Review of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

**Review of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen**

Sense and Sensibility (1811) by Jane Austen is a brilliantly crafted exploration of love, reason, emotion, and social expectations in late 18th-century England. The novel follows the lives of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, who represent the themes of sense and sensibility, respectively. Elinor, the elder sister, embodies prudence, reserve, and a strong sense of duty, while Marianne is passionate, emotional, and prone to living life according to her feelings. The story revolves around their contrasting approaches to love, romantic entanglements, and societal pressures, as they navigate their own heartaches, disappointments, and personal growth. Through her sharp wit and keen social observation, Austen examines the balance between reason and emotion in love and the complexities of family and class in 18th-century England.

Themes in Sense and Sensibility

Sense vs. Sensibility: The central theme of the novel is the contrast between sense (represented by Elinor) and sensibility (represented by Marianne). Elinor’s practical approach to life and love contrasts sharply with Marianne’s emotional, impulsive, and romantic ideals. The novel explores how these two modes of being can influence the characters' relationships, social standing, and personal fulfillment. Throughout the novel, the two sisters learn to balance their respective extremes—Elinor learns to express her feelings more openly, and Marianne learns the value of restraint and emotional maturity. The novel suggests that a balance of both reason and emotion is essential for finding true happiness and fulfillment.
Love and Marriage: Love and marriage are central to the plot of Sense and Sensibility, and the novel examines the complex interplay of emotion, romantic ideals, and practical considerations in relationships. The Dashwood sisters both experience romantic disappointment and heartache, but they each approach love differently. Marianne’s infatuation with the charming but fickle Willoughby represents a passionate, idealized view of love, while Elinor’s relationship with the reserved and dependable Edward Ferrars exemplifies a more practical, restrained approach to romance. The novel portrays marriage as not just an emotional bond but also a social contract, where financial security, class, and familial expectations play a significant role in the choices individuals make.
Social Class and Financial Security: The theme of social class and economic security runs throughout the novel, especially in the context of marriage. The Dashwood family’s reduced circumstances after Mr. Dashwood’s death highlight the importance of financial stability in 19th-century society. For women, marriage is often seen as the only path to financial security and social respectability. Austen critiques the social system that values wealth and status over personal happiness and affection. The novel shows how the characters’ relationships are influenced not only by love and affection but also by economic necessity, as women like the Dashwood sisters are expected to secure their futures through marriage.
Self-Restraint and Emotional Growth: A key theme in Sense and Sensibility is the importance of self-restraint and emotional growth. Marianne’s character, in particular, undergoes significant development, as her intense emotions lead her to suffer heartbreak and emotional turmoil. Through her experiences with Willoughby and Edward, Marianne learns to temper her feelings and approach life with more prudence and maturity. Similarly, Elinor, whose initial restraint and emotional control often veer into repression, learns to open up and express her feelings more honestly. The novel suggests that personal growth involves a balance of emotional openness and practical consideration in relationships and that emotional maturity is essential for enduring happiness.
Family and Sisterhood: The importance of family and sisterhood is central to Sense and Sensibility. The bond between the Dashwood sisters—Elinor and Marianne—is the heart of the novel. Despite their contrasting temperaments, the sisters share a deep love and loyalty toward each other. Throughout the story, their relationship evolves as they support each other through personal struggles, heartbreak, and loss. The novel highlights how family provides a foundation for emotional support and strength in times of difficulty, and it portrays the enduring power of sisterhood in facing life’s challenges.

Character Roles in Sense and Sensibility

Elinor Dashwood: Elinor Dashwood, the elder of the two sisters, is the embodiment of sense—the rational, reserved, and responsible daughter. Throughout the novel, Elinor represents the societal expectation of self-control and duty, especially as she takes on the role of caregiver for her family after her father’s death. Elinor’s character arc revolves around her struggle to reconcile her emotions with her sense of responsibility. Her relationship with Edward Ferrars and her emotional turmoil when faced with his engagement to another woman reveal her inner conflict between personal desire and family duty. Elinor’s growth lies in her realization that she does not have to suppress her feelings completely and that honesty in love and communication is vital for true happiness.
Marianne Dashwood: Marianne Dashwood, the younger sister, represents sensibility—a passionate, impulsive, and idealistic approach to life. Her love for the dashing but unreliable Willoughby represents her belief in romantic idealism, where love is supposed to be a fiery, unrestrained force. Marianne’s heartbreak over Willoughby’s abandonment forces her to confront the limitations of her idealized notions of love. Her emotional journey teaches her that while passion is important, it must be tempered with practicality and self-restraint. Marianne’s eventual romantic union with Colonel Brandon represents her emotional growth, as she learns to value steadfastness, compassion, and mutual respect in a partner.
Edward Ferrars: Edward Ferrars, Elinor’s love interest, is an honest, morally upright, but emotionally reserved character. He is torn between his love for Elinor and his prior engagement to another woman, which creates emotional conflict for him. Edward’s role in the