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The title Sense and Sensibility aptly reflects the central themes of Jane Austen's novel, highlighting the contrast between the two main characters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. Sense represents reason, logic, and self-control, embodied by Elinor, who values rationality and practicality in navigating life’s challenges. Sensibility, on the other hand, represents emotionality, passion, and impulsiveness, as seen in Marianne, who follows her heart and allows her emotions to guide her actions.
The title underscores the novel’s exploration of the balance between these two opposing qualities. While Elinor's sense leads to emotional restraint and social propriety, Marianne's sensibility brings both joy and heartache, particularly in her ill-fated romance with Willoughby. The novel ultimately suggests that a harmonious balance of both sense and sensibility is essential for happiness and fulfillment. Thus, the title encapsulates the central conflict and the moral lesson of the story—finding equilibrium between emotion and reason.
2. Critics have claimed that the whole plot of Sense and Sensibility depends on the tension between what is concealed and what is shared with others--the private and the public. Do you agree with this statement?
Yes, the statement holds true in Sense and Sensibility, as the plot intricately explores the tension between what characters conceal and what they share, particularly in relation to personal emotions and societal expectations. Elinor Dashwood, representing sense, often conceals her feelings, especially regarding her love for Edward Ferrars, due to her sense of duty, propriety, and fear of public judgment. She values privacy and control, believing that emotions should be kept hidden for the sake of family harmony and social acceptance.
In contrast, Marianne Dashwood, embodying sensibility, openly expresses her emotions, whether in her passionate attachment to Willoughby or her deep grief over heartbreak. However, her emotional openness leads to public scrutiny and personal suffering.
The novel’s tension arises from these contrasting approaches: Elinor’s restraint versus Marianne’s openness. The resolution of the plot suggests a balance between these two extremes, emphasizing the importance of both private self-control and public expression in relationships and personal growth.
3. Appropriateness of the title ‘Sense and Sensibility’
The title Sense and Sensibility is highly appropriate for Jane Austen’s novel, as it reflects the central conflict between two distinct qualities represented by the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne. Sense, embodied by Elinor, signifies rationality, self-restraint, and practicality. Elinor’s approach to life is shaped by reason, and she carefully navigates her emotions and relationships, particularly in matters of love, such as her relationship with Edward Ferrars. Sensibility, on the other hand, is personified by Marianne, who is governed by emotion, spontaneity, and passion. Marianne’s intense feelings lead her to pursue romantic ideals without restraint, notably in her ill-fated attachment to Willoughby.
The title highlights the tension between these two qualities as they play out throughout the novel. Austen suggests that a balance between sense and sensibility is crucial for personal happiness and fulfilling relationships, making the title not just fitting but a key to the novel's thematic structure.
4. Comment on Austen's depiction of children in the novel.
In Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen’s depiction of children highlights their role within the family structure and reflects the social values of the time. While the novel does not focus extensively on children, their presence is important in shaping the dynamics of the Dashwood family.
The Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, exhibit mature emotional intelligence, often acting as caregivers to their younger siblings, Margaret and John. Margaret, the youngest of the Dashwood family, is portrayed as a lively and observant child, who, though not a central figure, occasionally offers insights that reflect her own developing sensibility.
Austen’s portrayal of children is subtly tied to the themes of inheritance and social status. John Dashwood, the son of Mr. Henry Dashwood from his first marriage, is depicted as self-interested and influenced by materialism, illustrating the consequences of entitlement and greed that often arise in the next generation.
Overall, children in the novel represent innocence, emotional development, and, in some cases, the transmission of social values.
5. Critical estimate of ‘Sense and Sensibility’.
Sense and Sensibility is a brilliant exploration of the complexities of human emotions, societal expectations, and familial relationships. Jane Austen’s portrayal of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as embodiments of reason and emotion respectively, provides a nuanced examination of the balance between these two qualities. The novel’s strength lies in its sharp social commentary, particularly on class, marriage, and inheritance. Through the contrasting characters, Austen critiques the extremes of both emotional excess and excessive rationality, suggesting that a balance between sense and sensibility is ideal for personal growth and happiness.
Austen’s wit, keen observation of social dynamics, and mastery of dialogue add depth to the novel. The richly drawn characters, particularly the morally ambiguous Edward Ferrars and the passionate Marianne, make the novel relatable and timeless. While the plot centers on romantic relationships, its exploration of family loyalty, personal sacrifice, and the complexities of societal norms elevates it beyond a mere romance.
6. Character sketch of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood.
Elinor Dashwood is the embodiment of sense in Sense and Sensibility. She is rational, composed, and emotionally restrained, often putting the needs of others before her own. Elinor's sense of duty towards her family, especially after her father’s death, makes her a pillar of strength. She conceals her deep feelings for Edward Ferrars out of propriety, showing immense self-control and emotional maturity. Elinor’s practicality contrasts sharply with her sister’s emotional outbursts, yet her quiet sacrifice and unwavering loyalty make her a deeply admirable character.
Marianne Dashwood, in contrast, represents sensibility. Passionate, impulsive, and openly expressive, she follows her emotions rather than societal conventions. Marianne’s intense love for Willoughby, coupled with her disregard for social propriety, leads to heartbreak, which matures her character. Over the course of the novel, Marianne learns the value of moderation and begins to appreciate Elinor's more balanced approach to life. Both sisters undergo significant growth, reflecting the novel’s message of finding equilibrium between sense and sensibility.
