Who Elinor Dashwood is
Elinor Dashwood is nineteen, steady and observant, with a clear understanding of what her family can afford. After her father's death, she moves with her mother and sisters from Norland to a small cottage in Devon. She takes charge of the accounts and often carries the family's worries without speaking about her own.
What Elinor Dashwood wants
Elinor wants to protect her mother and sisters from distress, even when she needs comfort herself. Her self control does not mean that she feels less deeply than Marianne. She thinks before acting and keeps up polite manners because she understands how gossip can harm a woman without money.
Elinor Dashwood and the others in the story
Elinor grows fond of Edward Ferrars through conversation, shared tastes and the ease they feel together. His occasional gloom troubles her, while his family's expectations cast uncertainty over their quiet attachment.
With Marianne, Elinor is both a loving sister and a cautious observer. She worries about Marianne's openness with John Willoughby, especially when their behaviour suggests an engagement that nobody has announced.
Questions
Who is Elinor Dashwood?
Elinor is the elder central sister in Sense and Sensibility, known for careful judgment and private feelings.
Does Elinor Dashwood love Edward Ferrars?
Elinor develops a quiet attachment to Edward, whose gentle manner and conversation draw her to him. Their growing affection remains unannounced while they are at Norland.
How is Elinor different from Marianne?
Elinor restrains her emotions, while Marianne believes in expressing them openly. Both feel deeply, but Elinor gives more thought to other people's comfort and the consequences of her actions.