Sense and Sensibility
Jane Austen
"Sense and Sensibility," published in 1811, is the first novel by Jane Austen. The novel follows the lives of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as they navigate love, loss, and the social expectations of early 19th-century England. The title reflects the contrasting qualities of the two sisters: Elinor represents "sense," or reason and restraint, while Marianne embodies "sensibility," or emotion and spontaneity.
Through their experiences, the novel explores themes of love, social class, financial security, and the balance between reason and emotion. "Sense and Sensibility" is known for its sharp social commentary, well-drawn characters, and exploration of the complexities of human relationships.
Summary of the Novel
The novel begins with the death of Mr. Dashwood, leaving his wife and three daughters—Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret—in a precarious financial situation. The family estate, Norland Park, is inherited by Mr. Dashwood’s son from his first marriage, John Dashwood, who, despite his initial promise to provide for his half-sisters, is persuaded by his selfish wife, Fanny, to give them little financial support.
The Dashwood women move to a modest cottage in Devonshire, provided by a distant relative, Sir John Middleton. There, they become acquainted with several new characters, including Colonel Brandon, a kind and honorable man who is immediately taken with Marianne, and John Willoughby, a dashing and charismatic young man who quickly wins Marianne’s heart.
Elinor, meanwhile, struggles with her feelings for Edward Ferrars, Fanny’s brother, whom she met while still living at Norland Park. Although she believes Edward returns her affection, she learns that he has been secretly engaged to another woman, Lucy Steele, for several years.
The novel’s plot unfolds as both sisters experience the joys and sorrows of love. Marianne is devastated when Willoughby abruptly abandons her, revealing his true character as a fortune-seeker who marries a wealthy woman for her money. Marianne’s emotional distress leads her to fall seriously ill, but she eventually recovers and learns to temper her sensibility with a greater sense of responsibility.
Elinor, despite her own heartbreak, remains a steady source of support for her family. Her patience and sense of duty are rewarded when she learns that Edward’s engagement to Lucy has been broken off, and he is free to marry her. The novel concludes with both sisters finding happiness in marriages that balance love with mutual respect and understanding.
Key Themes & Motifs
Reason vs. Emotion: The central theme of "Sense and Sensibility" is the tension between reason and emotion, as embodied by the two sisters, Elinor and Marianne. The novel explores the consequences of both restraint and excess, suggesting that true happiness lies in finding a balance between sense and sensibility. Elinor’s ability to remain composed and rational, even in the face of disappointment, contrasts with Marianne’s emotional intensity and impulsiveness. However, the novel also shows that both qualities have their merits and that personal growth involves learning from each other’s strengths.
Love and Marriage: The novel examines the social and economic considerations of marriage in early 19th-century England. The Dashwood sisters’ romantic entanglements highlight the importance of financial security, social status, and personal integrity in marriage. While love is an essential component of a successful marriage, the novel also emphasizes the need for mutual respect, understanding, and practical considerations. The marriages at the end of the novel represent a balance between romantic ideals and the realities of life.
Social Class and Inheritance: "Sense and Sensibility" critiques the rigid social hierarchy of the time, particularly the limitations placed on women’s financial independence and the importance of inheritance in determining one’s social standing. The Dashwood sisters’ reduced circumstances after their father’s death reflect the precarious position of women who are dependent on male relatives for financial support. The novel also explores the impact of social class on relationships, as characters navigate the expectations and prejudices of their society.
Family and Loyalty: The novel places a strong emphasis on the importance of family and the bonds between siblings. The relationship between Elinor and Marianne is central to the story, as they support each other through their respective trials and learn from each other’s experiences. The theme of loyalty is also explored through the characters’ obligations to their families, particularly in the context of marriage and inheritance. The novel suggests that true loyalty involves a balance between personal desires and the needs of loved ones.
Analysis of Main Characters
Elinor Dashwood: Elinor is the elder Dashwood sister, known for her sense, or her ability to remain calm, rational, and composed even in difficult situations. Elinor’s character is defined by her strong sense of duty, her emotional restraint, and her deep love for her family. Despite her own heartbreak over Edward Ferrars, Elinor remains a steady source of support for her mother and sisters. Her journey in the novel involves finding a balance between her sense of responsibility and her personal desires, ultimately leading to a happy and fulfilling marriage with Edward.
Marianne Dashwood: Marianne is the younger Dashwood sister, characterized by her sensibility, or her emotional intensity, passion, and spontaneity. Marianne’s romantic ideals and impulsive nature lead her to fall deeply in love with John Willoughby, only to be devastated by his betrayal. Marianne’s journey in the novel involves learning to temper her sensibility with a greater sense of responsibility and self-awareness. Her eventual marriage to Colonel Brandon reflects her growth and her recognition of the value of a steady and dependable love.
Edward Ferrars: Edward is a kind and honorable man who shares a deep connection with Elinor. However, his secret engagement to Lucy Steele creates tension and uncertainty in his relationship with Elinor. Edward’s character represents the theme of integrity and the importance of making difficult choices in the face of social and familial pressures. His eventual decision to break off his engagement to Lucy and marry Elinor reflects his moral strength and his commitment to doing what is right.
Colonel Brandon: Colonel Brandon is a wealthy and honorable man who falls in love with Marianne despite their age difference. His character embodies the qualities of patience, loyalty, and kindness. Colonel Brandon’s past experiences, including his lost love and his guardianship of an illegitimate child, add depth to his character and highlight the theme of redemption. His steady and dependable love for Marianne contrasts with Willoughby’s superficial charm, ultimately leading to a happy and fulfilling marriage.
Setting & Social Context
"Sense and Sensibility" is set in early 19th-century England, primarily in the countryside of Devonshire and the social circles of London. The novel’s settings, including the Dashwood family’s modest cottage and the grand estates of the wealthy characters, reflect the social hierarchy and the importance of property and inheritance in determining one’s status.
The historical context of the novel is shaped by the social and economic changes of the Regency era, including the rise of the middle class and the growing importance of marriage as a means of securing financial stability. The novel critiques the limitations placed on women’s independence and the rigid social expectations that dictate their choices in love and marriage. Austen’s exploration of these themes reflects the broader concerns of her time, particularly the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society.
Writing Style & Narrative Techniques
Jane Austen’s writing style in "Sense and Sensibility" is characterized by its precise language, sharp wit, and keen observation of social manners and character. The novel is written in the third person, with a narrator who provides both a detailed account of events and a commentary on the behavior and motivations of the characters. Austen’s use of irony and satire adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the absurdities of social conventions and the complexities of human relationships.
The novel’s structure follows a traditional narrative arc, with a focus on the development of the characters’ relationships and the resolution of their romantic entanglements. Austen’s use of dialogue is particularly effective in revealing the characters’ personalities and the social dynamics at play. The pacing of the novel is measured, allowing for the gradual unfolding of the plot and the exploration of the characters’ emotional journeys.
The tone of "Sense and Sensibility" is both reflective and humorous, capturing the nuances of the characters’ experiences and the tensions between sense and sensibility. Austen’s ability to balance social commentary with the exploration of personal relationships makes the novel a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Important Quotes & Analysis
"It is not what we say or feel that makes us what we are. It is what we do or fail to do.": This quote reflects the novel’s emphasis on actions over words and the importance of integrity and responsibility in defining one’s character. It underscores the theme of reason vs. emotion and the need to balance personal desires with practical considerations.
"I could not be happy with a man whose taste did not in every point coincide with my own. He must enter into all my feelings; the same books, the same music must charm us both.": This quote, spoken by Marianne, reflects her idealistic views on love and the importance of emotional and intellectual compatibility in a relationship. It highlights the theme of sensibility and the challenges of finding a partner who shares one’s passions and values.
"Know your own happiness. Want for nothing but patience – or give it a more fascinating name: call it hope.": This quote, spoken by Elinor, reflects the novel’s exploration of patience, hope, and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity. It underscores the theme of resilience and the belief that happiness can be found through a balance of sense and sensibility.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
"Sense and Sensibility" is a masterful exploration of the tensions between reason and emotion, love and social expectations, and the complexities of human relationships. Jane Austen’s sharp social commentary, well-drawn characters, and exploration of the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society make the novel a significant and enduring work of literature.
Through the experiences of the Dashwood sisters, the novel invites readers to reflect on the importance of balance in life and the ways in which sense and sensibility shape our choices and our happiness. "Sense and Sensibility" remains a beloved classic that continues to resonate with readers for its wit, wisdom, and insight into the human heart.