Sense and Sensibility

By Jane Austen

“Sense and Sensibility” by Jane Austen is a timeless classic that explores the complex themes of love, money, and societal expectations. Austen masterfully employs literary devices such as irony, satire, and wit to portray the lives of two sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, as they navigate the treacherous waters of love and courtship in 19th-century England. The novel is a captivating blend of heart-warming romance and sharp social commentary that continues to resonate with readers today.

Themes 📚

1. The conflict between sense and sensibility – The novel explores the tension between rationality and emotion, as represented by the characters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood.
2. The importance of social status and wealth – The novel highlights the social and financial constraints placed upon women in 19th-century England, and the role that status and wealth play in shaping their lives.
3. The nature of love and relationships – The novel examines the complexities of love and relationships, and the different ways in which people express their feelings.
4. The power of societal expectations and norms – The novel considers the impact of societal expectations and norms on individuals, particularly in terms of gender roles and expectations.
5. The role of family and community – The novel emphasizes the importance of family and community in shaping individuals’ lives and providing a sense of belonging.
6. The danger of relying on first impressions – The novel cautions against relying too heavily on first impressions, as characters’ true natures may be more complex than they appear.
7. The consequences of deception and dishonesty – The novel explores the consequences of deceitful behavior and the importance of honesty and integrity.
8. The role of self-control and restraint – The novel emphasizes the importance of self-control and restraint, particularly in the face of emotional turmoil or difficult circumstances.
9. The value of education and intellectual pursuits – The novel emphasizes the value of education and intellectual pursuits, particularly for women who are limited in their opportunities for personal and professional advancement.
10. The search for personal happiness and fulfillment – The novel explores the various ways in which characters seek personal happiness and fulfillment, whether through love, social status, or personal achievement.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Irony – Austen employs irony throughout the novel to highlight the discrepancies between appearance and reality. For example, John Dashwood claims to be concerned for his sisters’ welfare, but his actions show otherwise.
2. Satire – The author uses satire to ridicule the behavior and customs of the upper class in 19th-century England. For instance, the caricature of Sir John Middleton and his vulgar behavior highlights the absurdity of certain societal norms.
3. Foreshadowing – Austen subtly foreshadows events that occur later in the novel. For instance, the hints dropped about Lucy Steele’s secret engagement to Edward Ferrars prepares the reader for the eventual revelation.
4. Metaphor – The novel employs metaphors to convey complex emotions and ideas. For example, Marianne’s description of herself as a “dead leaf” after Willoughby’s rejection is a metaphor for her shattered hopes and dreams.
5. Allusion – Austen uses allusion to reference works of literature and history, which adds depth and nuance to the novel. For instance, when Marianne recovers from her illness, her family compares her to a Shakespearean heroine.
6. Personification – The novel uses personification to give human qualities to non-human objects, such as nature. For example, the storm that occurs when Marianne is ill reflects the turmoil of her emotions.
7. Symbolism – Austen uses symbolism to represent abstract concepts. For example, the contrast between the cold, rational Elinor and the passionate, emotional Marianne symbolizes the tension between sense and sensibility.
8. Imagery – The novel employs vivid imagery to create sensory experiences for the reader. For example, the description of Barton Cottage and its surroundings transport the reader to the idyllic English countryside.
9. Parallelism – The novel uses parallelism to draw comparisons between characters and situations. For example, the similarities between Lucy Steele and Fanny Dashwood highlight the hypocrisy and greed of the upper class.
10. Dialogue – The novel uses dialogue to reveal the characters’ personalities and motivations. For example, the witty banter between Elinor and Edward Ferrars illustrates their intelligence and compatibility.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Foil Characters

Example	Explanation
Elinor and Marianne Dashwood	Elinor and Marianne serve as foil characters, with Elinor representing sense, reason, and self-control, while Marianne embodies sensibility, emotion, and impulsiveness. Their contrasting personalities allow Austen to explore the balance between reason and emotion in relationships and personal growth.
Colonel Brandon and John Willoughby	Colonel Brandon and John Willoughby act as foils, with Colonel Brandon representing stability, reliability, and genuine affection, while Willoughby embodies charm, superficiality, and deceit. These contrasting characters highlight the importance of substance and integrity in relationships.
Edward Ferrars and Robert Ferrars	Edward and Robert Ferrars are foil characters, with Edward representing sincerity, humility, and honor, while Robert embodies arrogance, materialism, and selfishness. Their contrasting characters emphasize the novel’s themes of true love and the value of moral virtues.

2. Irony

Example	Explanation
Marianne’s initial dismissal of Colonel Brandon	Marianne initially dismisses Colonel Brandon as a romantic prospect due to his age and reserved demeanor, yet he ultimately proves to be a loyal and loving partner. This irony underscores the importance of looking beyond superficial qualities in relationships.
Lucy Steele’s secret engagement to Edward Ferrars	Lucy Steele’s secret engagement to Edward Ferrars is ironic, as she ultimately marries Edward’s brother, Robert, who is more aligned with her materialistic and self-serving values. This twist emphasizes the theme of true love and the importance of compatibility in relationships.
Elinor’s seemingly calm demeanor	Elinor’s seemingly calm and collected demeanor is often ironic, as she internally struggles with her own emotions and disappointments. This irony highlights the novel’s exploration of the balance between reason and emotion, as well as the complexity of human feelings.

3. Satire

Example	Explanation
Mrs. John Dashwood’s selfishness	Mrs. John Dashwood’s selfishness and materialism are satirized through her manipulation of her husband, as well as her lack of concern for her sisters-in-law’s welfare. Austen uses her character to critique societal values and priorities.
Gossip and social conventions	The novel satirizes the gossip and social conventions of its time, highlighting the often petty and superficial nature of polite society. This critique is evident in scenes such as the London parties and the interactions between characters such as Mrs. Jennings and Lady Middleton.
The importance of social status	Austen satirizes the importance placed on social status and wealth in her society, using characters such as Sir John Middleton and Mrs. Ferrars to demonstrate the absurdity of prioritizing social standing over genuine affection and compatibility in relationships.

4. Epistolary Elements

Example	Explanation
Letters conveying crucial information	Throughout the novel, letters are employed to communicate critical information between characters, such as Willoughby’s letter to Marianne explaining his behavior, and Edward’s letter to Elinor revealing his altered situation. These letters contribute to plot progression and expose character intentions and emotions.
Elinor and her mother’s correspondence	Elinor’s letters to her mother while in London serve to maintain their emotional connection despite the physical distance between them. These letters also offer insights into family dynamics and the relationships between various characters.
Letters reflecting character development	The exchange of letters between characters, like Marianne’s letters to Willoughby, demonstrates the growth and evolution of characters throughout the novel, particularly in terms of emotional maturity and comprehension of their own feelings and situations.

5. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
Marianne’s lock of hair	The lock of hair that Marianne gives to Willoughby symbolizes her romantic and impulsive nature. The act of giving the lock of hair represents her willingness to disregard social conventions for the sake of her feelings, illustrating her sensibility.
Elinor’s art and drawing	Elinor’s interest in art and her talent for drawing symbolize her measured and controlled approach to life. Her artistry reflects her ability to observe and understand the world around her while maintaining a sense of restraint, emphasizing her sense.
The landscape in Devonshire	The landscape of Devonshire, particularly the hills and valleys surrounding the Dashwood family’s home, serves as a symbol for the emotional landscape of the characters. The changing seasons and natural beauty of the setting reflect the emotional highs and lows experienced by the protagonists throughout the novel.

6. Motif

Example	Explanation
Illness	Illness is a recurring motif in the novel, with several characters falling ill as a result of their emotional turmoil, such as Marianne’s fever and Mrs. Dashwood’s frequent bouts of anxiety. This motif underscores the connection between emotional and physical health and the importance of finding a balance between sense and sensibility.
Social gatherings	Social gatherings, such as parties, dinners, and balls, serve as a motif that highlights the societal expectations and conventions of the time. These events provide a backdrop for the characters’ interactions and demonstrate the importance of appearances and reputation within their social context.
Courtship and marriage	The motif of courtship and marriage runs throughout the novel, as the main characters navigate their romantic relationships and seek to find suitable partners. This motif allows Austen to explore the dynamics between love, social standing, and personal growth within the context of her society’s expectations.

7. Imagery

Example	Explanation
Descriptions of nature	Austen frequently uses vivid descriptions of nature and the landscape to convey the emotions and mental states of her characters. For example, the wild and untamed beauty of the Devonshire countryside reflects Marianne’s passionate and impulsive nature.
Character appearances	The physical appearances of the characters are described in detail, providing insight into their personalities and values. For instance, Elinor’s composed and elegant demeanor mirrors her sensible and rational approach to life, while Marianne’s vibrant and expressive features reflect her emotional and impulsive nature.
Domestic settings	The novel is filled with imagery of domestic settings, such as the Dashwood family’s homes at Norland Park and Barton Cottage. These descriptions serve to ground the story in its historical context and emphasize the importance of home and family in the characters’ lives.

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