Mrs Dashwood - Sense and Sensibility
Mrs Mary Dashwood is the mother of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood (and of course the youngest, Margaret). Her main purpose is to mope after the death of her husband, and to be completely incapable of handling most events after that. Elinor has to step in and find a home, to manage the finances.1995 Sense and Sensibility
You get a sense that Mrs. Dashwood hasn't had to care for herself before, and finds it challenging. She's not "stupid" but she just doesn't want to take responsibility for things. She lets her emotions overrun her (and apparently passed this trait down to Marianne). She does care for her children dearly - but on the other hand she defends Willoughby's behavior.
2008 Sense and Sensibility
She is sensible here, not as flighty as in the 1995 version. She still is a bit petulant about having to downgrade her home so much, but she adjusts. She says she's 40 at one point, when she's pointing out Brandon is only 5 years younger than her (which is still rather icky, that a man just about the age of the mother wants to marry the daughter).
In the photo Mrs. Dashwood is talking with her middle daughter Marianne.
1981 Sense and Sensibility
This is the most solid Mrs. Dashwood which in a way goes against the sense of the book. If she was so strong and steady, there wouldn't be the need for Elinor to cover for her.
In the classic scenes with her and Fanny, Mrs. Dashwood not only stands up to her, but snaps sharply at her. In the other versions she just gives in meekly. In this below scene, her new house is far too rich looking.
Sense and Sensibility Main Page
Regency Era Clothing Photos
Top Selling Books of All Time