"Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen (1811): A Review

Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility (1811) is a captivating novel of manners that explores themes of love, marriage, family dynamics, and social expectations within the context of early 19th-century England. Austen’s sharp wit, insightful character development, and keen observations of social mores shine through in this novel, which remains one of her most beloved works. It is a brilliant portrayal of how reason and emotion—represented by two sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood—must be balanced in order to navigate the complexities of life and love.

Plot Summary

The story centers around the Dashwood family, particularly the two Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, who are as different in temperament as their names suggest. After the death of their father, the family faces financial ruin because their inheritance passes to their half-brother, John Dashwood, who is more interested in looking after his own family than his sisters. The Dashwood women are left with limited resources and are forced to relocate to a modest cottage on the estate of a distant relative.

Elinor, the eldest sister, represents "sense" in the title—she is practical, composed, and governed by reason. Her emotional restraint is in stark contrast to her younger sister, Marianne, who embodies "sensibility"—a passionate, impulsive, and open-hearted nature. As the story unfolds, both women experience love, heartbreak, and the difficulties of navigating their emotions in a society that expects women to adhere to rigid social norms.

Marianne falls in love with the charming but unreliable Willoughby, while Elinor secretly loves Edward Ferrars, who is bound by an engagement to another woman. Through the contrasting approaches of the two sisters to love, loss, and societal expectations, Austen examines how emotional restraint and social propriety can lead to both personal happiness and emotional turmoil. The novel explores the tension between following one’s heart and adhering to the rules of society, and how both approaches have their rewards and consequences.

Themes and Analysis

1. Sense versus Sensibility: Reason versus Emotion

The central theme of Sense and Sensibility is the contrast between the two sisters, Elinor and Marianne, and their differing approaches to life and love. Elinor, with her practical, restrained nature, symbolizes “sense”—she values reason, propriety, and decorum. Marianne, on the other hand, represents “sensibility”—her passionate, uninhibited emotions drive her actions, and she often acts on impulse without considering the consequences.

Throughout the novel, Austen examines the balance between these two qualities, suggesting that both reason and emotion are necessary for personal growth and happiness. Elinor’s emotional repression often causes her to suffer in silence, and Marianne’s impulsive nature leads to heartbreak. Through their respective journeys, the novel shows that a balance of both sensibility and sense—emotion tempered by reason—is the key to navigating the complexities of love and life.

2. The Role of Social Class and Marriage

Marriage is a central focus of Sense and Sensibility, and Austen’s sharp commentary on the social expectations of marriage reflects the constraints women faced in her time. Women’s security and social status were often dependent on marriage, and Austen critiques the way in which romantic relationships were influenced by social position and financial stability. The Dashwood sisters’ limited fortune plays a major role in shaping their romantic prospects, and many of the characters in the novel must navigate the intersection of love, money, and societal expectations.

Austen critiques both the romantic idealism of young love, represented by Marianne’s relationship with Willoughby, and the pragmatic approach to marriage, exemplified by Elinor’s cautious and restrained feelings toward Edward Ferrars. The novel’s ultimate message seems to be that a successful marriage requires both emotional connection and a stable foundation—qualities that Elinor and Edward ultimately achieve in their union.

3. The Influence of Family and Relationships

Another key theme in Sense and Sensibility is the influence of family and relationships on personal decisions. The relationship between the Dashwood sisters is one of deep love and understanding, but their differences in temperament also create tension at times. Elinor often assumes the role of caretaker and emotional support for Marianne, whose intense emotions threaten to overwhelm her, while Marianne provides the emotional outlet that Elinor suppresses.

In addition to the Dashwood sisters’ dynamic, the novel also explores the relationships between the Dashwoods and their extended family. The selfishness of their half-brother John Dashwood and his wife, Fanny, exposes the contrast between self-interest and familial duty, and the novel emphasizes the importance of loyalty and mutual support among family members. Austen shows how the choices individuals make, whether driven by social propriety or personal desire, are often shaped by the influence of those closest to them.

4. The Limits of Romanticism

Marianne’s infatuation with Willoughby serves as a critique of the romantic ideals of the time. Her intense feelings toward him—based largely on passion and an idealized notion of love—lead to her emotional turmoil when Willoughby betrays her. While Marianne’s suffering seems exaggerated at times, her experience highlights the dangers of placing too much value on romantic passion without a firm foundation of reason or compatibility.

Through Marianne’s story, Austen critiques the excesses of romanticism and the way in which it can cloud judgment and lead to disappointment. While Elinor’s measured approach to love may seem more restrained, it is ultimately more fulfilling because it is based on mutual respect, understanding, and emotional maturity.

5. The Role of Fate and Choice

Throughout the novel, Austen also explores the tension between fate and personal choice in the realm of love and marriage. The characters frequently face situations where their future happiness seems to be determined by forces beyond their control—whether through social class, family obligations, or the expectations of society. Yet, at the same time, many of the characters exercise agency in their decisions, choosing partners based on personal connection rather than social expectation. The novel ultimately suggests that while fate may shape the circumstances of individuals’ lives, personal choices still play a critical role in shaping their futures.

Literary Style

Austen’s writing in Sense and Sensibility is witty, insightful, and richly detailed. Her use of irony and social critique is evident throughout, as she subtly exposes the hypocrisies and absurdities of the societal norms of her time. Austen’s character development is one of her greatest strengths—each character, from the reserved Elinor to the passionate Marianne, is fully realized and distinct, with their actions, thoughts, and feelings providing insight into the broader themes of the novel.

The novel’s pacing is steady, and Austen’s narrative tone is both humorous and poignant. Through her use of free indirect discourse, Austen allows the reader to see the world through the eyes of her characters, giving us a deeper understanding of their thoughts and emotions. The dialogue is sharp and clever, with characters often revealing their true feelings through subtle exchanges and exchanges of wit.

Reception and Legacy

Sense and Sensibility was first published in 1811 and, like much of Austen’s work, was met with initial success and acclaim. The novel’s exploration of social norms, romantic relationships, and the nature of family continues to resonate with readers today, making it one of Austen’s most beloved novels. Its themes of self-discovery, love, and the complexities of human relationships are as relevant today as they were in Austen’s time, and its influence on modern romantic fiction is profound.

Over the years, Sense and Sensibility has been adapted into various films, television series, and stage productions. One of the most famous adaptations is the 1995 film, directed by Ang Lee and written by Emma Thompson, which won multiple awards and brought the novel to a new generation of viewers. The novel's continued popularity speaks to its timeless appeal, and it remains an essential work in the canon of English literature.

Conclusion

Sense and Sensibility is a brilliant exploration of love, marriage, and the tension between reason and emotion. Through the contrasting characters of Elinor and Marianne, Jane Austen examines the complex nature of human relationships and the social constraints that shape them. The novel’s sharp wit, rich character development, and insightful social commentary make it one of Austen’s most enduring works. With its themes of personal growth, self-awareness, and the balance between passion and prudence, Sense and Sensibility remains a timeless and essential part of the literary canon.