Study Guide For Jane Austen S Sense And Sensibility (Course Hero Study Guides)

Prepare to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Jane Austen's beloved classic, "Sense and Sensibility." This comprehensive study guide will illuminate the novel's nuanced characters, intricate plot, and enduring themes, providing you with an unparalleled understanding of this literary masterpiece.

Chapter-by-Chapter Analysis

Chapter 1: The Dashwood Family

• Meet the Dashwood sisters: the sensible Elinor and the passionate Marianne.
• Witness the unjust inheritance that leaves them penniless.
• Understand the role of Mrs. Jennings and her meddling ways.

Chapter 2: Barton Cottage

Study Guide for Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility (Course Hero Study Guides)

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• Discover the sisters' humble new abode and their struggles to adjust.
• Encounter Edward Ferrars, Elinor's shy and reserved suitor.
• Grasp the complexities of the Willoughby-Marianne relationship.

Chapter 3: Brandon's Proposal

• Witness Colonel Brandon's honorable proposal to Marianne.
• Analyze Marianne's hasty rejection and her regrets.
• Comprehend the contrast between Brandon's worthy character and Willoughby's superficial charm.

Chapter 4: Lucy's Engagement

• Understand the significance of Lucy Steele's engagement to Edward.
• Explore the challenges Elinor faces in concealing her feelings.
• Witness Marianne's despair and her physical decline.

Chapter 5: Willoughby's Revelation

• Uncover the shocking truth about Willoughby's abandonment of Marianne.
• Grasp the devastating impact on Marianne's health and well-being.
• Witness Elinor's unwavering support and her efforts to shield Marianne from further pain.

Chapter 6: Elinor's Misunderstanding

• Learn of Edward's secret engagement to Lucy Steele.
• Comprehend Elinor's anguish and her struggle to maintain her composure.
• Witness the return of Willoughby and his attempts to win back Marianne's affections.

Chapter 7: The Truth Prevails

• Discover the unraveling of Lucy Steele's deceit.
• Witness Edward's confrontation with Willoughby and the revelation of his true character.
• Experience the triumph of Elinor and Marianne as they finally find love and happiness.

Character Analysis

Elinor Dashwood:

• Sensible, rational, and practical.
• Faces internal struggles between her emotions and her responsibilities.
• Embodies the balance between reason and sentiment.

Marianne Dashwood:

• Passionate, impulsive, and romantic.
• Guided by her emotions and often blinded by love.
• Represents the extremes of excessive sensibility.

Colonel Brandon:

• Honorable, reserved, and protective.
• Secretly loves Marianne despite her initial rejection.
• Embodies the qualities of loyalty, decency, and self-sacrifice.

Edward Ferrars:

• Shy, introverted, and principled.
• Torn between his love for Elinor and his duty to Lucy Steele.
• Represents the conflict between love and obligation.

Willoughby:

• Charming, manipulative, and deceitful.
• Preys on Marianne's vulnerability and abandons her heartlessly.
• Epitomizes the dangers of superficiality and amoral behavior.

Themes

Reason and Sensibility:

• The constant interplay between logic and emotion.
• The value of both rational thought and intuitive feelings.
• The importance of finding a balance between these two extremes.

Marriage and Love:

• The various forms of love and marriage depicted in the novel.
• The importance of communication, honesty, and compatibility in relationships.
• The complexities of social expectations and financial considerations.

Society and Gender:

• The societal expectations placed on women in Regency England.
• The challenges women faced in pursuing personal freedom and romantic fulfillment.
• The role of social class and inheritance in shaping people's lives.

Impact and Legacy

"Sense and Sensibility" has had a profound impact on literature and popular culture, remaining a beloved classic to this day:

• Its characters and themes have resonated with readers for over two centuries.
• It has been adapted into numerous films, television series, and theatrical productions.
• It has inspired countless literary works and cultural references.

This comprehensive study guide provides an in-depth exploration of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility." Through its chapter-by-chapter analysis, character study, and examination of themes, it equips you with the knowledge and understanding to fully appreciate this literary masterpiece. Immerse yourself in the world of reason and sensibility, and let the characters and their timeless stories captivate you.

Study Guide for Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility (Course Hero Study Guides)

by Course Hero

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1454 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	40 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE