Sense and Sensibility study guide
by Jane Austen · 1811 · 50 chapters · the whole book: 7 h 44 min to read
Sense and Sensibility follows Elinor and Marianne Dashwood as limited money and painful attachments test their hopes for marriage, with Elinor hiding her shock at Edward’s secret engagement and Marianne grieving over Willoughby’s cold reply. Its main themes are feeling and restraint, money and marriage, family obligation, and judging love.
The story in brief
A father's death leaves the Dashwood widow and daughters with limited money, and Fanny persuades her husband that they need no financial help. The Dashwoods settle into Barton Cottage, where the Middletons offer generous attention. Willoughby's daily visits deepen Marianne's attachment, while Lucy's revelation of a secret engagement to Edward forces Elinor to hide her own painful shock. The sisters accept an invitation to London, Marianne eagerly and Elinor despite her doubts. There, Willoughby's cold reply leaves Marianne grieving over their unequal expectations.
When Edward's secret engagement becomes public, he refuses to break his promise. Elinor later nurses Marianne through a dangerous fever, and Willoughby explains his betrayal, changing Elinor's judgment without removing his guilt. Back at Barton, Marianne admits her faults and resolves to change her conduct. Edward then explains that Lucy has married his brother Robert, ending Elinor's uncertainty. Elinor marries Edward, and Marianne marries Colonel Brandon. Read the 15-minute summary.
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Quick answers
What is Sense and Sensibility about?
Sense and Sensibility follows Elinor and Marianne Dashwood as limited money and painful attachments test their hopes for marriage. Elinor hides her distress over Edward's secret engagement, while Marianne suffers after Willoughby rejects her expectations of love.
Where is Sense and Sensibility set?
The story moves from the loss of Norland to the Dashwoods' new home at Barton Cottage, with social visits from Barton Park. The sisters later visit London, and Cleveland becomes the setting for Marianne's dangerous illness.
What is the main theme of Sense and Sensibility?
A main theme is the relationship between strong feeling and restraint, shown through Elinor's hidden suffering and Marianne's changing conduct. The novel also explores how money shapes marriage plans and how family obligations can give way to excuses against helping relatives.
Why does Edward refuse to break his engagement in Sense and Sensibility?
Edward refuses to break his engagement to Lucy because he will not abandon his promise when their secret becomes public. He values private happiness more than the distinction his family wants for him, and he eventually finds contentment in marriage and clerical duties.
How does Marianne change in Sense and Sensibility?
Marianne initially sees Willoughby as her ideal companion, but his rejection exposes the limits of her expectations about love. After her dangerous illness, she admits her faults and resolves to change, while her marriage to Colonel Brandon shows friendship and respect growing into wholehearted love.
Why do the Dashwoods have limited money in Sense and Sensibility?
The death of the Dashwood sisters' father leaves their mother and daughters with limited money. Fanny persuades her husband that they need no financial help, showing how a promise of family support can shrink into arguments against giving anything.
How does Sense and Sensibility end?
Edward explains that Lucy has married his brother Robert, ending Elinor's uncertainty about his engagement. Elinor marries Edward, and Marianne marries Colonel Brandon, with friendship and respect developing into wholehearted love.
Chapter summaries
- 1An inheritance divides the DashwoodsA father's death leaves his widow and daughters dependent on limited money and a brother's promise.
- 2A promise shrinks into small favorsFanny persuades her husband that his stepmother and half-sisters need no financial help.
- 3Edward wins a mother's approvalElinor's growing attachment brings family hopes, while Marianne questions whether kindness alone makes an ideal lover.
- 4Uncertain affection and a new homeA sister’s hopes meet caution, while an insult prompts Mrs. Dashwood to accept a distant cottage.
- 5The Dashwoods prepare to leave NorlandElinor limits household expenses while Marianne mourns the home her family must give up.
- 6A new home and sociable neighborsThe Dashwoods settle into Barton Cottage and receive generous attention from the Middletons.
All 50 chapters
- 7The Dashwoods dine at Barton ParkNew acquaintances tease the sisters, while Marianne finds only one attentive listener for her music.
- 8Marianne questions love and ageMrs. Jennings teases a possible couple, while Edward’s absence raises questions about Elinor’s feelings.
- 9Marianne falls and meets WilloughbyA stranger carries an injured girl home, and Sir John supplies details about his character and property.
- 10Marianne finds her ideal companionDaily visits deepen an attachment, while Elinor defends Colonel Brandon against two dismissive critics.
- 11Open affection and guarded memoriesMarianne enjoys Willoughby’s constant attention, while Elinor finds companionship and hints of past sorrow in Colonel Brandon.
- 12Gifts and secrets invite speculationElinor restrains Marianne’s spending, suspects an engagement, and faces unwelcome teasing about her own affections.
- 13A cancelled outing and a private visitBrandon leaves on urgent business, while Marianne and Willoughby explore Allenham and attract unwelcome attention.
- 14Willoughby asks for lasting affectionElinor questions an unannounced engagement while a visitor seeks promises that the family and their home remain unchanged.
- 15A sudden departure raises doubtsWilloughby leaves Marianne distraught, while Elinor and her mother disagree about what his behavior means.
- 16Grief and an unexpected visitorMarianne mourns Willoughby’s absence, while Edward’s arrival brings Elinor more uncertainty than comfort.
- 17Edward struggles with cheerful companyA warm welcome leads to debates about money, manners, and an uneasy exchange about reserve.
- 18A ring encourages Elinor’s hopesEdward debates scenery, faces an awkward question about hair, and discovers Marianne’s interest in Willoughby.
- 19Parting sorrow and new visitorsElinor keeps busy after Edward leaves, while the Palmers introduce a new contrast in manners.
- 20Elinor tests Mrs. Palmer’s claimsA cheerful visitor presses invitations and repeats marriage gossip, but offers little firsthand knowledge.
- 21New acquaintances and an unexpected connectionThe Steele sisters flatter their hosts, pursue the Dashwoods’ company, and surprise Elinor with their knowledge of Edward.
- 22Lucy reveals her secret engagementEvidence of Edward’s private attachment forces Elinor to conceal a painful shock.
- 23Elinor seeks another private conversationA painful secret stays hidden as an evening gathering offers a chance to question Lucy.
- 24Lucy presses Elinor for supportA guarded conversation exposes financial obstacles, competing feelings, and a request for help securing Edward a church income.
- 25The sisters accept a London visitMarianne welcomes an invitation, while Elinor sets aside her doubts to accompany her.
- 26Marianne waits for an absent visitorLondon brings eager hopes, an unexpected caller, and growing concern about unanswered messages.
- 27Marianne waits while doubts deepenA missed visit, an unanswered invitation, and a painful conversation leave Elinor increasingly concerned.
- 28Willoughby withdraws at the partyMarianne seeks an explanation for his cold greeting, while Elinor tries to protect her from public distress.
- 29Marianne confronts Willoughby’s rejectionA cold reply exposes unequal expectations, while Elinor tries to steady her grieving sister.
- 30Comfort fails to ease Marianne’s griefMrs. Jennings tries food and company, while Colonel Brandon confirms the news of Willoughby’s intended marriage.
- 31Brandon reveals Willoughby’s abandoned lover
- 32Grief and unwelcome sympathyMarianne learns of Willoughby’s marriage, while Elinor faces intrusive kindness and Lucy’s pointed remarks.
- 33John measures kindness by moneyA chance meeting brings family visits, marriage advice, and claims of financial hardship.
- 34A dinner exposes family hostilityElinor meets Edward’s mother, Lucy enjoys special attention, and Marianne protests against an insult to her sister.
- 35An awkward visit exposes hidden tensionsLucy celebrates apparent approval, while Marianne unknowingly makes a painful meeting harder for everyone.
- 36An invitation goes to the SteelesElinor meets Robert Ferrars, while Fanny redirects her husband's offer of hospitality away from his sisters.
- 37Edward refuses to break his promiseA secret engagement becomes public, and Marianne discovers how much suffering her sister conceals.
- 38An engagement survives financial lossA meeting in Kensington Gardens and a flattering letter bring Elinor news of Edward and Lucy.
- 39A journey and a generous offerElinor arranges a return home, while Mrs. Jennings mistakes Colonel Brandon’s kindness for courtship.
- 40A living and a mistaken engagementElinor delivers unexpected help to Edward, while Mrs. Jennings mistakes kindness for a marriage proposal.
- 41Elinor hears the family's judgmentsA reluctant visit exposes John's concern with money and Robert's contempt for his brother.
- 42Marianne falls ill at ClevelandThe sisters leave London, but country walks and wet clothes bring fresh anxiety.
- 43Marianne recovers amid an unexpected arrivalElinor nurses her sister through a dangerous fever, then rushes downstairs expecting their mother.
- 44Willoughby explains his betrayalA desperate visitor describes his motives, asks forgiveness, and changes Elinor’s judgment without removing his guilt.
- 45Recovery brings hopes of marriageMrs. Dashwood rejoices over Marianne’s safety and reveals Colonel Brandon’s love, while Elinor still pities Willoughby.
- 46Marianne resolves to change her conductBack at Barton, a recovering sister admits her faults and hears the explanation she longs for.
- 47Resignation gives way to fresh distressMarianne accepts Willoughby’s faults, but a servant’s report exposes Elinor’s hidden suffering.
- 48Edward clears up the marriageElinor prepares to face a painful visit, but unexpected news turns her distress into joy.
- 49Edward and Elinor agree to marryJoy gives way to practical concerns as the couple considers money and a family reconciliation.
- 50Two marriages and unequal rewardsFamily approval follows different paths, while the sisters find happiness close to one another.
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Try 3 months freeCharacters
Elinor
Elinor hides her painful shock at Lucy's engagement to Edward and later nurses Marianne through a dangerous fever.
Key chapters: 22, 43, 50
Marianne
Marianne finds her ideal companion in Willoughby, but after her illness she admits her faults and resolves to change. Her marriage to Colonel Brandon shows friendship and respect developing into wholehearted love.
Key chapters: 10, 46, 50
Edward
Edward prefers private happiness to the distinction his family desires, and he refuses to break his engagement promise. His eventual marriage to Elinor and contentment with clerical duties show his preference for a modest domestic life.
Key chapters: 3, 37, 50
Willoughby
His explanation and request for forgiveness change Elinor's judgment without removing his responsibility for the betrayal.
Key chapters: 9, 29, 44
Colonel Brandon
Colonel Brandon listens attentively to Marianne rather than offering exaggerated praise, and he later helps Edward through Elinor. His marriage to Marianne brings renewed happiness, suggesting the value of steady attention and practical kindness.
Key chapters: 7, 40, 50
Lucy
Lucy asks Elinor for secrecy and advice about her engagement to Edward, but she eventually marries his brother Robert. Her success in gaining Mrs. Ferrars's affection through flattery suggests how effectively she pursues favor.
Key chapters: 22, 48, 50
Mrs. Jennings
Mrs. Jennings teases the sisters about lovers and husbands, but she also tries to comfort Marianne with food and company. Her mistaken reading of Colonel Brandon's kindness shows how readily she turns concern into courtship.
Key chapters: 7, 30, 40
Themes
Feeling and restraint
Elinor's concealed distress shows that restraint does not mean an absence of strong feeling, especially when Marianne discovers how much she suffers. Marianne's reflection after illness suggests that emotional sincerity can develop alongside a more considered way of behaving.
Where it shows: chapters 22, 37, 46
Money and marriage
Lucy's request for help securing Edward an income shows how financial dependence shapes marriage plans rather than merely following them. Colonel Brandon's assessment of the rectory and the practical concerns facing Edward and Elinor suggest that affection alone cannot settle every obstacle.
Where it shows: chapters 24, 39, 49
Family obligation
The shrinking promise of support shows how easily family obligation can give way to arguments against helping dependent relatives. Colonel Brandon's help for Edward offers a contrast, suggesting that dependable generosity need not follow the boundaries of family connection.
Where it shows: chapters 1, 2, 40
Judging love
Marianne's demand for matching tastes suggests a view of love founded on immediate agreement, while Willoughby's rejection exposes the limits of her expectations. Her growing love for Colonel Brandon shows another possibility, one in which friendship and respect become deep affection.
Where it shows: chapters 3, 29, 50
Symbols
Letters
Unanswered messages work as signs of the distance between Marianne's hopes and Willoughby's behavior. His cold reply turns that uncertainty into a painful recognition that their expectations differ.
Chapters 26, 29
The hair ring
The hair ring works as an uncertain sign that Elinor reads through her hopes. Lucy's later evidence suggests how easily apparent proof of affection can support a mistaken conclusion.
Chapters 18, 22
Barton Cottage
Barton Cottage works as a place of renewed domestic life and welcome. Willoughby's wish that it remain unchanged suggests an attachment to a comforting moment rather than acceptance of change.
Chapters 6, 14
Famous lines explained
Marianne, Chapter 3. Marianne speaks while questioning whether kindness alone makes an ideal lover. Her demand for matching tastes shows how strongly her early standard of love depends on complete agreement.
The narrator, Chapter 22. The narrator describes Elinor as Lucy reveals her engagement to Edward.
Elinor, Chapter 37. Elinor speaks as Marianne discovers how much she has concealed. Her explanation shows that peace of mind requires repeated effort rather than coming from indifference or an absence of pain.
Elinor, Chapter 44. Elinor addresses Willoughby during his explanation of his betrayal. Her response shows that understanding his motives does not require treating his choices as unavoidable or removing his guilt.
Setting
The story moves from the loss of Norland to a new household at Barton Cottage, with sociable attention from Barton Park. The London visit becomes a time of waiting and unanswered messages. After the sisters leave London, Cleveland becomes the setting for Marianne's illness.
Questions for discussion
- When does Elinor's restraint protect her, and when might it keep Marianne from understanding her?
- What makes Fanny's argument against financial help persuasive to her husband, and how should family obligation be judged?
- How far should understanding Willoughby's motives change a judgment of his behavior?
- Does Marianne's love for Colonel Brandon suggest a rejection of her early ideals or a fuller understanding of them?
- How should we balance Mrs. Jennings's practical kindness against her tendency to misunderstand other people's attachments?
Essay topics
- Hidden feeling. Examine how Elinor's concealed distress challenges the idea that emotional restraint means feeling less deeply.
- Practical generosity. Compare the refusal of family financial support with Colonel Brandon's practical help for Edward. What distinguishes generosity from its appearance?
- Changing love. Trace the change between Marianne's early standard for a partner and her eventual love for Colonel Brandon.
Quick quiz
Question 1 of 10Score 0
Why does Mrs. Dashwood remain at Norland after her daughter-in-law arrives?
What helps sustain conversation during Lady Middleton’s visit?
What makes Elinor suspect that Colonel Brandon remembers an earlier love?
Why does Mrs. Dashwood refuse to ask Marianne whether she is engaged?
Where does Lucy say she and Anne encounter Edward?
Who arrives when Marianne believes she hears Willoughby at the door?
What causes Brandon’s sudden departure from Barton last October?
Why does Fanny propose inviting the Miss Steeles?
Why does John find Brandon's gift so surprising?
What does Marianne ask Elinor to do after hearing Willoughby’s explanation?
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