illustration of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood's faces

Sense and Sensibility

by Jane Austen

Start Free Trial

Sense and Sensibility Summary

Sense and Sensibility is a novel by Jane Austen in which Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters must survive on a meager allowance after the death of Mr. Dashwood.

  • After Mr. Dashwood's death, his son John inherits his estate. John's wife, Fanny, convinces him to give his mother and sisters next to nothing. Elinor falls in love with Fanny's brother, Edward, who is engaged.

  • Marianne falls in love with the dashing Willoughby. He manipulates her emotions but then marries another woman.

  • The older Colonel Brandon patiently courts Marianne. Edward asks for Elinor's hand in marriage after ending his engagement. The two couples happily marry.

Sense and Sensibility Study Tools

Take a quiz Ask a question Start an essay

Summary

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

In Jane Austen's novel, familial bonds and romantic entanglements weave through the lives of the Dashwood family. Inheriting an estate, John Dashwood finds his principles challenged by his wife, Fanny, who schemes to keep wealth within their immediate family. Love, heartbreak, and eventual reconciliation unfold as the Dashwood sisters navigate societal pressures and personal desires.

The Unexpected Inheritance

Upon his father's passing, Mr. John Dashwood becomes the heir to the family estate. Originally, he intends to ensure his stepmother and half-sisters are taken care of financially. However, his wife, Fanny, who possesses her own fortune, cunningly convinces John to withhold assistance from his relatives. Her brother, Edward Ferrars, takes an interest in John's half-sister, Elinor, but Fanny is adamant to block any potential marriage. Consequently, Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters, feeling unwelcome, accept an invitation from a distant relative, Sir John Middleton, to reside at his cottage.

New Beginnings at Barton Park

Settling in their new abode at Barton Park, the Dashwoods find contentment. They soon meet Colonel Brandon, Sir John's friend, who becomes enamored with Marianne, the younger sister. Marianne, however, regards him as too mature and turns her affections toward John Willoughby, a charming visitor from a nearby estate. Their budding romance is interrupted when Colonel Brandon is called away unexpectedly, sparking rumors of his mysterious past.

Mysteries and Misunderstandings

Colonel Brandon's sudden departure fuels speculation, further ignited by Willoughby's unkind remarks about him. Elinor is uneasy with Willoughby’s influence on Marianne and his unexplained exit soon after. Meanwhile, Elinor's feelings for Edward Ferrars grow, though his interest seems fleeting. The arrival of Lucy Steele, claiming a secret engagement to Edward, shocks Elinor, who silently bears her heartache but pledges to maintain the confidence.

An Invitation to London

The Dashwood sisters are invited to London, where Marianne eagerly writes to Willoughby, anticipating a reunion. Her letters go unanswered until she encounters him at a social gathering, only to be met with cold courtesy. The next day, Marianne receives a letter from Willoughby, ending their relationship and revealing his engagement to another. Heartbroken, Marianne is consoled by Colonel Brandon, while Elinor learns the truth behind Willoughby's actions from the colonel himself.

Revelations and Heartaches

Colonel Brandon confides in Elinor that Willoughby disgraced his young ward, prompting his hasty departure. Marianne, upon hearing this, is devastated, yet Colonel Brandon's unwavering support becomes evident. Meanwhile, the Steele sisters create a stir in London, and Edward's mother discovers his secret engagement to Lucy. Furious, she disinherits Edward, transferring his inheritance to his brother, Robert, leaving Edward and Lucy without financial means.

Unexpected Changes

Despite the setback, Edward plans to enter the clergy, with Elinor arranging for him to curate under Colonel Brandon's patronage. As Marianne falls ill at Cleveland, Colonel Brandon fetches Mrs. Dashwood. Willoughby visits, confessing his misdeeds to Elinor, explaining his financial motivations and expressing lingering affection for Marianne. Though moved by his honesty, Elinor informs Marianne, who, while saddened, finally lets go of her feelings for Willoughby.

Turning Points and Union

Marianne recovers and returns home with newfound resolve. Soon after, Elinor hears rumors of Mr. Ferrars's marriage to Lucy but is surprised when Edward himself arrives to clarify. Lucy, in a twist of fate, weds Robert instead, leaving Edward free to propose to Elinor. She gladly accepts, and his mother eventually consents to their union after Edward remains steadfast in his choice.

Happily Ever After

With Edward and Elinor married and settled into the parsonage offered by Colonel Brandon, the Dashwoods' fortunes begin to turn. Marianne, too, recognizes Colonel Brandon's devotion and agrees to marry him. Their sisterly bond strengthens as they live near each other, and Fanny Dashwood, reconciled by these advantageous connections, softens her stance toward Edward. Mrs. Dashwood rejoices in the happiness and stability her daughters have found, their lives now filled with peace and contentment.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Next

Themes

Loading...