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Sense and Sensibility, Chapter 37 summary

Chapter 37 of 50 · 18 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 37, Mrs. Jennings reports the exposure of Edward Ferrars’s engagement to Lucy Steele, prompting Elinor to explain her long silence and distress to Marianne. John Dashwood then reports that Edward refuses to abandon Lucy despite his mother’s threats, losing her support while she arranges to give Robert the estate.

What happens

  1. Mrs. Jennings reports that Nancy reveals Lucy’s engagement to Edward, provoking Fanny’s fury and the sisters’ removal from her house.
  2. Elinor tells Marianne about the engagement and explains that she keeps Lucy’s secret for four months.
  3. Marianne recognizes her unfairness to Elinor and promises to control her responses to Lucy, Edward, and discussion of them.
  4. John Dashwood reports that Edward rejects financial inducements and threats rather than abandon his engagement.
  5. Mrs. Ferrars dismisses Edward and arranges to settle the estate on Robert, while Mrs. Jennings offers Edward hospitality.
  6. After John leaves, Elinor, Marianne, and Mrs. Jennings openly condemn the family’s treatment of Edward.

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In this chapter

ElinorMarianneEdwardLucyMrs. JenningsTheme: Feeling and restraint

What to notice

Elinor explains that calm requires work rather than emotional indifference. This correction makes Marianne recognize her sister’s suffering and her own unfair judgment.

Quick check

Why does Mrs. Ferrars dismiss Edward from her favor?

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