Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 34 summary
Chapter 34 of 50 · 11 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 34, Elinor attends the Dashwoods’ dinner without Edward and finds that his mother rejects her while warmly welcoming Lucy, whose connection with Edward remains hidden from the family. When Mrs. Ferrars dismisses Elinor’s artwork and praises Miss Morton instead, Marianne defends her sister, then breaks down in tears.
What happens
- Mrs. John Dashwood and Lady Middleton take to each other, while Mrs. Jennings dislikes the visitor’s coldness toward her sisters-in-law.
- Lucy reports Edward’s arrival in town, and Elinor feels relieved to miss his two visits.
- The Dashwoods invite the Middletons and others to dinner; Lucy reassures Elinor unintentionally by announcing Edward’s absence.
- Mrs. Ferrars ignores Elinor but favors Lucy, whose hidden connection with Edward makes this welcome bitterly amusing to Elinor.
- After dinner, discussion of children’s heights gives way to Elinor’s painted screens, which Mrs. Ferrars dismisses.
- Marianne defends Elinor and cries on her shoulder, while John explains her distress to Colonel Brandon as poor health and lost beauty.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Mrs. Ferrars’s answer to Marianne’s defense of Elinor relies on family rank rather than artistic merit. It makes the values behind her hostility especially clear.
Quick check
Why does Elinor feel relieved before the dinner?
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