Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen – dramatic timeless tale of Grace and Growth

Sense and Sensibility is a dramatic timeless tale of Grace and Growth of the Dashwood sisters and their romantic trials.

Synopsis

“Know your own happiness. You want nothing but patience – or give it a more fascinating name, call it hope.”

Does one love from the heart or see the merit of someone’s love through their mind?

Elinor and Marianne Dashwood are two sisters navigating the challenges of romance and societal expectations. Elinor represents the ‘sense’, personifying rationality and practicality. Marianne, on the other hand is governed by her emotions and spontaneity. The sisters’ differing approaches to life and love make a heartwarming narrative through which the story explores relationships, love, family and the idea of self.

Elinor’s practicality is tested as she conceals her true feelings for Edward Ferrars, while Marianne’s open-hearted sensibility leads her into a passionate and potentially risky romance with the dashing John Willoughby.

Which will prove to be the best route to love, caution and mindfulness, or complete abandon and surrender to one’s feelings?

Review

Sense and Sensibility is a delightful work of women’s fiction that explores societal norms, family drama, and the romance of two sisters, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood.

The beginning was truly captivating. I was appalled by the injustices Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters endured due to patriarchal laws, which left their fortune to a young boy while leaving the women at the mercy of a greedy and selfish son-in-law and his wife. Despite the unfair treatment and unkindness, their civility toward those who wronged them was astonishing.

Sir John Middleton’s kindness stood out, as he not only rented them a cottage but also warmly welcomed them into his social circle. His frequent visits and invitations provided the Dashwoods with much-needed respite. However, his overly trusting nature brought Willoughby into their lives, ultimately causing Marianne and her family great distress.

I enjoyed the introduction of the Dashwood family, their move to Barton Cottage, and their new life in Devonshire. Their connection with the Middletons, who were always hosting lively gatherings, added charm and energy to the narrative.

What I loved most in Sense and Sensibility was the portrayal of Elinor and Marianne and the contrasts in their personalities, which formed the heart of the story. Elinor, ever sensible, kind, and compassionate, carried the weight of her family’s happiness. Her selflessness was evident in how she shielded her mother and sister’s faults and errors.

I empathized deeply with Elinor, especially when neither her mother nor Marianne recognized her silent suffering. She endured Edward Ferrars’ ambiguous silence, dreaded the consequences of Marianne’s and Willoughby’s reckless behavior, and bore the burden of unheeded advice with grace. When Marianne finally faced the truth about Willoughby during their time in London, Elinor’s unwavering support, devoid of “I told you so,” highlighted her humility and love for her family.

Marianne, by contrast, was ruled by her emotions—impulsive, passionate, and naive. Her youthful mistakes, driven by an idealistic view of love, made her relatable to many. While her heartbreak and subsequent illness were poignant, it was heartening to see her growth as she came to appreciate the value of friendship and the true character of Colonel Brandon and Mrs. Jennings. However, I wished she had understood Elinor’s pain sooner.

The secondary characters added richness to the story. Lucy Steele, while despicable for tormenting Elinor, was undeniably clever and pragmatic. Her cunning approach to securing her future was a sharp commentary on the limited options available to women of the era.

As for Edward and Willoughby, I didn’t like either. Edward was two timing liar. I know he grew out of love with Lucy but still that doesn’t give him any right to show interest in Elinor, nor he should hide his engagement from her. I wish Elinor had rejected him and made him grovel for long time.

Willoughby made Lucy look lovely. He was opportunist greedy bastard. His last act of looking for redemption didn’t change my heart. His initial impression was right and I don’t think he deserved forgiveness and pity from Dashwoods.

While the characters and their dynamics were engaging, the pacing was uneven. The middle portion felt slow, with little progress in Elinor’s and Marianne’s romances, which tested my patience. Thankfully, the story picked up momentum upon their arrival in London, leading to a satisfying conclusion for both sisters.

Overall, Sense and Sensibility is a dramatic timeless tale of Grace and Growth of the Dashwood sisters and their romantic trials.

Book Links

Goodreads | Amazon.in | Publisher’ site

Have you read this?
What was your favorite classic or Austen heroine?

Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads | WhatsApp Channel

Just in case you missed,,,

• We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida – heartwarming Japanese literature
• Standing Strong and Finding Solace in Stories : Weekly Recap (January 15, 2025)
• A Cross Country Christmas (Road Trip Romance #1) by Courtney Walsh – feel-good, cozy, and fun

---