Contains 10 illustrations.
Sense and Sensibility is a classic novel written by Jane Austen and first published in 1811. This beloved work of literature explores the lives, loves, and struggles of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, against the backdrop of early 19th-century England.
The novel revolves around the stark contrast between the two sisters’ personalities and approaches to life. Elinor Dashwood is the embodiment of ’sense, ’ representing practicality, restraint, and a strong sense of duty. In contrast, Marianne Dashwood personifies ’sensibility, ’ symbolizing emotion, romanticism, and a penchant for impulsivity.
After their father’s death, the Dashwood sisters are forced to leave their family home due to inheritance laws that favor male heirs. They are left with limited financial resources and face the social and economic challenges of their time. The novel follows their emotional and romantic journeys as they navigate a society that places a premium on social status and financial security.
Elinor finds herself in a precarious romantic situation with a man who appears reserved but harbors a deep affection for her, while Marianne becomes infatuated with a dashing but unreliable suitor. Their experiences with love and heartache, as well as their interactions with various characters, reveal the complex interplay between sense and sensibility in their lives.