Resumo de Sense And Sensibility

Sense and Sensibility is a classic novel set in the late 18th century, and its plot relies on comparing and contrasting two sisters. Elinor and Marianne are devoted to each other, but are almost complete opposites. Elinor is quiet, well-behaved, and thoughtful, usually keeping her feelings to herself. Marianne, on the other hand, is hot-tempered and highly emotional. They are the very embodiments of Sense and sensibility respectively.

These sisters are introduced to us at the beginning of the novel, shortly after the death of their father, Mr Henry Dashwood, when they are still living on his estate at Norland Park. Mr Dashwood had one son by his first marriage, and three daughters by his second. The youngest daughter, Margaret, has little part in the story. The son, John, is married to a rather materialistic lady called Fanny. On his father's death, by the inheritance laws of the time, he becomes master of Norland Park, and moves there with his family.

Now relegated to the status of visitor, the girls' mother is eager to move with her daughters to a home of her own where she can once again be mistress. She is an appealing character, although not always with much sense. Before moving, however they stay for some months with John and his wife, at John's invitation, giving us a delightfully ironic glimpse into the differences between the three sisters, all of whom appear to advantage beside Fanny, despite Fanny's attempts to seem superior and establish herself as mistress of the estate.

While they are there, Elinor becomes friendly with Edward, Fanny's brother. He is so unlike Fanny that it seems a little surprising that they are siblings. Marianne and their mother are determined that Elinor and Edward should get married, but Elinor insists that she has nothing greater than 'esteem' for him.

Before long they move to a cottage some distance away, and soon establish themselves in their new neighborhood, meeting relatives and being introduced to different people. Jane Austen's skill as an author is shown most clearly in her pen-portraits of people, each of them slightly caricatured, yet not so much so that they become unbelievable. The contrast between speech and behavior continues the brilliant irony which is a hallmark of all her work.

Marianne soon meets the charming Mr Willoughby, and falls hopelessly in love with him, while Elinor hopes - in vain - to hear from Edward. Here we see most clearly the contrast which the title of the book aims to show: the quiet 'sense' of Elinor, who speaks only of what she is certain, and does not allow her emotions to get the better of her, compared to the volatile Marianne, whose 'sensibility' is on show to everyone around her. Naturally there is a little moralizing, as was inevitable in books of this period, but for the most part it's lightly done; moreover Marianne has clearly such good qualities, and such a capacity for affection, that she is not condemned for her personality.

A sudden letter sends Willoughby away, and Marianne is distraught. He neither returns, nor gets in contact. However when the two older girls are invited to stay in London, Marianne leaps at the opportunity, knowing Willoughby to be there. Further drama ensues, taking up the majority of the book. One truly feels for both sisters during the heartache that follows their trip to London, however, as one would expected, both sister?s marry happily in the end.

While the language here is inevitably old-fashioned, and some of the descriptions long-winded, there is delightful humor which sparkles through the 200 years since it was written. Despite the circumstances and situations seeming so distant, human nature doesn't change; the characters have the kinds of personalities we see around us today, and their emotions are just the same as our own. The book is also thought-provoking, leaving us to ponder the relative merits of having sense, or sensibility.
The plot is a little slow at first, but this is commall books of this period, and whilst the first chapter might seem rather dull with the family and their relationships described in detail, it is vital to an understanding of the circumstances of the two sisters, and of society at the time. However it's worth making the effort to read thoroughly, rather than skimming; so much of the irony is contained in unexpected references or conversations. Both the main characters, Elinor and Marianne, are thoroughly engaging and very believable. Almost everyone will find someone with whom to identify within the book.

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