Sense and Sensibility

Sense and Sensibility is a 1811 novel by Jane Austen. It was Austen’s first published novel and introduces themes that she would further develop in later works, including women’s limited options for wealth, stability, and independence without marriage. Published anonymously and dedicated to Austen’s brother Henry, the novel tells the story of the Dashwood sisters – Elinor and Marianne – as they come of age and fall in love amid the social changes brought by the Regency period.

Recommended for:

Fans of Jane Austen’s novels who want to read all of her major works
Readers interested in Victorian literature and society
Those seeking intelligent romance and well-drawn characters
Students examining Regency-era England or women’s roles in early 19th century culture
Literature enthusiasts fond of subtle narratives and commentary on social themes

You will:

Follow the journeys of the Dashwood sisters as they navigate love, loss and life changes
Gain insights into the circumstances of women in Austen’s time through the Dashwoods’ experiences
Encounter memorable characters like prudent Elinor, passionate Marianne and steadfast Colonel Brandon
Appreciate Austen’s nuanced social critique through her realistic portrayal of relationships and conduct
Discover why Austen’s balanced treatment of themes and realistic characters endure nearly 200 years on
Find yourself reflecting on themes of class, gender roles and the complexities of morality well after finishing

Plot Summary

The story opens after Henry Dashwood’s death, when his estate must pass to the male heir according to law. Henry’s second wife, Margaret, and their three daughters are left in a precarious situation. John Dashwood, Henry’s son by his first marriage, promises his dying father that he will financially support his stepmother and three half-sisters. However, when John marries the wealthy but selfish Fanny Ferrars, she persuades him to provide almost nothing to his new relatives, leaving them to struggle financially.

Margaret and her daughters move to a small cottage in Devonshire provided by their cousin Sir John Middleton. There they encounter new characters and opportunities for love. Among them is John Willoughby, whose charm and lack of principles precipitate Marianne’s downfall. Meanwhile, Colonel Brandon tells Elinor of his long history with the mysterious and beautiful Eliza Williams, illuminating his quiet devotion.

The Dashwood sisters also encounter Edward Ferrars, Fanny’s brother and thereby a connection to her new in-laws. Through letters and gossip, Elinor learns that Edward is secretly engaged to Lucy Steele, whom Edward seems to have courted simply for her willingness and lack of fortune rather than true affection. Marianne, meanwhile, flirts openly with Willoughby until he abruptly ends their relationship upon becoming engaged to the wealthy Miss Grey.

Heartbroken, Marianne falls ill and Elinor must nurse her alone, confronting moral dilemmas of her own regarding Edward’s secret engagement. Colonel Brandon’s steady kindness offers Marianne perspective, and he earns her respect. Ultimately, the Steele sisters are exposed as mercenary climbers who spurn Edward when a better match appears. Vindicated, Edward can acknowledge his enduring love for Elinor, who has proved the one woman steady in difficult times.

Theme and Analysis

Through her narrative construction and nuanced female characters, Austen explores themes of women’s social entrapment and limited options absent support or marriage. Refined sensibility risks harm without balance from self-command or wisdom of experience. Above all, Sense and Sensibility draws out the complexities of morality and human affairs, praising women who discern realities beneath surfaces through integrity, empathy and common sense. With the Dashwood sisters, Austen seeds reflections on women’s paths that would grow through her subsequent works.

Licensing

Jane Austen. Sense and Sensibility. Originally published in 1811. This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago. This digital edition is provided by Standard Ebooks under the CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.