Sense and Sensibility

Reason vs. Emotion: The title of the novel highlights a key conflict between "sense" (reason, prudence) and "sensibility" (emotion, feeling). How do Elinor and Marianne exemplify these traits? Does Austen favor one over the other, or does she imply that a balance is essential?

Social Constraints on Women: Elinor and Marianne's prospects heavily rely on marriage due to their lack of financial independence. How does Austen use their circumstances to critique the societal and economic limitations imposed on women in 19th-century England?

Character Growth: By the novel's conclusion, both sisters experience notable personal growth. In what ways does Marianne evolve following her illness and her disillusionment with Willoughby? Does Elinor also change, or does she largely remain the same throughout the story?

Deception and Secrecy: Several characters—Willoughby, Edward Ferrars, and Lucy Steele—hide significant truths. How does secrecy act as a social mechanism in the novel? Who gains from it, and who suffers as a result?

Willoughby's Confession: In Chapter 44, Willoughby meets Elinor and explains his actions. Does his confession make him a more relatable character? Can his behavior ever be completely excused or forgiven?

Marriage and Happiness: Compare the various marriages or relationships illustrated in the novel (e.g., the Palmers, Sir John and Lady Middleton, Colonel Brandon and Marianne, Edward and Elinor). What does Austen appear to suggest about the elements that contribute to a successful or satisfying marriage?

Austen's Narrative Voice: Austen often employs irony and free indirect discourse to comment on her characters. Identify a passage where her narrative voice seems to lightly mock or critique a character. What impact does this technique have on the reader's connection with that character?

Sense vs. Sensibility: Elinor and Marianne often represent "sense" and "sensibility." Do you think this characterization is accurate? In what ways do both sisters exhibit traits of the other?

Social Constraints: How do the social and economic pressures of Regency-era England influence the choices available to the Dashwood women? Is Austen critiquing these constraints, accepting them, or both?

Emotional Expression: Marianne openly shows her grief and passion, while Elinor keeps hers in check. Which approach do you admire more, and what does the novel seem to suggest about how emotions should be expressed?

Willoughby's Character: How does Austen challenge our judgment of Willoughby through his confession to Elinor toward the end of the novel? Does his explanation alter your feelings about him?

Marriage and Happiness: Compare the marriages in the novel — those of the Palmers, the Middletons, the Brandons, and the Dashwood sisters' eventual unions. What does Austen imply about the elements that make a marriage truly happy?

Colonel Brandon: Initially, Brandon appears dull and old to Marianne. How does Austen gradually change the reader's view of him? What does Marianne's eventual marriage to him reveal about the values in the novel?

Narrative Voice: How does Austen employ irony and free indirect discourse to shape the reader's sympathies? Can you find a passage where the narrator subtly judges a character without directly stating it?

Sense vs. Sensibility: Elinor and Marianne are often viewed as representations of "sense" and "sensibility." Is this distinction too simplistic? In what ways do both sisters exhibit traits of the other?

Emotional Restraint: Elinor holds back her feelings for Edward Ferrars throughout much of the story. Is her restraint something to admire, or does it come with personal sacrifices? What seems to be Austen's message about the importance of controlling one's emotions?

Marianne's Journey: How does Marianne's relationship with Willoughby affect her? Do you see her transformation by the end of the novel as a sign of growth, resignation, or something different altogether?

Social Pressure and Marriage: How do societal and economic pressures influence the romantic options available to the Dashwood sisters? What does the novel imply about the connection between love and financial stability?

Willoughby's Confession: After Willoughby's late-night visit to Elinor, does your sympathy for him grow, diminish, or stay the same? What effect does Austen create by allowing him this moment to explain himself?

Colonel Brandon: Brandon often takes a backseat to the more flamboyant Willoughby. What characteristics does Austen highlight to depict him as a suitable partner for Marianne, and do you find this portrayal believable?

Female Agency: How much control do the women in this novel have over their own fates? Which character do you believe demonstrates the most agency, and why?

Austen's Irony: Point out a moment in the novel where Austen employs irony or satire to critique society. What is she addressing, and is that critique still relevant today?