Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen

Book Review of Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen

Sense and Sensibility was a classic novel written by Jane Austen. The novel which was published anonymously turned out to be one of the most sought after and a loved classic. The novel includes romance, drama, betrayal and amazing wit and also gives the reader a brilliant portrayal of the middle-class life in the 19th century set in England. The novel is a perfect blend of romance, humour, drama and betrayal.

Sense and Sensibility is a story which revolves around two sisters Marianne and Elinor. The story begins with their uncle Mr. Henry Dashwood asking his son John Dashwood to look after Marianne and Elinor along with their youngest sister Margaret and their mother Mrs. Dashwood. However, he is manipulated by his wife, Fanny who brainwashes him into abandoning them and keeping the inheritance for himself and that if he looks after them, he will get a lesser share of the inheritance.

This pains the sisters and the women decide to move out and into a cottage called Barton Cottage which is in Devonshire. There, they meet Mrs. Dashwood’s cousin Sir John Middleton and his wife Lady Middleton and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Jennings. They all receive the women and make them comfortable in their modest but decent home. During this time, the Dashwood family is introduced to Sir John Middleton’s friend, Colonel Brandon. Immediately Mrs. Jennings teases Marianne about it which causes Marianne to be annoyed as she considers Colonel Brandon old and incapable of love.

An unfortunate accident causes Marianne to sprain her leg during a walk in the rain. She is rescued by an attractive Mr. John Willoughby and she immediately takes a liking to him. She is even more drawn to him when she finds him having same interests as her and he obtains a lock of her hair. However, the day when Marianne anticipates that Mr. Willoughby would propose for an engagement, he informs her that his aunt is sending him to London on business and since he is dependent on her financially, he must leave and is unsure of his return. On hearing this, Marianne is heartbroken and confines herself in her room in sorrow.

Around the same time, Elinor who is Marianne’s elder sister forms a bond with Edward Ferrars, who is Fanny’s brother. However, she learns through Lucy Steele, who is a cousin of Mrs. Jennings that she is engaged to Edward since the past four years secretly. She however does not blame Edward but feels sad for him due to his commitment towards Lucy Steele.

After these events, Mrs. Jennings offers Elinor and Marianne to travel with her to London.  On reaching London, she tries to contact Mr. Willoughby through letters but does not receive any response. However, she spots him with another woman to whom he is engaged to for money and inheritance which leads Marianne to despair.

After this episode, the engagement of Edward and Lucy comes to light and is forced to cut off the engagement. Edward refuses as he does not wish to dishonour Lucy but is disowned and his estate is passed on to his brother. Seeing this, Colonel Brandon offers to help him by providing to live as a clergyman.

The story ends with Elinor accepting Edward’s proposal for marriage and Marianne recovering from putrid fever also subsequently accepts Colonel Brandon’s proposal for marriage.

The novel provides two different perspectives in the form of two sisters. One is logical and the other emotional. This is what makes the novel relatable to the reader even in modern times. It helps the reader understand the mannerisms and behaviour of characters belonging to the 19^th century. The language used is easy to follow and also helps in enriching your vocabulary.

All in all, I would recommend this book as a good and a pleasurable read.

Reviewed by: Bruchelle Pereira, 30

Citation: Austen, J. (1997). Sense and sensibility. ProQuest Ebook Central https://ebookcentral.proquest.com

eBook taken from: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/inflibnet-ebooks/detail.action?docID=4353536

Image taken from: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/inflibnet-ebooks/detail.action?docID=4353536#

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