A note on Sense and sensibility

 A note on Sense and sensibility

Sense and Sensibility Overview

Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen's 1811 novel, contrasts rational "sense" with emotional "sensibility" through the Dashwood sisters navigating love, loss, and Regency-era social constraints after their father's death.

Main Characters

• Elinor Dashwood: Eldest sister, 19, embodying sense—practical, composed, and restrained in her quiet love for Edward Ferrars despite his secret engagement.

• Marianne Dashwood: Middle sister, 16-17, full of sensibility—passionate, romantic, and impulsive in her infatuation with dashing John Willoughby.

• Edward Ferrars: Kind, reserved eldest son of a wealthy family, secretly engaged to Lucy Steele but truly loves Elinor; disinherited for honor.

• Colonel Brandon: Steady, 35-year-old gentleman who quietly adores Marianne, revealing a tragic past with his ward Eliza.
  
  
  Supporting roles include Mrs. Dashwood (widowed mother), selfish half-brother John and Fanny, scheming Lucy Steele, and charming rake Willoughby.

Plot Summary

Henry Dashwood's death leaves his second wife and daughters (Elinor, Marianne, Margaret) impoverished, forcing them from Norland to modest Barton Cottage.

Elinor pines for Edward amid Lucy's claim; Marianne falls for Willoughby, who abandons her for wealth, leading to her illness and Colonel Brandon's devotion.

Resolutions emerge: Lucy jilts Edward for his brother, freeing him to wed Elinor; recovered Marianne matures and marries Brandon.