CLASSIC SCENE
Sense and Sensibility
Directed by Ang Lee
In the breakfast scene from Sense and Sensibility, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood navigate the tense atmosphere of their family home after their father’s death and the arrival of Fanny Dashwood, who is set to evict them. Elinor tries to maintain composure and civility, while Marianne, more openly resentful, struggles to hide her disdain. The scene highlights the social dynamics and emotional strain the Dashwood sisters face as they are subtly reminded of their diminishing status in their own home, culminating in Fanny’s insensitive request for their youngest sister Margaret’s room for her brother Edward’s brief stay.
* * *
INT. ELINOR’S BEDROOM – DAY
Following the death of their father, Elinor Dashwood (Emma Thompson) and Marianne Dashwood (Kate Winslet) find themselves temporarily living in their family home, Norland, with Fanny Dashwood (Harriet Walter), the new lady of the house and the woman whose presence means their imminent eviction. One morning, Marianne opens the door to Elinor’s room and marches in, revealing Elinor wrapping a shawl in some paper.
MARIANNE: Fanny wishes to know where the key to the silver cabinet is kept.
ELINOR: Betsy has it, I think. What does Fanny want with the silver?
MARIANNE: One can only presume she wants to count it. [Beat] What are you doing?
ELINOR: Presents for the servants. Have you seen Margaret, by the way? I’m worried about her, she’s taken to hiding in the oddest places.
MARIANNE: Fortunate girl. At least she can escape Fanny, which is more than any of us is able.
ELINOR: You do your best. You’ve not said a word to her for a week.
MARIANNE: I have. I’ve said “yes” and “no”.
Elinor just looks at her younger sister.
INT. BREAKFAST ROOM – DAY
Elinor, Fanny, her husband John Dashwood (James Fleet) and Mrs Dashwood (Gemma Jones), John’s stepmother and Elinor and Marianne’s mother, are having breakfast. The atmosphere is stilted. Marianne enters and, with a small smile to her sister and mother, sits down. Glancing at Elinor, she makes an effort to engage with Fanny.
MARIANNE: Good morning, Fanny.
Clearly taken aback, Fanny glances at Mrs Dashwood before replying.
FANNY: Good morning, Miss Marianne.
MARIANNE: How did you find the silver? Was it all genuine?
Elinor leaps in. Damage limitation is required.
ELINOR: Pray, when may we expect the pleasure of your brother’s company?
FANNY: Edward is due tomorrow. Oh, and my dear Mrs Dashwood, in view of the fact that he will not be with us for long, I wonder if Miss Margaret will be prepared to give up her room for him? The view is quite incomparable from her windows, and I should so much like Edward to see Norland at its best.
Marianne, dismayed, drops her knife onto her plate.
