Sense and Sensibility

Sense and Sensibility, novel by Jane Austen that was published anonymously in three volumes in 1811 and that became a classic. The satirical, comic work offers a vivid depiction of 19th-century middle-class life as it follows the romantic relationships of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood.

Summary

Sense and Sensibility tells the story of the impoverished Dashwood family, focusing on the sisters Elinor and Marianne, personifications of good sense (common sense) and sensibility (emotionality), respectively. They become destitute upon the death of their father, who leaves his home, Norland Park, to their half brother, John. Although instructed to take care of his sisters, John is dissuaded of his duty by his greedy wife, Fanny. The family—which, in addition to Elinor and Marianne, includes their mother and a younger sister—moves to Barton Cottage in Devonshire. There the open and enthusiastic Marianne meets Colonel Brandon, a staid and settled bachelor 20 years her senior. Although he expresses an interest in Marianne, she discourages his attention and instead becomes infatuated with the attractive John Willoughby, who seems to be a romantic lover but is in reality an unscrupulous fortune hunter. He deserts Marianne for an heiress, and she eventually makes a sensible marriage with Colonel Brandon.

During this time, Marianne’s elder sister, the prudent and discreet Elinor, and Edward Ferrars, Fanny’s brother, have formed an attachment. However, she is outwardly reserved about her affections, especially after learning that he has been secretly engaged to Lucy Steele for several years. Although Edward loves Elinor, he is determined to honour his commitment to Lucy. When the engagement is revealed, Edward is disowned, and Colonel Brandon offers him a living as a clergyman. Later Elinor is told that Mr. Ferrars has married. Believing that the Mr. Ferrars in question is Edward, she is both shocked and relieved to discover that Lucy has wed Edward’s brother, Robert. Edward arrives at Barton Cottage and proposes to Elinor, who accepts.

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Analysis and reception

The novel had a long period of gestation. Austen began writing it about 1795, and she initially titled it Elinor and Marianne. She significantly revised it in 1809. It was her first published novel, and she paid to have it published. Sense and Sensibility contained what would become Austen’s trademark features: insightful observation, astute characterization, and dazzling wit. There has long been debate whether Austen favoured one quality over the other—sense or sensibility—or whether she favored an equal dose of both as the best recipe for life.

Sense and Sensibility was a success upon publication, and it later was adapted for film, stage, and television. Among the most notable adaptations is the 1995 movie, which was directed by Ang Lee and starred Emma Thompson (Elinor), who won an Academy Award for her adapted screenplay; Kate Winslet (Marianne); Hugh Grant (Edward Ferrars); and Alan Rickman (Colonel Brandon). A critical and commercial success, the movie spurred a resurgence of interest in Austen’s novels.