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Sense and Sensibility


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Though not the first novel she wrote, Sense and Sensibility was the first Jane Austen published. Though she initially called it Elinor and Marianne, Austen jettisoned both the title and the epistolary mode in which it was originally written, but kept the essential theme: the necessity of finding a workable middle ground between passion and reason. The story revolves around the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne. Whereas the former is a sensible, rational creature, her younger sister is wildly romantic--a characteristic that offers Austen plenty of scope for both satire and compassion. Commenting on Edward Ferrars, a potential suitor for Elinor's hand, Marianne admits that while she "loves him tenderly," she finds him disappointing as a possible lover for her sister.

Soon however, Marianne meets a man who measures up to her ideal: Mr. Willoughby, a new neighbor. So swept away by passion is Marianne that her behavior begins to border on the scandalous. Then Willoughby abandons her; meanwhile, Elinor's growing affection for Edward suffers a check when he admits he is secretly engaged to a childhood sweetheart. How each of the sisters reacts to their romantic misfortunes, and the lessons they draw before coming finally to the requisite happy ending forms the heart of the novel. Though Marianne's disregard for social conventions and willingness to consider the world well-lost for love may appeal to modern readers, it is Elinor whom Austen herself most evidently admired; a truly happy marriage, she shows us, exists only where sense and sensibility meet and mix in proper measure.

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Recent Forum Posts on Sense and Sensibility

Literary Criticisms

I'm currently in the process of looking for literary criticisms on Sense and Sensibility; however, I was wondering if anyone had a particular favorite criticism or one that they'd like to share. I need a criticism from the year that it was published (1811) and four more from in 1830 to modern day. I've been searching for some older ones, but they're much more difficult to find than modern ones--especially considering that the non-modern ones are typically not posted on the internet. Any suggestions, comments, etc. are eagerly welcomed!

Posted By mystery_spell at Mon 9 Feb 2009, 5:07 PM in Sense and Sensibility || 3 Replies

Friendship and Happiness

There is one quote that puts me into wonder sometimes, it is said in the book, "One's happiness can not depend on the other person" I have never experienced love other than family love, which it is a very different kind of love compare with the love between two lovers. However, i am not going to get a girlfriend because i still have to develop my personal characters;moreover, i am afraid of the power of Love. For those of you who are married. Is the statement true? Is it a practical statement or is it a philosophical statement. And if possible, can you tell me, What IS LOVE?

Posted By difanchen at Mon 5 Jan 2009, 11:24 AM in Sense and Sensibility || 4 Replies

sense and sensibility - question concerning the talk between Elinor and John chapt 41

Hello, I'm reading sense and sensibility at the moment and I don't understand the part when John talks to Elinor about Colonel Brandon giving Edward a living and says this in chapter 41:"Very well—and for the next presentation to a living of that value—supposing the late incumbent to have been old and sickly, and likely to vacate it soon—he might have got I dare say—fourteen hundred pounds. And how came he not to have settled that matter before this person's death?—NOW indeed it would be too late to sell it, but a man of Colonel Brandon's sense!—I wonder he should be so improvident in a point of such common, such natural, concern!—Well, I am convinced that there is a vast deal of inconsistency in almost every human character. I suppose, however—on recollection—that the case may probably be THIS. Edward is only to hold the living till the person to whom the Colonel has really sold the presentation, is old enough to take it.—Aye, aye, that is the fact, depend upon it." Why would it have been wise in John's opinion to have sold the "living" before the late incumbent died? It's not Colonel Brandon who will pay Edward when he has taken the benefice or is it? I thought the living would be paid by the all the people who live around that vicarage. So Colonel Brandon shouldn't care about presenting any living, should he? Please explain it to me! I'm confused

Posted By Alienor at Mon 8 Dec 2008, 11:34 AM in Sense and Sensibility || 0 Replies

Edward Ferrars

I have an assignment for a paper that compares and contrasts Edward in the 1995 movie and the 2008 TV version. I'm having problems comparing the three Edwards, since they all seemed the same to me. Can someone please help?

Posted By shadowedninja at Sat 22 Nov 2008, 4:32 PM in Sense and Sensibility || 0 Replies

Edward in the books vs. movies

I'm supposed to analyze how Edward's character varies in the book compared to the 1998 movie and the 2008 TV special. I'll admit that I got totally lost and I was wondering if I could get some help.

Posted By shadowedninja at Sat 22 Nov 2008, 3:07 PM in Sense and Sensibility || 0 Replies

Willoughby's actions and Elinor's forgiveness

Why do you guys think that Elinor was able to forgive Willoughby when he comes and thinks Marianne is dying? He is sorry, but it seems because he didn't do the thing that would bring himself the most comfort. If you look at his "excuses," they are just blaming others for his actions. Elinor and Marianne feel bad for him, but then Elinor tells Marianne he is selfish. Her actions there don't follow with what she thought and felt previously.

Posted By julesb218 at Fri 10 Oct 2008, 7:10 PM in Sense and Sensibility || 1 Reply

Edward vs Willoughby

I was wondering what everyone thought about Edward versus Willoughby? I am taking a class, and everyone in that class seems to think that Edward's behavior in the book was just as bad as Willoughby's -- but instead of being condemned by Elinor, he is rewarded with her love. What do you guys think about this? Do you like Edward? Do you dislike him? Does Austen manipulate the reader into liking Edward, or do we like him because Elinor does? I know that I like him, and I certainly don't see why his actions in the story were as bad as Willoughby's. Help?

Posted By Kumo at Tue 30 Sep 2008, 9:23 PM in Sense and Sensibility || 6 Replies

Willoughby

There's a passage that I don't quite understand. When Elinor asks him about him leaving Eliza, he says I acknowledge that her situation should have been respected by me. I do not mean to justify myself, but at the same time cannot leave you to suppose I have nothing to urge, that because she was injured, she was irreproachable, and because I was a libertine, she must be a saint. If the violence of her passions, the weakness of her understanding - I do not mean, how ever to defend myself." Was he saying that she was equally to blame because of her passion and lack of understanding?

Posted By julesb218 at Fri 26 Sep 2008, 6:39 PM in Sense and Sensibility || 0 Replies

What's the main subject?

I didn't read the novel but I plan to do that:D I read Pride and Prejudice and I liked it.I would like to know what's the major theme in this novel?

Posted By kakazinho at Thu 24 Jan 2008, 7:39 PM in Sense and Sensibility || 2 Replies

Jane and her own sister...

i wonder if marianne and elinor in some ways are like Jane and her sister were. i'd like to think of jane more like marianne. someone who loves with all they have, every emotion. while elinor like her sister who was more reservedwhen it came to love and held alot inside. marianne wears her heart on her sleeve for all to see. and for me thats what jane ws like.

Posted By Jacki217 at Wed 16 Jan 2008, 12:14 AM in Sense and Sensibility || 0 Replies

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