Sense and Sensibility

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

21839

Title

Sense and Sensibility

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Jane Austen's debut novel explores the contrasting temperaments of sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood as they navigate heartbreak, societal expectations, and the search for true love in Regency England. A timeless study of sense versus sensibility, it balances sharp social observation with deep emotional resonance.

Summary up to 500 words

Jane Austen's *Sense and Sensibility* chronicles the emotional and financial trials of the Dashwood sisters following the death of their mother and the subsequent disinheritance by their wealthy half-brother, John Dashwood. The narrative centers on the contrasting temperaments of the two sisters: Elinor, who embodies 'sense' through her restraint, duty, and suppression of personal feelings, and Marianne, who represents 'sensibility' through her passionate, often reckless pursuit of romantic ideals. Upon arriving in Devonshire, Marianne immediately falls for the charming but morally flawed John Willoughby. Elinor, meanwhile, harbors a quiet affection for the reserved clergyman Edward Ferrars, yet she suppresses her feelings to protect her family's reputation and avoid causing pain to others. Marianne's romance with Willoughby ends abruptly when he abandons her to marry a wealthy woman, leaving her devastated and ill. This crisis forces her to confront the dangers of unchecked emotion and the reality of her own imprudence. Parallel to Marianne's suffering, Elinor endures the agony of unrequited love, believing Edward has chosen another woman. However, she eventually discovers his devotion and his secret engagement to the sensible Lucy Steele. Through a series of misunderstandings and the intervention of the steadfast Colonel Brandon, both sisters find resolution. Marianne recovers from her illness and learns to value steady affection over fleeting passion, eventually marrying the older, kind Colonel Brandon. Elinor marries Edward, securing her family's future. The novel concludes with the reconciliation of the Dashwood family and the restoration of their fortunes. Through these intertwined stories, Austen critiques the extremes of both pure reason and unchecked emotion, arguing that a balance of 'sense' and 'sensibility' is essential for a fulfilling life. The work champions virtues such as duty, integrity, and enduring affection, affirming that true happiness is found in stability and mutual understanding rather than in the dramatic highs and lows of romantic fantasy.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/21839.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg21839.epub

Removed after upload

Downloaded at

2026-06-29 20:18 UTC

Categories

• Classics
• Romance
• Domestic Fiction
• Regency Fiction
• England
• Social Life