Sense and Sensibility: Characters, Relationships, and Perspectives
Characters in Sense and Sensibility
Main Characters
- Henry Dashwood: Husband of Mrs. Dashwood and father of Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret. He dies at the beginning of the novel, leaving his family with limited financial resources.
- John Dashwood: Mr. Dashwood’s son from a previous marriage. He is selfish and inconsiderate towards his half-sisters.
- Mrs. Dashwood: Mother of Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret. She is romantic and supportive of her daughters.
- Elinor Dashwood: The eldest daughter, known for her sense and practicality. She is a contrast to Marianne’s passionate nature.
- Marianne Dashwood: The middle daughter, known for her sensibility and romantic ideals.
- Margaret Dashwood: The youngest daughter, who admires Marianne’s romanticism.
- Edward Ferrars: Fanny Dashwood’s brother, a shy and kind man who forms a connection with Elinor.
- Colonel Brandon: An older, reserved gentleman who develops feelings for Marianne.
- John Willoughby: A charming and seemingly romantic man who captures Marianne’s heart, but later proves to be deceitful.
Supporting Characters
- Sir John Middleton: The Dashwoods’ landlord, a friendly and sociable man.
- Lady Middleton: Sir John’s wife, a proper and somewhat aloof woman.
- Mrs. Jennings: Lady Middleton’s mother, known for her matchmaking attempts and jovial personality.
- Fanny Dashwood: John Dashwood’s wife, a selfish and manipulative woman.
- Lucy Steele: A cunning and opportunistic woman who is secretly engaged to Edward Ferrars.
- Robert Ferrars: Edward’s brother, a vain and self-centered man.
- Mrs. Ferrars: Edward, Fanny, and Robert’s mother, a controlling and demanding woman.
Narrative Perspective and Themes
Third-Person Omniscient Point of View
Sense and Sensibility is written from a third-person omniscient point of view, allowing the reader access to the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters. While the narrative primarily focuses on Elinor’s perspective, the author also provides insights into other characters’ motivations and experiences.
Sense and Sensibility
The novel explores the contrasting personalities of Elinor and Marianne, representing sense and sensibility, respectively. Elinor’s practicality and restraint are juxtaposed with Marianne’s passionate and expressive nature. Through their experiences, the novel examines the importance of balance between reason and emotion.
Social Commentary
Sense and Sensibility offers commentary on social conventions and expectations of the time, particularly regarding marriage and class. The novel highlights the challenges faced by women in navigating societal pressures and pursuing their own happiness.
Importance of Female Perspective
The novel primarily focuses on the female perspective, offering insights into the lives and experiences of women in 19th-century England. The reader is privy to their thoughts, feelings, and struggles, providing a nuanced understanding of their social roles and personal desires.