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Cover of Sense and Sensibility

Sense and Sensibility

Written by Jane Austen

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EnglandYoung womenDomestic fictionLove storiesSistersMate selectionSocial classes

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About this book

"Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen is a novel written in the early 19th century. The story centers around the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as they navigate romantic relationships, societal expectations, and financial hardships following their father's death. Their contrasting personalities provide a lens through which the themes of sense (practicality and restraint) and sensibility (emotion and passion) are explored. The opening of the novel introduces the Dashwood family and sets the stage for their transition from the comfort of Norland Park to a more uncertain future. With the death of Mr. Dashwood, his estate passes to his son from a previous marriage, leaving Elinor, Marianne, and their mother, Mrs. Dashwood, in a precarious financial situation. The reading of the will reveals the disappointment in their inheritance, prompting Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters to relocate to Barton Cottage in Devonshire, where the complexities of their new lives begin to unfold, highlighting their distinct characteristics and differing approaches to love and life.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Sense and Sensibility, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 10 hours
  • intermediate
  • romantic
  • witty
  • melancholy

Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility" explores the contrasting temperaments of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as they navigate love, loss, and societal expectations in early 19th-century England. After their father's death leaves them financially vulnerable, the prudent Elinor and the impassioned Marianne are forced to confront the harsh realities of their limited prospects. The novel follows their individual romantic journeys, with Elinor enduring silent heartbreak over Edward Ferrars and Marianne suffering public humiliation from the deceptive Mr. Willoughby, ultimately leading them to a more balanced understanding of sense and sensibility in matters of the heart and life. Through their experiences, Austen critically examines the social constraints on women and the complexities of human nature.

“"It is not time or opportunity that is to determine intimacy; —it is disposition alone. Seven years would be insufficient to make some people acquainted with each other, and seven days are more than enough for others."”

Key themes

Sense vs. Sensibility
This is the central theme, explored through the contrasting personalities and experiences of Elinor (sense) and Marianne (sensibility). 'Sense' represents reason, prudence, self-control, and adherence to social decorum, while 'sensibility' embodies passion, emotional expression, spontaneity, and an appreciation for romantic ideals. The novel ultimately argues for a harmonious balance between these two extremes, demonstrating that both unchecked emotion and excessive restraint can lead to suffering.
Social Class and Financial Security
The novel vividly portrays the significant impact of social class and financial status on individuals, particularly women, in 18th-century English society. The Dashwood sisters' sudden poverty after their father's death underscores the precarious position of women without independent means, highlighting that marriage was often a necessity for economic survival rather than purely a choice for love. Characters like Fanny Dashwood, Lucy Steele, and Mr. Willoughby exemplify the mercenary attitudes prevalent in this social structure.
Love and Marriage
Austen explores various facets of love and marriage, contrasting passionate, impulsive infatuation with steady, enduring affection based on respect and compatibility. The novel critiques the superficiality of love driven by appearance or social standing, while advocating for unions founded on deeper understanding and shared values. It also examines the societal pressures and expectations surrounding marriage as a primary goal for women.

Worth discussing

How do Elinor and Marianne embody 'sense' and 'sensibility,' and does Austen ultimately advocate for one over the other, or for a balance?

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