Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 20 summary
Chapter 20 of 50 · 10 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 20, Elinor and Marianne reject Mrs. Palmer’s invitations while observing her delight in her husband’s rude behavior, and Elinor questions her about Willoughby. Mrs. Palmer’s confident marriage gossip proves unsupported by direct knowledge, leaving Elinor with little solid evidence despite her pleasure in hearing him praised.
What happens
- Mrs. Palmer welcomes the sisters and urges them to visit town, but they refuse.
- Mr. Palmer complains about the weather and insults his companions, while his wife treats his rudeness as amusing.
- The sisters decline an invitation to Cleveland, and Elinor suspects Mr. Palmer uses contempt to appear superior.
- Elinor asks about Willoughby, but Mrs. Palmer admits she has never spoken to him.
- Mrs. Palmer attributes marriage news to Colonel Brandon, then reveals that she treats his expression as confirmation of her own report.
- Mrs. Palmer describes an imagined match with Brandon, while declaring herself happier with Mr. Palmer.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Mrs. Palmer’s explanation reveals that Brandon does not confirm the marriage report. She converts an interpretation of his expression into certainty.
Quick check
What firsthand knowledge does Mrs. Palmer admit having of Willoughby?
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