I found Benwick to be a likable character, but I have to say that I don’t see quite as much of a disparity between him and Louisa as Captain Wentworth does. He’s better educated and more thoughtful, perhaps, but to me he didn’t appear quite as wise as other characters seemed to think he is. He’s sad and solemn, but he seems to wallow in his emotions. He also is a bit impressionable. So it makes sense to me that he would fall in love with Louisa while she’s an invalid in his home. I think they’ll likely be a happy married couple, especially if Louisa continues to read voraciously and become a bit more educated and mature. But in terms of Wentworth’s implied comparison between Louisa and Anne, I’m so here for it and ready to hear him sing Anne’s praises!
I try to take a hopeful view of Benwick and Louisa. I agree with what Bridget said about Benwick not being as superior in understanding to the reader as he seems to other characters. I also think that Benwick, who has for so long been the unfortunate person being taken care of by others, finds something attractive in falling for someone he can take care of-a lover of romantic poetry like he is could definitely find some appeal in caring for a damsel in distress. And remember, Louisa has been altered in personality by her accident; she is no longer as bubbly and impetuous as she was. And on Louisa’s side, I can see her appreciating Benwick for his care, gentleness, and the (again) romantic appeal of the tragic loss of his first love. And we know from her attitude towards Wentworth she has an admiration for navy men.
I think they’ll be reasonably happy. I think Benwick probably would have fallen in love with anyone who had been so constantly present to him as Louisa was.
I found Benwick to be a likable character, but I have to say that I don’t see quite as much of a disparity between him and Louisa as Captain Wentworth does. He’s better educated and more thoughtful, perhaps, but to me he didn’t appear quite as wise as other characters seemed to think he is. He’s sad and solemn, but he seems to wallow in his emotions. He also is a bit impressionable. So it makes sense to me that he would fall in love with Louisa while she’s an invalid in his home. I think they’ll likely be a happy married couple, especially if Louisa continues to read voraciously and become a bit more educated and mature. But in terms of Wentworth’s implied comparison between Louisa and Anne, I’m so here for it and ready to hear him sing Anne’s praises!
I try to take a hopeful view of Benwick and Louisa. I agree with what Bridget said about Benwick not being as superior in understanding to the reader as he seems to other characters. I also think that Benwick, who has for so long been the unfortunate person being taken care of by others, finds something attractive in falling for someone he can take care of-a lover of romantic poetry like he is could definitely find some appeal in caring for a damsel in distress. And remember, Louisa has been altered in personality by her accident; she is no longer as bubbly and impetuous as she was. And on Louisa’s side, I can see her appreciating Benwick for his care, gentleness, and the (again) romantic appeal of the tragic loss of his first love. And we know from her attitude towards Wentworth she has an admiration for navy men.
I think they’ll be reasonably happy. I think Benwick probably would have fallen in love with anyone who had been so constantly present to him as Louisa was.