.
6.Changed Perspective on Love:
- Marianne's romantic ideals are challenged when she meets Colonel Brandon, a reserved and honorable man. Through her interactions with him, she begins to appreciate more mature and stable relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.
7.Reconciliation and Balance:
- Towards the end of the novel, Marianne achieves a balance between her emotions and her intellect. She reconciles with Willoughby and eventually finds happiness in a suitable marriage to Colonel Brandon.
Marianne's journey over the course of the novel illustrates Austen's exploration of themes such as romanticism versus realism, the importance of finding a middle ground between emotion and reason, and the growth and maturity that often come from life's experiences and lessons.