Brandon Asks About Willoughby, Explained：once and for all

What's really going on

The chapter hides its real subject inside politeness. Brandon has come because he has heard reports, and the question he is finally brave enough to ask — 'Is everything finally resolved between your sister and Mr. Willoughby?' — is the question of a man who has already been hurt by the answer. Elinor gives him the conventional assurance, that she has no doubt of their mutual affection, and for a moment he accepts it. Then comes the line that gives him away: 'To your sister, I wish all imaginable happiness.' and, of Willoughby, 'that he may endeavour to deserve her.' It is the most delicate warning in the film, since it pretends to be a blessing. Elinor notices at once and asks what he means, but the scene lets the implication stand without explanation. Brandon knows something about Willoughby, and he will not say it aloud.

Theme

このチャプターで学べること

• Politeness here carries the verdict it pretends to soften.
• A blessing can be the sharpest thing said all evening.
• Servants survive by reporting good news before a request.
• Once and for all ends the guessing, not the feeling.

発音のポイント

• everything's in order — Link everything's and in so they run as one sound.
• You're making — You're reduces to a quick /jə/ before making.
• once and for all — Blend once and together, then stress all at the end.