Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen Summary – Flashcards
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*Chapter 1*
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The *Dashwood* family lives in Norland Park in an estate that has been in their family for a long time. It is in Sussex. After his sister dies, elder Mr. Dashwood invited his nephew Henry Dashwood to also come move to Norland. *Henry Dashwood* came to Norland (Henry Dashwood also has 3 daughters by his current wife). Henry also brings his son (John) by a previous marriage. He is very well-off because of his deceased mother's fortune. John is married and has a 4 year old son named Harry. When the elder Mr. Dashwood dies, he leaves his entire estate to John Dashwood and little Harry who had been kind to him. Because of this, Henry has no way to support his wife and 3 daughters. Henry ends one year later and only has 10,000 pounds for his family. The daughers are left with very little when Dashwood dies and the estate goes to his son instead. Before Mr. Dashwood dies, he asks his son (John) to promise to help his step-mother, ; *John Dashwood* agrees to do this. John Dashwood is selfish, and does not help his step-mother ; half-sisters as he promised his father he would do.
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Initially, John does want to keep his promise to his father and will keep his relatives generously. His wife is mean and convinces him to be selfish. John's wife comes to the home right away and does not give the Dashwoods any time to grieve before they are told that they must vacate the premises. Mrs. Dashwood is very upset and almost storms out. *Elinor*, her (oldest daughter), persuades her to stay in order to keep good relations with her stepson.
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Elinor is sensible & prudent. She is able to handle most people & situations in a delicate manner. Marianne (her sister) is very emotional and lacks the good sense that Elinor has. Marianne & her mother are grieving and drowning in their sorrow. Elinor is also grieving but she continues to handle the matters at hand. *Margaret*, (the youngest sister), is young & very good-natured. She is not extreme in either sense or in sensibility as are the other two sisters. .
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Commentary of Chapter 1
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The Dashwood women are put into dire straights. Since they are women, they cannot inherit money and they also cannot earn a living. They are also not allowed to legally keep property or money even though Dashwood wanted them to be cared for. The oldest son is already wealthy and now he will become even richer although he doesn't need it. It is unfair--but those were the laws at that time. The title sense and sensibility is a CONTRAST. The characters of Elinor and Marianne are representative of those contrasts. Elinor restrains her emotions and uses good sense and judgment. Meanwhile Marianne does not restrain herself at all, & lacks Elinor's ability to act with caution.
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Chapter 2
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Mrs. John Dashwood takes over as the mistress of the estate. Mrs. Dashwood ; her 3 daughters become visitors in their former home. Mrs. John Dashwood (Fanny) advises her husband to be careful how much he gives to the women because she does not want to diminish the opportunity of a future inheritance of their son. She convinces him to occasionally give them non-financial help instead of the 1000 pounds apiece that he would have done.
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Fanny explains to him that they will have no expenses and more than enough money. She thinks that the 4 of them will be better off on their five hundred pounds a year than herself and her husband. (although they have many thousands at their disposal). John resolves to only do nice things for them on occasion, and forgets any ideas of giving them money at all.
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Commentary: Fanny, is selfish and uncaring. Her logic is cold and selfish. She claims that the women will be comfortable without money and that it is not important that they lost their home. John actually is selfish as well but uses her argument to defend his actions. His wife brings out the worst characteristics in him.
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Chapter 3
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Mrs. Dashwood ; her daughters stay at Norland for a few more months. It is very hard for them to find a new home that they can afford with their small income. She is aware that John Dashwood promised his father (her late husband) that he would take care of them and it gives her some reassurance even though neither she or her husband were sure whether John was sincere in this. None the less, he is kind to her and her daughters so he must feel some some sort of obligation to them.
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Mrs. Dashwood does not like Fanny Dashwood at all, and would prefer to leave Norland as soon as possible BUT there is a special friendship developing between Elinor and Fanny's brother (Edward Ferrars). Edward has come to visit Norland. He is the oldest son of a man that died very rich and his fate depends upon his mothers will. Edward is very shy. He is a very kind person once you get to know him. He is much more kind hearted than his sister. He is wealthy but he is still very quiet and wants a peaceful life. He does not want some of the ambitions that his mother and sister want for him.
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Mrs. Dashwood really comes to admire Edward and thinks that Elinor and him may someday marry. Marianne does not think as much of Edward. She does not think he is so charming or a very ideal man. In fact she thinks he is simple. She says that he is not striking and is not artistic or poetic. Marianne wants a man who is more passionate. She does want a man to have all of Edward's virtues though. She does not think she will ever be able to find a man such as this, but her mother tells her that she will.
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Commentary: This chapter is addressing how money plays a role in the type of husband the girls can get. Mrs. Dashwood does not think that money will be a problem if the couple loves each other, but that is not the reality. In those times, women needed money and a good family in order to marry into a gentlemen's family (like Edward's).
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Elinor and Marianne are looking for different types of men. Elinor wants a many like Edward (virtuous, kind, and quiet). Marianne wants a dashing man who is artistic and passionate. She wants someone who will have her interests and qualities but she also wants them to have Edward's virtues.
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*Chapter 4*
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Marianne does not think Edward has good taste in drawing. Elinor is content that Edward is not as passionate about art as Marianne thinks he should be--Elinor knows that Marianne considers this one of Edward's failings as a person.
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Elinor is happy with Edward's tastes & with his education. Marianne cannot find anything wrong with Edward's nature or his good and kind heart. Marianne will like Edward more if he marries Elinor. Elinor knows that her sister and mother think that she and Edward are attached but she will not confirm that since she is not positive of his feelings.
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Elinor believes that Edward may not love her as much because of how overbearing his mother is. Elinor is very shy about her feelings toward Edward because it is difficult to know if he reciprocates affection toward her. Fanny does not approve of the attraction between Elinor and Edward and tells Mrs. Dashwood that Edward must marry someone who is wealthy and comes from a fine family. She has high expectations for him.
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After 6 months, Mrs. Dashwood then gets a letter from a relative and is offered a cottage on his property for a cheap price. The letter is so friendly and wants her to come to Barton Park to his estate in Devonshire to see the cottage.
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Mrs. Dashwood desperately wants to get away from Fanny. Marianne and Elinor agree with her, but Elinor is saddened to be separated from Edward.
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Commentary More discussion of how differently Elinor and Marianne view Edward are discussed. Elinor is sensible and will not get carried away. She thinks that Edward might not view her the same so she does not let herself get carried away. There is no real promise between them.
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Meanwhile Marianne sees things more romantically. She assumes there will be a proposal soon and her assumptions lead her to read more into the sitatuation than may be real (her sense is not exact or reality)
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Chapter 5
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Mrs. Dashwood says they will be leaving and taking the new cottage in Devonshire. Fanny Dashwood is happy they will move. Edward is surprised that they are moving so far away.
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Mrs. Dashwood is pleased and starts her arrangements. She sends the furniture ahead. She even invites Edward to come and visit them.
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John Dashwood complains on the expenses of having them live with him and it appears that he will no longer help them after they leave Norland.
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Commentary Although John Dashwood had wanted to help the Dashwood women at one time, he no longer feels that way. Now he makes comments along with Fanny hoping they will leave soon.
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Edward is genuinely saddened that Elinor will be leaving. Marianne continues to be the romantic one who *overstates* her feelings. She says she may feel at home in Barton Cottage but it will not be as grand as Norland.
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Chapter 6 Summary
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At first the Dashwoods are calm as they leave but as they get close to Barton Cottage, they are more interested in the area. Barton Cottage is small, but it is comfortable. The countryside is lovely and it is nice to be in a new place. Mrs. Dashwood also thinks of things she would like to do in order to improve the cottage.
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The new landlord is Mrs. Dashwood's cousin. His name is Sir John Middleton. He comes to visit them and is very nice and is glad to see they are settling in.
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He invites them to come to Barton Park for dinner until they are more settled. He insists that they come visit him often. The next day, Lady Middleton comes to visit (Sir John's wife). She is elegant and more reserved and cold than her very friendly husband. After she visits, they are invited to Barton Park the next day. They accept the invitation.
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Commentary Theme of expectation vs. reality. Marianne expected to miss Borland and her mother thought the move would be difficult. Instead they both were able to cope to the new circumstances.
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The landlord is kind and is a gracious host. They have a reduced income and a reduced social standing. It is still an upbeat time.
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Chapter 7
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Barton Park is an elegant home. Sir John and his wife have many guests. Sir John's occupation is hunting, and his wife raises their children. They have guests and travel. Sir John is fond of the Dashwood girls (they are pretty & he calls them *unaffected*. He is kind to them & enjoys spending time with them.
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The Dashwoods meet 2 people at Barton. One is Mrs. Jennings, (Sir John's mother-in-law)-- merry, vulgar older woman, who often jokes. They also meet Colonel Brandon, one of Sir John's old friends--he is a gentleman & a bachelor. He is quiet & serious, but not unpleasing to them.
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Marianne plays for the party after dinner, ; is pleased at Colonel Brandon's silent attention, compared to the blabbering of Sir John & his mother-in-law, and the pretenses of Lady Middleton.
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Commentary Sir John Middleton is a good man and represents the best of upper class society. His wife represents the usual rich society person.
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Sir John is kind and enjoys his guests and being social. His wife is preoccupied with elegance and planning but is dull and plain. She is polite and elegant but void of real friendliness or personality.
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Chapter 8
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Mrs. Jennings is a widow with 2 married daughters. She has no occupation than to try to help others get married. She believes that Colonel Brandon is in love with Marianne, and she wants to get them together. She is sure they will be a good match. Marianne figures out that Mrs. Jennings wants her to be with Colonel Brandon and she is upset that Mrs. Jennings thinks such an old man is good for her.
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Marianne is now thinking about Elinor and how Edward has not come to visit yet. Marianne thinks he may not be well.
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Marianne & her mother question Elinor about her and Edward's behavior when they said good-bye. It appeared that it was no more than a friendship. Had something happened? Elinor will not say.
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Commentary Mrs. Jennings is a busybody wealthy aristocrat. She has nothing better to do than meddle in other people's social interests.
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Marianne still talks about Colonel Brandon's age as being past 27 and not able to feel passion.
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Chapter 9
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They are settled in Barton Cottage and much happier than they were at Norland after the death of Mr. Dashwood. Sir John visits and lets them use his carriage for social calls. The girls also like to walk in the country.
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One day Marianne ; Margaret decide to go on a walk even though it may rain. It starts to rain and they run fast. Marianne stumbles and falls down. She twists her ankle and is unable to walk. A man who sees her fall comes along and rescues her. He carries Mariane home while Margaret follows behind.
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At first Elinor ; Mrs. Dashwood are startled by his sudden appearance, but since he is charming and handsome, he is able to quickly win them over. Mrs. Dashwood thanks him and invites him to stay. He says he must go. His name is Willoughby and he is staying at the Allenham estate. He promises to come by the next day to check on Marianne.
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When Sir John stops by he is told of the incident and about Willoughby. Sir John does not know about his personality, but says that he is staying with his aunt and will inherit the Allenham estate. Sir John says he is a good man and is definitely worth *catching*
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Marianne insists that she is not trying to catch anyone. Sir John feels bad for his friend the Colonel, because he would like him to have a good wife like one of the Dashwood girls. They are already ignoring him as a potential suitor.
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Commentary Willougby is like the *romantic stranger* because at this point, nothing is known about him. He seems too good to be true.
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Mrs. Dashwood keeps insisting that they are not trying to *catch* husbands for the daughters, but that is really a great concern in those days. They constantly discuss marital eligibility because they don't want to be impoverished and unattached later in life.
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Chapter 10
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Willoughby comes the next day and the family is impressed again. Marianne asks him questions about books, dancing, and music. They have very similar tastes and she is happy that he also likes the arts.
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Marianne and Willoughby are getting along very well, but it is important to keep a distance and not be forward. Willoughby seems to admire Marianne much & enjoys her family's hospitality. He begins to visit everyday. His attachment to Marianne deepens.
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Mrs. Dashwood is fond of him, but Elinor is concerned about a lack of discretion in his behavior and judgment. Elinor is upset when Willoughby makes comments about Colonel Brandon (Elinor knows that he is a good, kind man)
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Commentary Marianne says it is important to have discretion in personal relations, but she is forward right away with Willoughby when she meets him.
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Elinor and Marianne again disagree on discretion and decorum (sense and sensibility) Marriane does not limit herself when she should and Elinor is not bold and passionate and cannot express her feelings with confidence. If they could take each others qualities and blend them, they would be better off.
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Chapter 11
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Mrs. Dashwood ; the girls begin to have many social engagements. Willoughby is also invited to these engagements as well. Willoughby continues to become more and more attached to Marianne. Elinor believes that Marianne and Willoughby should not show thier mutual feelings publicly.
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Marianne is happy with her new budding relationship with Willoughby, and soon forgets her feelings for Norland
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Elinor is not feeling as good as Marianne. She misses seeing Edward and has not met anyone that she enjoys as much in Barton. She does soon become good friends with Colonel Brandon
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Commentary Lots of contrasts between Elinor and Marianne and the way they view romance, people, and situations.
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There are also comments about Colonel Brandon's past love and some kind of disappointment.
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Chapter 12
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Marianne tells Elinor that Willoughby has given her a horse that he actually bred himself. Elinor is upset that Marianne does not even consider that they don't even have a stables or enough money to keep the horses.
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Marianne will not admit that it is impractical to have a horse and that it is also too big a gift from someone that she hasn't known for very long. Elinor persuades her mother to tell Marianne to refuse the horse and finally she does.
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Elinor starts to think that Marianne and Willoughby could actually be engaged. They seem to be increasingly familiar toward each other and their behavior is observable by everyone.
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Margaret tells Elinor that she witnessed Willoughby cut off a lock of Marianne's hair. Elinor is upset when Margaret says she will tell Mrs. Jennings about Elinors attachment to Edward. Elinor can not handle this type of public information being told.
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Margaret shares the information that the secret involves a gentleman whose name begins with an F. Elinor will surely be quizzed about the identity of this secret beloved gentlement *F* by Mrs. Jennings
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Commentary
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Marianne has no discretion. She wants a horse and does not consider what that will cost the family. Her behavior with Willoughby seems proof to Elinor that they may be engaged.
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Chapter 13
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There is supposed to be a big picnic at Colonel Brandon's brother in law's estate. The morning of the picnic, Colonel Brandon gets a letter and must leave on urgent business.
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Everyone trys to convince Colonel Brandon to go to the picnic and then leave on his buisness, but he cannot do that due to the urgency of the matter. Mrs. Jennings thinks that the issue has to do with Miss Williams (Colonel Brandon's daughter).
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Everyone was disappointed. They decided to go on a drive and then hold a dance that night. Willoughby and Marianne get a carriage and are ahead of the others. They are away until evening. Mrs. Jennings learns that Marianne and Willoughby had gone to Allenham (Willoughby's aunt).
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Elinor was very surprised that Marianne would go to Allenham because she does not know the aunt at all. Elinor tells Marianne that is acting improperly.
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Marianne denies this. Marianne and Willoughby act more and more like a couple that is about to be married. Also, Marianne seems very confident that she and Willoughby are going to be together.
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Commentary Brandon's news that requires him to leave suddenly foreshadows some important events.
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We learn that there is a situation with his daughter, Miss Williams and the mother, but the reader does not know who that it. Marianne is behaving in a reckless way. Mrs. Jennings and others believes that they may be engaged.
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Chapter 14
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Mrs. Jennings is still wondering why Colonel Brandon had to leave so suddenly. Jennings thinks it might have something to do with money. Elinor does not understand how Marianne and Willoughby are not commenting about why Colonel Brandon went away suddenly.
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Neither of them are the types to be silent about issues so this is not normal. Elinor is wondering if their silence is because they are somehow involved. More specifically--could Willoughby be involved????
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Willoughby is visiting at the cottage often and spends more time there then with his aunt in Allenham. He says he is so happy being there that he would want to make a cottage just like it because of all the happy times.
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Willoughby has openly stated his affection for Marianne and for the family and hopes that they will also keep thinking of him that way.
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Willoughby's sentiments seem to be a beautiful and heartfelt declaration that express his fondness for Marianne and her family and the cottage at Barton.
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Commentary It is strange that Willoughby is not commenting on Colonel Brandon. In prior chapters, he and Marianne comment on him and make all kinds of comments about him. There is real foreshadowing here about their involvement.
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Willoughby makes comments about his affection for Marianne and her family which indicates that if they are not engaged, they are close to being in that sitaution. He also expresses Barton Cottage as a representation of great happiness.
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Chapter 15
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Elinor and Margaret and Mrs. Dashwood decide to call on Lady Middleton. Marianne does not go. Willoughby promised he would come by to visit while the family was gone visiting Lady Middleton. When everyone comes back from Barton Park they see Willoughby's carriage parked outside. Inside Marianne is crying because Willoughby says he must go immediately to London and he will not be back for a while.
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Mrs. Dashwood and Elinor are confused and unsettled by the news. Elinor thinks that they may have even had a quarrel. Mrs. Dashwood assumes that Mrs. Smith (Willoughby's aunt) must not approve of Marianne and will not allow Willoughby to marry her.
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She also assumes that Elinor thinks worse of Willoughby because she is is much more judgmental in nature. Actually. Elinor's notions are based on Willoughby's tendency to be open and if his aunt disapproved, she doubts it would matter. She also doubts they were engaged.
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Marianne is so upset by Willoughby's departure. Elinor hopes that Willoughby is honorable and that his relationship with Marianne is going to continue.
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Commentary: Expectations vs. disappointments. They are expecting an engagement and instead Willoughby is leaving. There is also discussion about economic standing and reputation in marriage.
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Chapter 16
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All night--Marianne cried and could not be consoled. She hears nothing from Willoughby. Elinor is getting upset also and wants her mother to find out if Marianne was actually engaged. Her mother does not want to discuss it with Marianne.
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Elinor is very curious about what has goine on between Marianne and Willoughby. Marianne goes on a walk with Elinor. On the way back, a man is coming toward them. They think it is Willoughby. Once he gets closer they realize that it is Edward Ferrars.
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Marianne is happy for Elinor. She still thinks that Edward is not suitable for her.
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Chapter 17
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Mrs. Dashwood is also happy to see Edward and he is welcomed heartily. He starts to relax more and is easy to be around. They all observe that he is in poor spirits.
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Mrs. Dashwood thinks that his mother puts a lot of pressure on him. She wanted him to take up a respectable profession. Edward really wants to live a quiet life but his mother will not hear of it.
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There is nots of small talk about money, judging people, and people's character. Marianne mentions that Edward is very reserved and then he seems very dejected like he was earlier in the day.
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Commentary Theme of money--The Dashwood girls think about money because they can't sustain themselves on their money.
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Edward can choose a profession, but the girls have to rely on marriages to determine what they will make. Elinor talks about judgment in this chapter--how do people learn to judge others? People can misjudge others by listening to what others say.
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Chapter 18
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Elinor feels bad to see Edward so unhappy. He is not showing her affection like he used to. She is getting more confused by the mixed signals and that he is happy and then dejected. Edward enjoys the countryside, but he does not enjoy it in the same kind of romantic way that Marianne likes it. At one point, Marianne sees that Edward is wearing a ring that has a lock of hair in it. Marianne asks him if it is from his sister. He blushes when she asks. Marianne and Elinor notice that the hair looks exactly like Elinor's hair, but how can that be??? Elinor has not ever given him a lock of her hair.
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Both Mrs. Jennings and Sir John come by in order to meet Edward. They realize that Mr. F. that Margaret had talked about must be Edward. Mrs. Jennings and Sir John are invited to stay for tea and dinner at Barton Park, and they stay. Sir John mentions Willoughby and in his conversation Edward learns that Marianne likes him. There is little discussion further than that.
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Commentary Edward's ring seems to be a symbol for a secret that he may be keeping and that he guards it carefully. Elinor is somewhat like Marianne because others perceive that she and Edward are more than they actually are. The others also think that Marianne was very involved with Willoughby, but they did not actually know.
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Chapter 19
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Edward ends up staying for a week. Mrs. Dashwood invites him to stay longer, but he doesn't even though he is having a better time than he does at Norland or in London. Edward continues to talk about how unhappy he is in his current situation. As he leaves, Elinor is saddened by how unhappy he seems to be. She wishes she could help him, but she is also hurt that he is not more affectionate with her. Rather than show her feelings, Elinor just keeps busy around the house.
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Sir John and Mrs. Jennings come again to the cottage. They want to introduce Mrs. Jennings' other daughter, Mrs. Palmer, and her husband to the Dashwood family. Mrs. Palmer is much like her mother. She is happy and talkative and her husband is quiet and not sociable.
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The Jennings invite the girls to come up and dine with the Jennings and the Palmers. Even though they don't really want to go, they believe that Sir John is always such a nice host and they can't say no to him.
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Commentary This chapter shows how differently Marianne and Elinor react to difficult times and misfortune. Marianne shows her grief and cries and carries on. Elinor shows good sense and tries to not show her suffering. She still feels pain but doesn't want people to kow.
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Hospitality and manners are also a focus of the chapter. Even if the girls do not like someone, they must show proper manners and accept invitations. The times were different.
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Chapter 20
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Mrs. Palmer and her husband will soon be leaving to go to Cleveland where they will be entertaining people. They want Elinor and Marianne to come for the holidays and winter. The Palmers live very near the Willoughby's estate in Combe Magna. The Dashwood's do not accept the invitation.
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Mr. Palmer makes very cynical comments about his wife, Mrs. Jennings, and Sir John, but Mrs. Palmer talks about his humor. Elinor thinks that he is trying to have superiority by his humor and that it is very bad behavior. Elinor also thinks that he has a foolish wife and that is another reason he acts this way.
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Elinor asks about Willoughby. Mrs. Palmer says she is glad to hear that Marianne & Willoughby will be married. She further states that people in town are talking about the match & that even Colonel Brandon considers them to be engaged. All of this confuses and baffles Elinor becuase she does not know any of this to be true. It does comfort her to know that Mrs. Palmer has a good opinion of Willoughby. Even so, she realizes that she must take Mrs. Palmers observations with some caution.
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Chapter 21
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After the Palmers depart, Sir John and Mrs. Jennings get new guests. They are Lady Middleton's cousins. They also invite the Dashwoods to come as well. They really don't want to come meet more of the Middleton's company.
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Anne and Lucy Steele arrive. They are from Exeter. Sir John wants both sets of sisters to get along so he encourages a friendship between the Dashwood girls and the Steele's.
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Elinor and Marianne are annoyed by Anne and Lucy because they indulge and pay close attention to the obnoxious Middleton children. Of course this makes Lady Middleton so happy.
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Even so, Sir John makes sure the girls spend time together. Elinor thinks that Lucy is a clever girl, but has not readmuch and is not well educated. Lucy wants to be close to Elinor and both the girls like the Dashwood girls.
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The Steeles have been told a lot about Elinor and Marianne by Mrs. Jennings. they also know about Willoughby and Edward Ferrars. Sir John says something about Edward when he is teasing Elinor and Anne says that she knows Edward very well.
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Ch. 22
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Marianne does not like the Steele girls and treats them coldly. As a result of her treatment, Lucy prefers to spend time with Elinor. Elinor thinks Lucy is a nice person but lacks a proper education and is not refined. She thinks that Lucy is insincere and flatters people too much.
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Lucy asks about Mrs. Ferrars and then Elinor asks how Lucy knows the Ferrars. Lucy tells Elinor that she is secretly engaged to Edward and that only her sister knows and now Elinor too. Elinor trys to ask further questions to prove that this cannot be true.
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Lucy says that Edward had come to Plymouth before his trip to Barton and that Lucy had given him a ring with a lock of her hair inside so that he could think of her and be reminded of their engagement. Elinor and Marianne had certainly seen the ring and noticed him wearing it. Elinor is devastated with grief at finding out that Edward is engaged to another woman. but she must hide her disappointment.
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Commentary Now Elinor is hit with more disappointment. The significance of the ring has been revealed.
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She is devastated and can hardly stand.
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Chapter 23
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Elinor can not doubt Lucy, but still thinks Edward may love her. She questions if Edward has not been forthright with her. She feels very bad for Edward though--Lucy is uneducated and is inferior. Lucy feels that it will be even more complicated to marry Lucy than if he married Elinor. Elinor is not going to tell Marianne or Mrs. Dashwood any of this info. Elinor will talk to Lucy to see how much she cares for Edward and if she is jealous of her because Sir John jokes about them and Edward compliments her. They are all invited to Barton Park when Sir John is gone. Elinor helps Lucy with a basket for Lady Middleton's children ; Marianne is playing piano so they can talk privately.
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Chapter 24
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Elinor talks to Lucy and lets her know that she wants to be her confidante. Lucy is so relieved because she wanted someone to talk to and she had worried that Elinor was upset or offended by hearing Lucy's secret. Elinor makes sure that Lucy knows that she wants to talk to her.
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Lucy thought that Elinor was not happy that Edward and Lucy are engaged and that she was angry, but Lucy is happy that this is not the case. Lucy and Elinor talk about money. Edward is completely dependent on his mother for his money and Lucy is willing to wait until him to have the money. He will be able to get more money from his mother if he *marries well*.
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Elinor asks Lucy if she is worried that if she keeps waiting for too long that Edward will lose his affection. Lucy says no. Lucy thinks that if Mrss. Ferrars would find out that they are engaged she would give her money to the younger brother, Robert. Elinor asks if Lucy knows Robert. She doesn't but has heard about him. She hears he is different than Edward--he is vain and very foolish.
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Anne Steele overhears them talking and assumes that they are talking about beaus. Mrs. Jennings refere to Elinor's beau and then Anne says that Lucy's beau is as nice as Elinor's is. (This is very awkward because the reader knows that it is the same person)
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Marianne starts playing louder. Lucy as a new plan. She tells Elinor that she wants John and Fanny to give Norland *living* to Edward. This means that he would be the pastor of the village church--it has a salary. Lucy wants Elinor to help her because John is her brother.
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Elinor says that Fanny would not accept having Edward being a pastor. Then Lucy says that maybe she should end the engagement and asks what Elinor thinks.
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It is very awkward and Elinor tries to change the subject but Lucy asks again. Finally Lucy gives up and asks if the Dashwoods will be staying in London during the winter.
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Elinor says they will not be in London then. Lucy says she is sorry but does not look like she means this. Elinor returns to the groups and realizes that she does not like Lucy. She also thinks that Lucy does not like her either.
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Elinor plans not to bring up the engagement, but Lucy keeps bringing it up to her. Anne and Lucy stayed much longer (early 2 months).
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Chapter 25
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Mrs. has her own home in London. She invites Elinor and Marianne to come to visit her during the winter. Elinor says no because Mrs. Dashwood will need them in the winter, but Mrs. Jennings says it can be figured out. Sir John says that Marianne would like to go to London because she would want to see Willoughby and she would go even if Elinor didn't go.
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Marianne says she does wish they could go but Elinor is right and they need to stay. Mrs. Jennings won't stop and persists that they visit. Marianne really wants to go. Mrs. Dashwood hears about the invitation and decides that it will be great for the girls to go to London. Elinor tells her mother that being with Mrs. Jennings is not good for them socially, but Mrs. Dashwood reminds her that they will also be with Lady Middleton who is respectable.
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Mrs. Dashwood tells them to have a good time and that Elinor should have fun with Edward's family. Elinor says that she does not care if Edward's family likes her or not. Mrs. Dashwood thinks that Elinor is being very evasive, but Marianne is surprised by Elinor's comments. The travel plans are made. Everyone is getting ready for the trip to go to London. Marianne is thrilled and Elinor is not excited to go. Marianne, Elinor and Mrs. Jennings leave in the beginning of January and the Middletons, Anne, and Lucy plan to come a week later.
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Chapter 26
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Marianne cannot wait to be reunited with Willoughby in London. Usually Marianne is bothered being with Mrs. Jennings, but because she is so excited to get to London, she is quiet all the way and comments on the beautiful scenery. Elinor talks with Mrs. Jennings on the trip. It takes 3 days to get to London and Mrs. Jenning's house is stylish. Marianne and Elinor are put into Charlotte's room (Mrs. Palmer's).
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There is some time before dinner so Elinor writes a letter home. Marianne also writes but says she is not writing home. Elinor assumes that Marianne is writing to Willoughby to let him know they are in London. Marianne quickly finishes her letter and sends it off in the post. Elinor is sure that the letter is to Willoughby.
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Marianne spends the rest of the day waiting for a reply. Elinor hopes that Mrs. Jennings does not notice how Marianne is acting. Soon a visitor shows up--it is Colonel Brandon. Marianne is disappointed. Elinor feels badly that he will be offended because Marianne acted so rudely. Elinor knows that he is in love with Marianne yet she pays no attention to him. Brandon asks if Marianne is feeling poorly and Elinor says that she has not been feeling well.
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Colonel Brandon talks about London and how he has never had time to visit much before. Elinor wishes she could ask him if Willoughby was in London but she doesn't because she thinks it would be too rude. Mrs. Jennings comes in and is happy to see the Colonel. She continues to ask personal questions. Marianne arrives back and Colonel Brandon gets very quiet. He leaves and then everyone leaves to go to bed.
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The next day, Charlotte Palmer comes to visit. The group gossips and then all the girls leave for shopping. Marianne was distracted all day long and when she returned from shopping she did not have a letter from Willoughby and he has also not stopped by. Marianne is very disappointed. Elinor is confused because her sister and Willoughby are supposed to be engaged yet he is not answering her. Elinor decides that she will ask her mother what should be done. Charlotte Palmer and some of Mrs. Jennings friends come for dinner. Marianne is distracted the entire time.
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Chapter 27
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Mrs. Jennings comments that the weather is so beautiful that everyone is hunting and staying in the country. Marianne feels that Willoughby must be in Combe Magna because he loves to hunt. Elinor hopes that Lady Middleton and Sir John will be coming soon. She also thinks that Marianne will try to write Willoughby in Combe Magna.
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The ladies visit some of Mrs. Jenning's friends and Marianne watches the weather the entire time. Elinor is worried about her sister's odd behavior. Colonel Brandon comes to visit nearly every day. Elinor is worried that he has fallen hard for Marianne and that he is really in loved with her. After a week, Willoughby comes by, but it was when no one was around. He leaves his calling card.
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Marianne is so upset and Elinor tries to comfort her that he will come back the next day to visit. Marianne stays home the entire next day and waits, but he never comes. A note is delivered, but it is not from Willoughby. The note is for Mrs. Jennings and says that the Middletons are in London. Lady Middleton invites them all to dinner the next night. Marianne wants to stay home, but Elinor persuades her to go along with them.
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Sir John is the same as he was in the country. He has lots of people over and it is like a party. Willoughby is not there. When they arrive home, Mrs. Jennings says that Willoughby was invited to the party but did not show up. Marianne is hurt and shocked by the news. She writes another letter to him.
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Elinor writes to her mother asking for advice about what to do concerning Marianne's situation with Willoughby. Colonel Brandon comes to visit just as Marianne is finishing her letter, and Marianne runs out of the room right before he walks in. Colonel Brandon is glad that it is only Elinor because he wants to talk to her privately.
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He says that it is well-known that Marianne and Willoughby are engaged. Elinor says that it is not well known and that she and her mother do not know this for a fact. Colonel Brandon says he knows this from many people such as: Mrs. Jennings, the Middletons, the Palmers.
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He wants to know if she is engaged or not. Elinor says that Marianne has not told her anything definitive. Colonel Brandon says that he wishes nothing but the best for them and he wants them to be happy. he leaves. Elinor feels very sad. She feels bad for Colonel Brandon, but she really wants the situation between Marianne and Willoughby to be settled.
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Chapter 28
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Willoughby does not come by the next few days. Elinor and Marianne go to a party with Lady Middleton. Lady Middleton plays cards while the girls just talk. Willoughby comes in with a stylish young girl and he ignores Marianne and Elinor.
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Marianne sees Willoughby and is so happy, but then is confused why he won't come talk with her. Elinor tries to settle her down. Willoughby finally turns to greet them but acts like he barely knows them. Elinor greets him in a friendly manner, but he acts casual. Elinor controls her feelings, but Marianne is very upset and confronts Willoughby. Why can't he shake her hand? He finally does, but acts very coldly.
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Willoughby says he was sorry he missed them at Mrs. Jennings house the day he came by. Marianne asks if he has recieved her letters and what is going on. Willoughby makes up an excuse and leaves. Marianne nearly faints. Elinor tries to calm Marianne down and Willoughby leaves right away.. Lady Middleton takes both Marianne and Elinor home. Marianne is very upset. When they get home, Elinor takes Marianne to bed and waits for Mrs. Jennings.
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Elinor does not know what is going on but it is apparent that there is no engagement and that he has obviously changed his mind about Marianne. Elinor is very upset by how he has treated her.
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Elinor feels that her problems concerning Edward don't seem nearly as bad becasue she can be his friend. It appears that Marianne cannot be anything with Willoughby any longer.
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Chapter 29
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The next day, Marianne is crying and writing a letter. Elinor tries to find out what is happening but Marianne will not say. Elinor tries to keep Mrs. Jennings distracted so she will not bother Marianne. Soon a letter arrives. Mrs. Jennings talks about how much in love Marianne is and when they will be married. Elinor says that the information about an engagement is a joke, but Mrs. Jennings does not believe that because everyone has heard about it. Elinor tells her that she will feel bad for spreading such a rumor.
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Elinor leaves breakfast to go and check on Marianne and finds her crying. They both cry together till Marianne lets Elinor read the letter. it says that Marianne is crazy that she ever though that Willoughby cared for her becasue he loves someone else. He also returned all of her letters.
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Elinor is terribly shocked and disgusted. She does not know what to do. She excuses herself for the day and says that Marianne is sick and she must care for her. Marianne wants to die and wishes that she could be happy like Elinor and be loved by someone like Edward.
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Elinor is quiet and does not tell her that things are not like she thinks they are. Elinor says that she cannot be happy when her sister is sad and tells her to be glad that she found out what a bad person he was before continuing the engagement.
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Then Marianne says that they never were really engaged. She said that he never said he loved her but that she assumed it. Elinor started to read her sisters letters and saw the desperation in the letters that her sister worte. She kept asking why he wouldn't visit and demanded that he explain why he was cold. She kept asking why he didn't answer her heartfelt letters. Now Elinor is shocked that her sister wrote the letters at all.
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Marianne keeps saying that she knows he loved her even if he never said it and she is sure that someone must have changed his mind because he could have never changed his own mind.
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Marianne wonders who the girl is who stole Willoughby from her. Marianne wants to go home the next day and Elinor makes Marianne lay down and go to bed.
