What happens in Chapter XXXVIII of Sense and Sensibility?
The chapter begins by highlighting that only Elinor and Marianne fully grasp the significance of Edward's loyalty to Lucy, as they alone are aware of how little he was tempted to stray. While their spirits are lifted, neither sister wants to linger on the topic: Elinor avoids it to prevent raising false hopes, and Marianne shies away from it because comparing her lack of self-control to Elinor's steadiness only leads her to feel guilty rather than inspired to change.
On a lovely Sunday in early March, Mrs. Jennings and Elinor stroll through Kensington Gardens, while Marianne stays behind to dodge any chance of running into the Willoughbys. There, Elinor encounters Miss Steele, who eagerly shares the latest news: Edward was called to Harley Street, where his mother and family pressured him, yet he insisted he loved only Lucy. He then went out to the countryside, spending Thursday and Friday at an inn to recuperate, before returning Sunday morning to offer Lucy a release from their engagement due to his financial struggles. Lucy refused to be released, and they decided he would take holy orders and wait for a living before getting married. Elinor is unsettled to learn that Miss Steele overheard these details by eavesdropping. Miss Steele also reveals that Edward is currently staying in Pall Mall and intends to visit Oxford for business before pursuing ordination.
On the way back to the carriage, Elinor gives Mrs. Jennings a brief and cautious summary. Mrs. Jennings predicts a life of hardship for the couple. The following morning, Elinor receives a letter from Lucy, written in an overly enthusiastic and self-satisfied tone, confirming that their engagement continues, praising Edward's loyalty, subtly blaming "poor Anne," and asking Elinor for assistance in securing a living for Edward. Elinor hands the letter to Mrs. Jennings, who reads it aloud and enthusiastically praises it.
Analysis
The chapter contrasts appearances with reality, a theme highlighted through point of view. The narrator starts with an ironic comment: Mrs. Jennings praises Edward, but "only Elinor and Marianne understood its true merit," as they know how little he risked by yielding. This insight sets the tone for a chapter where outward appearances often deceive.
Miss Steele's lengthy speech serves as the chapter's comedic and structural focal point. Austen uses free indirect discourse mixed with direct speech to capture Miss Steele's excited, wandering voice, where pink ribbons, silk stockings, and the Richardsons' coach clash with the significant news of Edward's loyalty. The humor in her delivery contrasts sharply with the seriousness of the content. Her admission that she learned the details "by listening at the door" creates the chapter's most pointed moral moment: Elinor's quick and principled rebuke contrasts with Miss Steele's casual defense ("I am sure Lucy would have done just the same by me"), highlighting the ethical shallowness of the Steele sisters.
Lucy's letter carries on this ironic theme. Its flowery, grammatically flawed language — "all the troubles we have went through" — aims to flatter Mrs. Jennings and seek her support, which Elinor quickly recognizes as "its writer's real design." Mrs. Jennings's unquestioning praise of the letter as "a good-hearted" piece wraps up the chapter with a gentle satire on the discrepancy between appearance and reality that permeates the story. Marianne's paralyzing self-blame, introduced at the beginning, offers a quieter, more introspective take on the same theme: knowing what is right but failing to act on it.
Key quotes from Chapter XXXVIII
“Elinor gloried in his integrity; and Marianne forgave all his offences in compassion for his punishment.”
The narrator describes the two sisters' differing responses to Edward's conduct at the opening of the chapter.
“No, no; they were shut up in the drawing-room together, and all I heard was only by listening at the door.”
Miss Steele explains to a shocked Elinor how she came to know the details of Edward and Lucy's private conversation.
“she performed what she concluded to be its writer’s real design, by placing it in the hands of Mrs. Jennings”
After reading Lucy's letter, Elinor immediately recognises its true purpose and passes it to Mrs. Jennings.
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Create an accountSign inVocabulary in Chapter XXXVIII
- chimney-board
- A decorative panel placed in front of a fireplace opening during the months when the fire is not lit, used to block draughts and hide the empty grate.