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Sense and Sensibility
368 pages, 2003
fiction
1382 booksMarianne Dashwood wears her heart on her sleeve. When she falls in love with the dashing but unsuitable John Willoughby, she ignores her sister Elinor's warning that her impulsive behavior leaves her open to gossip and innuendo.
Marianne's feelings soon change after meeting Colonel Brandon. Meanwhile, Elinor, always sensitive to social convention, is struggling to conceal her romantic disappointment, even from those closest to her.
Through their parallel experience of love—and its threatened loss—the sisters learn that sense must mix with sensibility to find personal happiness in a society governed by status and money.
Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility explores the importance of balancing emotion and reason in life. The two main characters, Elinor and Marianne, represent these two extremes. By observing their experiences, we can learn that neither pure sensibility nor pure sense is beneficial, but a balance of the two is ideal.
Austen uses the book to highlight the tension between societal expectations and individual happiness. She shows us that societal pressure can often lead to personal unhappiness, encouraging readers to prioritize their own happiness over societal norms.
Sense and Sensibility gives us a glimpse into the limited roles of women in the 19th century. Austen encourages us to question these societal norms and consider the potential of women beyond these roles.
In the book, Elinor's patience and restraint are rewarded, while Marianne's impulsiveness leads to heartbreak. This teaches us the value of patience and the importance of thinking before acting.
Austen shows us the negative impact of secrecy through the character of Lucy Steele, who uses secrecy to manipulate others. This encourages us to be open and honest in our relationships.
Quotes 5
Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility is a work of genius, a masterpiece that illuminates the human heart.
Virginia Woolf - Modernist literatureSense and Sensibility is a delightful exploration of the clash between love and reason, a testament to Austen's narrative prowess.
Margaret Drabble - Contemporary novelistSense and Sensibility is a profound examination of the human condition, a testament to Austen's understanding of human nature.
Harold Bloom - Literary criticSense and Sensibility is a masterful blend of wit and sentiment, a testament to Austen's narrative skill.
Claire Tomalin - BiographerSense and Sensibility is a timeless classic, a testament to Austen's understanding of the human heart.
Andrew Davies - Screenwriter