Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen

Summary

'Sense and Sensibility' tells the story of the impoverished Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as they navigate love, heartbreak, and societal expectations in late 18th-century England. Elinor, the elder sister, embodies "sense" (prudence, reason, and emotional restraint), while Marianne represents "sensibility" (passion, romanticism, and open expression of feeling).

After their father's death leaves them with little income, they are forced to move from their family home. Elinor quietly falls for Edward Ferrars, a kind but somewhat reserved man who is secretly engaged to another. Marianne, more openly, falls deeply in love with the charming but unreliable John Willoughby, who abruptly abandons her. Both sisters experience significant emotional turmoil and societal pressures related to their finances and prospects.

The novel contrasts their different approaches to life and love, exploring the dangers of excessive sensibility and the pain of suppressed sense. Through their trials, both sisters learn valuable lessons about love, loyalty, and the importance of balancing reason with emotion to find lasting happiness.

Book Sections

Section 1

The novel opens with the death of Henry Dashwood, who, due to an entailment, must leave his estate of Norland Park to his son, John Dashwood, by a previous marriage. This leaves his second wife, Mrs. Dashwood, and their three daughters – Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret – with very little income. John Dashwood promises his dying father to provide for his stepmother and half-sisters, but his selfish and stingy wife, Fanny Dashwood (Edward Ferrars' sister), quickly convinces him to minimize his financial assistance. The Dashwood ladies are thus left in a precarious financial situation, dependent on Mrs. Dashwood's small jointure and a modest income.

Edward Ferrars, Fanny Dashwood's brother, visits Norland Park. Elinor and Edward develop a quiet, mutual affection, but Edward's reserved nature and Fanny's clear disapproval of the match create an unspoken tension. Mrs. Dashwood hopes for a match between Elinor and Edward, while Marianne finds Edward's lack of passionate expression rather dull. The Dashwood ladies realize they must leave Norland to find a more affordable home.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Elinor Dashwood	Prudent, rational, reserved, strong sense of propriety, empathetic, stoic.	To act with decorum, protect her family, secure a stable future, conceal her feelings to avoid burdening others, endure hardship quietly.
Marianne Dashwood	Impulsive, passionate, romantic, sensitive, expressive, believes in grand gestures and intense emotion.	To live life to the fullest, experience intense emotions, find true love based on shared sensibility, express her feelings freely and without reserve.
Mrs. Dashwood	Affectionate, kind, somewhat impractical, shares Marianne's romantic sensibility, loves her daughters deeply.	To ensure the happiness and well-being of her daughters, find them suitable husbands, manage her small income as best she can.
Margaret Dashwood	The youngest sister, cheerful, inquisitive, less developed as a character.	To enjoy childhood, explore, and learn from her older sisters.
John Dashwood	Henry Dashwood's son, weak-willed, easily influenced, self-interested, somewhat pompous.	To maintain his social standing and wealth, avoid financial inconvenience, please his wife.
Fanny Dashwood	John Dashwood's wife, proud, selfish, snobbish, manipulative, judgmental.	To protect and increase her family's wealth, maintain her social superiority, control her husband, prevent undesirable matches for her brother.
Edward Ferrars	Shy, reserved, kind-hearted, honorable, somewhat indecisive, dutiful, lacks strong ambition.	To honor his prior engagement (initially unknown), seek personal happiness over material gain, act morally, avoid confrontation.

Section 2

Sir John Middleton, a distant relative, offers Mrs. Dashwood a small cottage on his estate, Barton Park, in Devonshire. The Dashwood ladies relocate to Barton Cottage, a much humbler abode, but enjoy the picturesque surroundings. Sir John Middleton is a genial, hospitable man who delights in social gatherings, while his wife, Lady Middleton, is more reserved and focused on her children and refined manners. They are frequently visited by Mrs. Jennings, Lady Middleton's widowed mother, a lively, gossiping, but good-hearted woman who quickly takes an interest in the Dashwood sisters' romantic prospects.

Colonel Brandon, a respected bachelor in his mid-thirties, is also a frequent guest at Barton Park. He develops an admiration for Marianne, but his quiet, reserved demeanor and perceived older age make him an unappealing suitor in Marianne's eyes, who dismisses him as an "old bachelor." Elinor, however, observes his steady character and kindness. Mrs. Jennings, with her typical enthusiasm, immediately begins to speculate about a match between Marianne and Colonel Brandon.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
Sir John Middleton	Cheerful, hospitable, boisterous, loves company and sport, well-meaning but sometimes insensitive.	To provide entertainment, enjoy social life, act as a generous landlord to the Dashwoods.
Lady Middleton	Genteel, composed, rather superficial, obsessed with appearances and her children.	To maintain her social standing, fulfill her domestic duties, present a calm and refined demeanor.
Mrs. Jennings	Lively, talkative, good-natured, gossipy, a keen matchmaker, kind-hearted.	To enjoy company, entertain herself with social observations and matchmaking, assist her family and friends.
Colonel Brandon	Reserved, honorable, kind, steady, melancholy, considerate, a man of integrity.	To find companionship and love, act as a protective figure, fulfill his duties, quietly observe and support those he cares for.

Section 3

Marianne, during a walk, falls and sprains her ankle in the rain. She is rescued by a dashing young man, John Willoughby, who carries her home. Willoughby is charming, handsome, and shares Marianne's passionate love for poetry, music, and nature. They immediately form an intense connection, spending nearly all their time together, riding, walking, and discussing their shared sensibilities. Mrs. Dashwood approves, and Marianne openly believes they are engaged, although Willoughby never formally proposes. Elinor watches with concern, noting Willoughby's frequent visits and Marianne's unrestrained affection, but also his ambiguous behavior regarding a formal commitment.

Willoughby receives a letter one morning, forcing him to abruptly leave Barton Park for London, ostensibly on business for an aunt. He gives Marianne a vague promise to return soon but offers no real explanation or proposal. Marianne is heartbroken and inconsolable, refusing to believe he would abandon her. She clings to the hope of his speedy return, much to Elinor's private distress, who suspects Willoughby's intentions are not as honorable as Marianne believes.

Section 4

Edward Ferrars pays a brief, awkward visit to Barton Cottage. Elinor is happy to see him, but notices his subdued demeanor and seeming unhappiness. He seems less engaged and more melancholy than before, causing Elinor to worry about his feelings for her. He leaves abruptly, again with no clear explanation, which further confuses Elinor. She tries to rationalize his behavior, but her hopes are dashed.

Mrs. Jennings invites Elinor and Marianne to stay with her in London for the winter. Marianne eagerly accepts, hoping to encounter Willoughby there. Elinor agrees reluctantly, partly to support Marianne and partly to escape the quiet misery of Barton.

Section 5

In London, Marianne desperately tries to contact Willoughby, writing him several letters and frequently visiting places where she expects to see him. She is repeatedly disappointed. When they finally encounter him at a party, Willoughby barely acknowledges her, acting coldly and as if they are mere acquaintances. He dances with other women and leaves without speaking to her. The next day, Marianne receives a cruel and dismissive letter from Willoughby, stating he is engaged to a wealthy heiress, Miss Grey, and returning all her previous letters and a lock of her hair.

Marianne is utterly devastated, falling into a deep depression. Elinor, despite her own pain, tries to comfort and support her sister, enduring Marianne's outbursts of grief and self-pity with remarkable patience. She blames Willoughby's dishonesty but also Marianne's lack of discretion.

Meanwhile, Elinor and Marianne are introduced to Lucy Steele, a rather silly but cunning young woman, and her equally foolish sister, Anne Steele. Lucy takes Elinor aside and secretly reveals that she has been engaged to Edward Ferrars for four years. This revelation shocks Elinor deeply, explaining Edward's earlier awkwardness and melancholy. Elinor, true to her character, hides her profound heartbreak, maintaining a composed exterior and never revealing Lucy's secret to anyone, not even Marianne.

Character	Characteristics	Motivations
John Willoughby	Charming, handsome, captivating, initially appears passionate and romantic, but is ultimately selfish, irresponsible, and mercenary.	To enjoy life and flirtation without commitment, secure financial stability through marriage, avoid scandal.
Lucy Steele	Pretty, outwardly sweet and modest, but cunning, manipulative, and secretly ambitious.	To secure Edward Ferrars' wealth and social position, maintain her secret engagement, rise in social status.

Section 6

The news of Edward Ferrars' secret engagement to Lucy Steele becomes public knowledge through the indiscretion of Anne Steele. Mrs. Ferrars, Edward's domineering mother, is furious and disinherits Edward, transferring his fortune and property to his younger brother, Robert Ferrars, whom she considers more fashionable and ambitious. Edward bravely accepts his fate, refusing to break his engagement to Lucy, demonstrating his unwavering sense of honor.

Elinor is deeply pained by Edward's sacrifice but admires his integrity. She feels immense sympathy for his plight. Colonel Brandon, witnessing Elinor's quiet distress and admiring Edward's character, offers Edward the living (a parsonage) at Delaford, which would provide him with a modest income and a home. Edward accepts gratefully. This act of generosity highlights Brandon's selflessness and his understanding of others' suffering.

Section 7

Marianne remains deeply ill with grief and a fever, further exacerbated by a prolonged walk in the rain. Her condition worsens drastically, and she appears to be on the verge of death. Elinor is consumed with fear and anxiety for her sister, showing a rare outward display of intense emotion. Colonel Brandon, alerted to Marianne's grave illness, rides quickly to fetch Mrs. Dashwood from Barton.

During Marianne's recovery, Willoughby unexpectedly arrives at Barton Cottage late one night, asking to see Marianne. Elinor, though initially hesitant, allows him to speak to her. He explains his past actions, revealing that his aunt had disinherited him after discovering his illicit affair with her ward, Eliza Williams (Colonel Brandon's illegitimate daughter). He had been forced to leave Marianne and marry Miss Grey for her fortune. He expresses genuine remorse for his treatment of Marianne and claims he truly loved her, despite his mercenary actions. Elinor, while acknowledging his suffering, sternly rebukes him for his cruel deception and the pain he inflicted on Marianne.

Section 8

Marianne slowly recovers, humbled by her brush with death and enlightened by Willoughby's confession. She begins to see the value of Elinor's prudence and the dangers of her own unrestrained sensibility. She reflects on her past conduct, recognizing her selfishness and the pain she caused Elinor. She starts to appreciate Colonel Brandon's quiet devotion and solid character.

News arrives that Lucy Steele has broken off her engagement to Edward Ferrars and married his wealthy younger brother, Robert Ferrars. This shocking development frees Edward from his obligation to Lucy, who was primarily motivated by money and status.

Edward soon visits Barton Cottage, initially making Elinor believe he is still engaged or now married to Lucy. When he clarifies that Lucy has married Robert, he is free. He then proposes to Elinor, admitting his long-standing love and admiration for her. Elinor, overwhelmed with joy and relief, accepts.

Marianne, having learned from her past mistakes, gradually comes to appreciate and love Colonel Brandon. She marries him, finding quiet contentment and a stable, loving relationship based on mutual respect and affection. Elinor and Edward marry and settle into the parsonage at Delaford. Both sisters find happiness, but through different paths, demonstrating the balance of sense and sensibility.

Literary Genre

Social Satire / Novel of Manners: 'Sense and Sensibility' critiques and explores the social conventions, class distinctions, and marital pressures of Georgian England. It subtly satirizes the superficiality and hypocrisy of certain characters within this society.
Romantic Fiction: At its core, it's a love story (or two love stories) focusing on the development of romantic relationships, though often with a realistic and pragmatic approach rather than pure fantasy.
Bildungsroman (Coming-of-Age Story): Especially for Marianne, the novel tracks her emotional and moral development from naive impulsiveness to mature understanding.

Author Facts

• Jane Austen (1775-1817): An English novelist whose works of romantic fiction, set among the landed gentry, earned her a place as one of the most widely read writers in English literature.
• Family Life: She was one of eight children of Reverend George Austen and Cassandra Leigh Austen. Her father was a well-educated clergyman, and the family was intellectually inclined.
• Anonymity: Her novels were published anonymously during her lifetime, often attributed to "A Lady." She achieved moderate success and critical recognition, but her true identity was not widely known until after her death.
• Limited Experience: Austen never married and lived a relatively quiet life, mostly within her family circle. Despite this, her novels display a profound understanding of human nature, social dynamics, and the intricacies of romantic relationships.
• Other Major Works: Her other famous novels include 'Pride and Prejudice', 'Mansfield Park', 'Emma', 'Northanger Abbey', and 'Persuasion'.

Morale and Curiosities

Morale/Lessons

• Balance of Qualities: The primary lesson is the importance of balancing "sense" (reason, prudence, self-control) and "sensibility" (passion, emotion, open expression). Neither extreme is ideal; Elinor's stoicism causes her silent suffering, while Marianne's impulsiveness leads to heartbreak. The ideal lies in a harmonious blend of both.
• Judging Character: The novel teaches the dangers of judging by appearances or initial charm. Willoughby's initial appeal masks a selfish nature, while Edward Ferrars and Colonel Brandon, initially perceived as less exciting, prove to be men of deep integrity and loyalty.
• Societal Pressures and Financial Prudence: It highlights the harsh realities faced by women in Austen's era, particularly those without independent wealth. Financial security was paramount for women, making marriage a social and economic necessity, rather than purely a choice of love.
• Consequences of Indiscretion: Marianne's unrestrained expression of affection for Willoughby, and her refusal to heed social conventions, leads to public embarrassment and deep personal pain. Elinor's discretion, while painful for her, protects her reputation.
• True Love and Compatibility: The novel suggests that lasting love is built on respect, shared values, and steady affection rather than fleeting passion or romantic ideals alone.

Curiosities

• First Novel Published: 'Sense and Sensibility' was Jane Austen's first published novel, released in 1811. She had been working on a version of it for many years, possibly as early as 1795 when it was titled 'Elinor and Marianne' and likely written in epistolary (letter) form.
• Author's Own Revision: Austen significantly revised the manuscript between 1797 and 1811. This extensive revision shows her meticulous approach to her craft.
• Pseudonym: Austen paid for the publication of 'Sense and Sensibility' herself, and it was published anonymously "By a Lady." The book was a modest success, earning her £140 (a significant sum at the time) after expenses.
• Inspiration for Characters: While Austen never confirmed specific inspirations, it's believed she drew from observations of her own family and social circle for the detailed portrayals of characters and their dilemmas. Some scholars suggest Marianne's youthful exuberance might reflect a part of Austen's own personality, while Elinor's reserve could be a self-critique or an ideal.
• Adaptations: 'Sense and Sensibility' has been adapted numerous times for film, television, and radio, most notably the 1995 film directed by Ang Lee and starring Emma Thompson (who also won an Oscar for her screenplay), Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, and Alan Rickman.