Sense and Sensibility, the debut novel by celebrated English author Jane Austen, was first published in 1811 under the pseudonym "A Lady." It focuses on the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as they navigate the complex social milieu of Georgian England following the death of their father. Left in dire financial straits along with their widowed mother, the young Dashwoods must rely on the virtues of sense and sensibility in their search for love, happiness, and security.
The reasonable and pragmatic Elinor becomes emotionally attached to the modest and honorable Edward Ferrars, while the passionate and romantic Marianne falls for the charming and impetuous John Willoughby. Though their contrasting approaches to life and love drive the novel’s narrative, both sisters experience profound emotional journeys. Marianne's overt sensibility and disregard for social conventions lead to heartbreak when Willoughby betrays her trust for financial gain. Contrarily, Elinor's quiet sense and self-control mask her deep emotional turmoil over an uncertain relationship with Edward, complicated by his secret engagement to another woman.
Alongside the romantic and familial tribulations of the Dashwood sisters, Sense and Sensibility critically examines the constraints placed on women within 18th-century British society, where marriage and social status are paramount. The novel showcases Austen's characteristic wit, irony, and keen observation of social dynamics. Elinor and Marianne's eventual happiness is a testament to their growth and understanding that a balance of sense and sensibility is essential for successfully navigating the path to personal fulfillment and social harmony.
Since its publication, Sense and Sensibility has remained a beloved work in English literature, continuously in print and adapted multiple times for stage, radio, television, and cinema, reflecting its enduring appeal and relevance. Austen's incisive critique of societal norms and her exploration of the virtues of sense and sensibility through the experiences of the Dashwood sisters continue to resonate with readers and audiences today.
Themes
Contrast of reason versus emotion
Challenges of societal norms
Economic insecurity and marriage
Love and heartbreak
Influence of family and society on personal values
Moral growth and personal development
Role of women in society
Importance of communication and honesty in relationships
Disparity between social classes
Setting
Jane Austen’s first published novel, Sense and Sensibility is set in the late 18th century, unfolding between the years of 1792 and 1797. This era marks a significant period in Georgian England, characterized by its distinct societal norms, class structures, and the emphasis on propriety and economic security within the realms of marriage and family relations. The setting plays a crucial role, enveloping the narrative in the socio-cultural atmosphere of the time, where the Dashwood sisters' quest for love is intricately tied to their navigation through a rigid social hierarchy and the pursuit of economic stability.
The novel spans various locations within South West England, including the fictional Norland Park in Sussex and Barton Cottage in Devonshire, alongside forays into the bustling metropolis of London. Initially residing in the opulent Norland Park, Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters, Elinor and Marianne, are forced to move to the modest Barton Cottage after the death of Mr. Dashwood. Along with marking their financial decline, the move precipitates the Dashwood sisters' entrance into a society that is at once new and filled with possibilities, bringing them into the orbit of potential suitors and the challenges that accompany their quest for genuine love and happiness amidst societal expectations.
The settings—ranging from the tranquil, pastoral landscapes of Devonshire to the sophistication and fervor of London—provide a rich backdrop that mirrors the inner dynamics and emotional journeys of Elinor and Marianne. These places are imbued with symbolic significance, reflecting the nuances of the central themes of sense and sensibility, and the underlying commentary on the societal norms governing the lives of women during the late 18th century in England. Through these meticulously depicted settings, Austen offers a lens into the lives of her characters, their social engagements, and the moral and emotional quandaries they navigate as they strive to reconcile their personal desires with the imperative of securing money and status through marriage.
Characters
Elinor Dashwood: The sensible and reserved eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dashwood. She is 19 years old at the beginning of the book and becomes attached to Edward Ferrars.
Marianne Dashwood: The romantically inclined and expressively emotional second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dashwood. She is 16 years old at the start of the book and becomes attracted to John Willoughby but later marries Colonel Brandon.
Edward Ferrars: The eldest son of a rich man who died and left his fortune at the discretion of his widow. He forms an attachment to Elinor Dashwood but is secretly engaged to Lucy Steele, his former tutor’s niece, for a significant portion of the novel.
John Willoughby: A charming young man who wins Marianne Dashwood's affection but later marries Miss Grey for her fortune.
Colonel Brandon: A close friend to Sir John Middleton, 35 years old at the beginning of the book. He falls in love with Marianne Dashwood due to her resemblance to his early love, Eliza.
Henry Dashwood: A wealthy gentleman who dies at the beginning of the story, leaving his family in a difficult financial situation due to the terms of his inheritance.
Mrs. Dashwood: The second wife of Henry Dashwood and mother to Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret. She is very emotional, much like Marianne.
Margaret Dashwood: The youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dashwood, age 13 at the beginning of the book.
John Dashwood: The son of Henry Dashwood by his first wife. He promises to care for his half-sisters but is persuaded by his wife to limit his support.
Fanny Dashwood: John Dashwood's selfish wife, who opposes any financial aid to the Dashwood sisters and their mother.
Sir John Middleton: A distant relative of Mrs Dashwood who offers the Dashwood family a place to live. He enjoys social gatherings.
Lady Middleton: Sir John Middleton's wife, who is reserved and more focused on her children than social gatherings.
Mrs. Jennings: Mother to Lady Middleton and Charlotte Palmer. A sociable widow who enjoys matchmaking and gossip.
Robert Ferrars: Edward Ferrars's shallow and status-conscious younger brother, who eventually marries Lucy Steele.
Mrs. Ferrars: The mother of Fanny, Edward, and Robert Ferrars. She disowns Edward upon discovering his secret engagement to Lucy Steele.
Charlotte Palmer: The silly and cheerful daughter of Mrs. Jennings and sister to Lady Middleton.
Lucy Steele: A cunning young woman who is secretly engaged to Edward Ferrars for several years.
Anne "Nancy" Steele: Lucy Steele's less intelligent and socially awkward sister.
Miss Sophia Grey: A wealthy heiress whom Mr. Willoughby marries to secure a financially stable life after being disinherited by his aunt.
FAQs
What is the main theme of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen?
Sense and Sensibility revolves around the contrast between the Dashwood sisters, Elinor (representing "sense" or reason) and Marianne (representing "sensibility" or emotional responsiveness). The novel explores the balance between rationality and emotion in personal relationships, the impact of societal expectations on love and marriage, and the pursuit of happiness through overcoming adversity.
What is the setting and time period of Sense and Sensibility?
Sense and Sensibility is set in late 18th-century England, with the narrative spanning locations across South West England, London, and Sussex. The time period is between 1792 and 1797, capturing the nuances of Georgian England's high society and its governance by status and money in matters of love and marriage.
How does the novel reflect Austen's views on society and women's roles within it?
Through Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen offers critiques on 18th-century British high society, particularly focusing on the limited roles and expectations placed on women. Austen showcases strong female protagonists who, despite facing emotional and financial hardships, strive for personal happiness by navigating the societal pressures regarding marriage and social status. The novel highlights Austen's adeptness at satirizing societal norms and her call for greater autonomy and respect for women.
What challenges do the Dashwood sisters face and how do they overcome them?
The Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, face a variety of challenges including financial insecurity, romantic disillusionment, and societal pressures. Elinor, embodying sense, navigates these challenges with patience and pragmatism, while Marianne, epitomizing sensibility, initially acts with impulsiveness and emotional fervor. Their journeys involve learning from each other, with Elinor becoming more open to expressing her feelings and Marianne recognizing the value of caution and reflection. Ultimately, they find personal happiness by striking a balance between reason and emotion, and by relying on their inner strength and family bonds.
How does the critical reception of Sense and Sensibility contribute to its status as a classic of English literature?
Sense and Sensibility has been celebrated for its intricate character development, witty dialogue, and insightful critique of social norms and expectations. Early reviews praised its realism, well-drawn characters, and moral lessons, while modern criticism has also focused on its feminist themes, narrative style, and the balance between public and private lives. Its continuous publication and adaptation into various formats over the years testify to its universality, emotional depth, and the lasting relevance of its commentary on human nature and society. The scholarly and popular appreciation of the novel has solidified its status as a foundational work in the English literary canon.
Who narrates the Audible version of Sense and Sensibility, and what is unique about this production?
The Audible version of Sense and Sensibility is narrated by Academy Award nominee Rosamund Pike. This production is unique due to Pike's admiration for Jane Austen's work, which she brings to life through a passionate delivery of the novel. Her background in English literature and previous role as Jane Bennet in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice adds depth to her understanding and narration of Austen's novel.
Quotes
“The more I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love.”
“If I could but know his heart, everything would become easy.”
“I wish, as well as everybody else, to be perfectly happy; but, like everybody else, it must be in my own way.”
“Know your own happiness. You want nothing but patience–or give it a more fascinating name, call it hope.”
“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.”
“If a book is well written, I always find it too short.”
“To wish was to hope, and to hope was to expect.”
Quick facts
Sense and Sensibility was Jane Austen's first published novel, appearing in 1811 under the pseudonym "A Lady." Austen initially published the novel at her own expense.
Originally, Austen wrote the story in an epistolary form, called Elinor and Marianne, after the two main characters, before revising it to the narrative form we know today.
The first edition of Sense and Sensibility sold out its 750 printed copies by July 1813, indicating its early success.
The work is often considered to have moral lessons, critiquing the sensibility (emotional reactiveness) of the period by contrasting it with the value of sense (rationalism).
Sense and Sensibility was the first Austen novel to be translated into another language, with the French version appearing in 1815.
Sense and Sensibility has inspired numerous adaptations across different media over the years, including movies, television mini-series, and stage plays. Notably, Ang Lee’s 1995 film adaptation is based on an Oscar-winning screenplay by Emma Thompson, who also stars Elinor Dashwood; Kate Winslet plays her sister, Marianne.
In the 19th century, the novel's French translation by Madame Isabelle de Montolieu included significant alterations to Austen's plot and characters, highlighting early instances of adapting Austen's works to fit cultural contexts.
Austen's critique of the inheritance laws of her time, which disadvantaged women, is a central theme of Sense and Sensibility and contributes significantly to feminist readings of her work.
The relationship between Elinor and Marianne Dashwood is considered one of the finest depictions of sisterly love in English literature.
About the author
Jane Austen was an English novelist known for her works combining social commentary with wit, irony, and romance. Exploring themes of morality, marriage, and womanhood, she wrote with keen perception about the Georgian-era landed gentry and the societal expectations, pressures, and constraints placed on women. Driven by strong heroines, her novels include Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814) and Emma (1816), and well as Northanger Abbey and Persuasion (both published posthumously in 1818).
Born on December 16, 1775, in Steventon, Hampshire, Austen was the seventh child in a close-knit middle-class family. Despite the social limitations placed on women of her time, she received an education that fostered her budding literary talent, primarily through extensive reading.
Austen spent her adult life in various locations, including Bath, Southampton, and Chawton. Her later years were marked by declining health, and despite the critical and commercial success of her work, she continued to write until her untimely death on July 18, 1817, in Winchester. In the centuries following her death, Jane Austen's works have never been out of print, speaking to generations of readers and inspiring a vast body of scholarly work. Her novels have been adapted into numerous acclaimed films and television series, reflecting the timeliness of her insights into human nature, social dynamics, and the hearts and minds of women.
