How Sense and Sensibility is softened in adaptations

Sense and Sensibility is not my favorite Jane Austen novel. However, I do really enjoy the adaptations. Why is that?? What are the adaptors doing that Jane Austen didn't?

Every adaptor of fiction from previous centuries has to decide how they are going to present the story for a modern audience. In the case of Sense and Sensibility, it's an important job. There are many aspects of the novel that are difficult for a modern audience to swallow.

Two worthy young women, thwarted in love and money and happiness by the patriarchy, a selfish half-brother, and teasing neighbors. Not to mention manipulative and dangerous lovers.

I compare the two adaptions of Sense and Sensibility to the original novel to see what changes the adaptors made and to talk about whether they were successful in making them more palatable.

Click on the image above to link to the YouTube video.