Sense and Sensibility, the debut novel by the renowned author Jane Austen, depicts the romance stories of the protagonists —the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne—and how they navigate societal norms during the Regency Era. Beginning with the death of Mr. Dashwood, Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters are left with no inheritance and are forced to leave the family estate. As the sisters come of age, they experience love, romance, and heartbreak during their seek of marriage and happiness. Austen skillfully paints the lives of people living during the Regency Era (or Georgian Era) as she illustrates the societal norms of the time. Through the contrasting personalities of Elinor and Marianne, Austen explores matters of sense versus sensibility. The novel ultimately highlights the challenges faced by women in a society where marriage was usually their only means of financial security and social status. The constraints and expectations imposed by social class distinctions are vividly portrayed, emphasizing the significance of wealth. Through the stories of the Dashwood sisters, the author demonstrates the social hierarchies, marriage, female’s role, and human nature in the Regency Era.
The Regency Era was a society that was dictated by a rigid social and economic hierarchy. Stark contrasts of social status were present in the society. People were born into a family with privilege and excessive wealth to choose their life, their marriage; some are born in an intermediate household, trying to climb up to higher status; others are born poor, there are no multiple choice questions in their life. People, usually, stay to be in the social class of what they were born into. This social immobility was a defining characteristic of the Regency Era, as it shapes individuals’ opportunities and limitations based on their birth circumstances. Despite these challenges, people in this era still sought ways to handle societal expectations and climbed to a different stage of social class. For instance, Lucy Steele married Edward’s brother Robert Ferras and got the inheritance of the family, which helped her climb up to a higher class. Edward, on the other hand, lost the inheritance and fell to a lower social class. The constraints imposed by class distinctions are palpable in the interactions between characters. Through characterizations, Austen deftly portrays the complexities and injustices intrinsic in a society stratified by rank.
There was usually no option to designate one’s own marriage in the 18th-19th century. To ensure stability in marriage, families from the same class affiliate together. Marriages were arranged and people married through matching. There were ways to reach higher social classes, and the fastest and most efficient way to achieve this was through marriage. Marriage was a strategic tool to elevate social status and secure a better future. Lucy Steele, for instance, was a social climber who achieved success through the marriage with Robert. A suitable marriage, however, was hard to find. There are various methods to secure a suitable marriage, such as attending social events and dinners to meet potential suitors. Additionally, some individuals sought the help of their social circle, where they may be introduced to satisfactory individuals. The author delves into the challenges surrounding marriage, highlighting the tension between personal desires, societal expectations, and practical considerations. Through the trials of the characters, Austen explores how love intertwines with the realities of marriage in the love stories of the several couples. As exemplified in the relationships of Elinor and Edward, Mrs. Grey and Mr. Willoughby, the author demonstrates the complexities of handling societal norms in the pursuit of love and. marriage. The timeless choice between wealth and love is portrayed in the novel, showcasing the importance of finding a balance between sense and sensibility.
During the Pre-Victorian Era, women, as portrayed in the novel, are submissive characters who depend on men. There were no jobs available for females, no income to make a living. As is presented in the debut of the novel, the Dashwood sisters and their widowed mother were in desperate need of money, yet they couldn’t earn any due to their gender as females. Consequently, they have to wait for a befitting marriage to rely on. Some characters in the novel, however, hold some power and have some superiority. Fanny, for instance, has the power to persuade her husband and take some hold of the money. Mrs. Ferras too, exemplifies a female character that holds great importance to decide who the fortune will belong to. These characters illustrate. The varying degrees of power wielded by women within the constraints of societal norms. Furthermore, as showcased through the past relationships, women are easily abandoned or mistreated by men who hold more power and authority (Marianne and Eliza were abandoned by Willoughby). This power dynamics highlights the struggles for women faced in a patriarchal society, where their worth and value are often judged by men.
Through its diverse cast of characters and intricate plot developments, the novel delves into the complexities of human nature. Characters in the novel, such as Fanny, who exhibits a condescending attitude toward others based on social status. She convinced her husband to not supply any amount of money to the Dashwood sisters when their father died, leaving them destitute. Her relentless greed and her husband John’ seemingly generous yet avaricious character highlights their selfishness and complete disregard toward others. Throughout the story, deceit and dishonesty play a significant role in shaping the characters’ decisions and future. Whether it is Mr. Willoughby’s betrayal to Marianne or Lucy Steele’s secret engagement drive the narrative forward. They reneged and deceived those around them, causing heartbreak and consequences contributing to the overall plot. Amidst the social conventions, the author celebrates the concept of true love. Characters like Elinor and Edward, as well as Marianne and Colonel Brandon, exemplify the power of selfless love. Edward, for instance, lost his inheritance to keep his promise to Elinor. Colonel Brandon's devotion to Marianne despite her initial rejection exemplifies the depth of true love in the novel. These relationships of true love highlight the importance of emotional connection and loyalty in establishing genuine relationships.
Sense and Sensibility, presenting itself as a romance novel, not only paints the love stories of the protagonists, also explores societal expectations, the nature of marriage, the power of females, and complexities of human nature in the era. As the narrative unfolds, readers are drawn into a world of intrigue and romance, centrally focusing on the contrasting personalities of Elinor and Marianne, and how they navigate stereotypes. Through the story of the Dashwood sisters, Austen skillfully weaves a narrative that challenges societal norms, typically on the topic of females. Through vivid descriptions and characterizations, the struggles and triumphs of the Dashwood sisters are depicted. Sense and Sensibility emphasizes the importance of agency and self-determination for women, as well as the restrictions placed on women during the Regency Era. As they deal with marriage and love in a world dominated by patriarchs, the characters’ thrive for true love and happiness, showcasing the author’s belief in the power of individual choice in the face of societal norms. Ultimately, Austen’s explorations on love, marriage, social class, and morality adds depth to the novel, making Sense and Sensibility a timeless novel that continues to resonate with readers today.
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