Sense and Sensibility

Definition

Sense and Sensibility is a novel by Jane Austen that explores the contrasting traits of rationality and emotionality through the lives of two sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. This work delves into themes such as love, class, and societal expectations while highlighting the struggle between reason and feeling, which is a hallmark of Romantic literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The novel was published in 1811 and was Jane Austen's first published work, gaining her significant recognition.
2. Elinor represents 'sense,' embodying rationality, restraint, and social decorum, while Marianne embodies 'sensibility,' showcasing emotional openness and impulsiveness.
3. The title reflects the balance between reason and emotion that Austen advocates for in romantic relationships.
4. The narrative structure uses free indirect discourse, allowing readers to experience characters' thoughts and feelings intimately.
5. Austen critiques the limitations placed on women in society, particularly regarding marriage and financial independence.

Review Questions

• How do the characters of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood illustrate the themes of sense versus sensibility in Austen's novel?
  • Elinor Dashwood exemplifies 'sense' through her practicality, self-control, and ability to navigate social expectations. In contrast, Marianne embodies 'sensibility' with her passionate nature and emotional expressiveness. Their differing approaches to love and relationships highlight the struggle between reason and feeling, showcasing how both traits are necessary for personal growth and navigating societal pressures.
• Discuss how Sense and Sensibility serves as a social commentary on the roles of women during the Regency era.
  • Sense and Sensibility offers a keen critique of women's limited options in Regency society, where marriage was often their only means of securing financial stability. Through the experiences of Elinor and Marianne, Austen exposes the pressures women faced to conform to societal norms while also emphasizing their emotional depth and intelligence. This commentary reveals the complexities of female existence in a male-dominated world, suggesting that women's choices were often constrained by societal expectations.
• Evaluate the impact of Sense and Sensibility on later Romantic literature, considering its exploration of emotional depth and moral dilemmas.
  • Sense and Sensibility significantly influenced later Romantic literature by blending emotional depth with moral considerations. Austen's nuanced portrayal of her characters' struggles with love illustrates how emotional experiences shape personal identity. The themes of balance between reason and passion resonated with later writers who sought to explore human emotions within social contexts. The novel's legacy can be seen in subsequent literary works that prioritize character development through emotional journeys while grappling with societal norms.

Related terms

Romanticism: A cultural movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature, which arose in the late 18th century as a reaction to the Enlightenment.

Social Commentary: The act of using rhetorical means to provide commentary on issues in a society, often reflecting on social norms and expectations.

Characterization: The method by which an author reveals the personality and traits of a character, either through direct description or through actions and dialogue.