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Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 11 summary

Chapter 11 of 50 · 6 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 11, frequent gatherings bring Marianne and Willoughby closer, while Elinor questions their public display of affection and finds little comfort in most new acquaintances. A conversation with Colonel Brandon about loving again leads Elinor to suspect that he carries a painful memory of earlier love.

What happens

  1. Sir John’s entertainments give Marianne and Willoughby frequent opportunities to show their mutual affection.
  2. Elinor urges restraint, but Marianne rejects concealment, Willoughby agrees, and Mrs. Dashwood approves their openness.
  3. Marianne enjoys her new home more, while Elinor continues to miss Norland and satisfying conversation.
  4. Elinor values Colonel Brandon’s company, and he finds comfort in talking with her despite Marianne’s indifference.
  5. Their discussion of second attachments prompts Brandon to mention a woman resembling Marianne, then stop abruptly.
  6. Elinor suspects a connection with his own past love but does not invent further details.

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In this chapter

ElinorMarianneWilloughbyColonel BrandonMrs. Jennings

What to notice

Brandon makes the discussion personal. His unfinished account and visible emotion give Elinor grounds to suspect an earlier attachment without confirming its history.

Quick check

What makes Elinor suspect that Colonel Brandon remembers an earlier love?

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