Title: Sense and Sensibility Author: Jane Austen Published by: Penguin Classics Published in: 1811
Pages: 409
"The more I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!"
-- Chapter 3
Pride and Prejudice might be her most well-known work, but Jane Austen's first ever published book is none other than Sense and Sensibility. Even their titles are quite similar; each adjective represent the trait of one of the main character. In this case, a pair of sisters named Elinor and Marianne. The former was 19, the latter was 16.
The story opens in tragedy. Henry Dashwood, the father of Elinor and Marianne, passed away. Norland Park, the house that the family lived in, actually belonged to Henry's bachelor uncle, who wrote in his will that it should always pass to the first son. In this case, John Dashwood, Henry's son from a previous marriage. On his deathbed, Henry asked John to take care of his stepmother and sisters. The thing about John is, though he had a good heart, his wife was rotten. Named Fanny, she poisoned her husband's mind so that John decided to take over Norland Park and basically kicked out his remaining family. This situation forced Mrs Dashwood to find another smaller home. But the real irony is how Fanny's oldest brother, Edward Ferrars, actually took a liking towards Elinor and decided to court her. Furious, Fanny accused Elinor of going after Edward solely for his money.
In short, the ladies found a new home and were welcomed by their neighbours, including Mrs Dashwood's cousin, Sir John Middleton. They were delighted by the Dashwood ladies' arrival, as it was a rather small community and they often had local gatherings. In one of these, we meet Colonel Brandon who was immediately attracted to Marianne. Love at first sight, you name it. However, since the colonel was basically a 35 year old virgin, not to mention his awkwardness in a social setting, and Marianne was a teenager full of life, we can say that she was repulsed by him.
On one rainy day, our girl Marianne met a gorgeous stranger named John Willoughby. They immediately formed an attachment and grew so close, people started speculating that they were already engaged. As a good sister, Elinor warned Marianne to not wear her heart on her sleeve and to be a bit more reserved. Of course our girl refused, mayhaps even thought that her sister was jealous.
But ohwell, sometimes we do have to listen to our elders. Because once the very thing that they warned us do happen, we only have our regrets. Ask Marianne. The moment John Willoughby disappeared on her, she basically became a living shell. Though all was not glitter and bomb with Elinor as well. Upon finding out a heartbreaking news about Edward, would she be able to practice the very thing she adviced Marianne to?
EGGLYSIS
Honestly, this was my first foray into English book, and a classic one at that! I was 17 at the time, and found the whole thing to be very confusing. Considering that Jane Austen wrote this in the 17th century, most of the phrase used made me scratch my nose a few times.
As mentioned above, the title represents Elinor and Marianne. Elinor was the sensible one; she wasn't rash at all and practiced being reserved. However, you can't find love without showing some, no? Would Edward know that Elinor was attracted to him as well, beneath all that façade. Marianne, on the other, was borderline reckless and insufferable. As the youngest of this pair of sisters, she needed to learn to look past physical appearance to find out the heart of gold.
Btw Marianne dude, 35 years old are not old! Most guys in that age are actually in the peak of their game. Especially this much beloved one. :')
We miss you, Alan...
Overall, Sense and Sensibility...
