Diksia.com - Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility is a classic novel of manners that explores the themes of sense and sensibility, love, and loss. The novel follows the lives of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as they navigate the challenges of coming of age in Regency England.
Introduction
Sense and Sensibility was first published in 1811 and is one of Austen’s most beloved novels. The novel has been adapted into several films and television series, including the 1995 film starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet.
Novel Details
- Title: Sense and Sensibility
- Author: Jane Austen
- Genres: Romance, Comedy of Manners, Historical Fiction
- Chapters: 36
- Language: English
- Publisher: John Murray
- Publication Date: 1811
- Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars on Goodreads
- Awards: Sense and Sensibility was awarded the Jane Austen Prize in 1812.
Synopsis
The Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, are forced to move from their family home after their father’s death. They are taken in by their wealthy uncle, Mr. Dashwood, but he only leaves them a small inheritance. Elinor is the sensible sister, while Marianne is the more passionate and impulsive one.
Elinor soon falls in love with Edward Ferrars, but he is already engaged to another woman. Marianne falls in love with John Willoughby, but he is a cad who only uses her for her money.
In the end, both sisters find happiness with their true loves. Elinor marries Edward, and Marianne marries Colonel Brandon.
Plot Summary
The novel opens with the Dashwood family being forced to move from Norland Park, their family home, after Mr. Dashwood’s death. The Dashwoods are a wealthy family, but Mr. Dashwood’s second wife has no money, so she is left with only a small inheritance.
The Dashwoods move to Barton Cottage, a small cottage in Devonshire. Elinor and Marianne are now on their own, and they must learn to live on their own means.
Elinor is the sensible sister. She is practical and down-to-earth. Marianne is the more passionate and impulsive sister. She is quick to fall in love and quick to get her heart broken.
Elinor soon falls in love with Edward Ferrars, a wealthy young man. However, Edward is already engaged to another woman. Marianne falls in love with John Willoughby, a handsome young man who is new to the area.
Willoughby is a cad who only uses Marianne for her money. He breaks her heart when he leaves her for another woman.
In the end, both sisters find happiness with their true loves. Elinor marries Edward, and Marianne marries Colonel Brandon, a kind and gentle man who has always loved her.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Well-developed characters
- Engaging plot
- Insightful commentary on social conventions
- Timeless themes of love, loss, and redemption
Cons:
- Some of the characters can be frustrating
- The novel can be slow-paced at times
Where to Read Sense and Sensibility
Sense and Sensibility is available for purchase in a variety of formats, including paperback, hardcover, ebook, and audiobook.
Conclusion
Sense and Sensibility is a classic novel that is still relevant today. The novel explores the themes of sense and sensibility, love, and loss in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. If you are looking for a well-written and engaging novel, then Sense and Sensibility is a great choice.
I hope you enjoyed this review of Sense and Sensibility. If you are interested in reading the novel, I highly recommend it. You can find it at your local bookstore or online.
