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1-Page Summary of Sense and Sensibility
Overview
The Dashwood family is introduced. Their father has recently died, and the estate will go to his son, John Dashwood. The Dashwood women are left with very little money and no way of supporting themselves without their half-brother’s help.
Elinor is calm and sensible, while her sister Marianne is emotional. Margaret is young and good-natured. Mrs. Dashwood stays at Norland for a few months because of the developing relationship between Elinor and Edward Ferrars, Fanny’s shy but kind brother. Elinor likes Edward, but she isn’t sure if he likes her back; Fanny doesn’t approve of their relationship either, as Edward’s mother wants him to marry someone rich.
The Dashwood family is sad to leave their home and have to separate Edward from Elinor. They find Barton Cottage charming, and Sir John Middleton a very kind host. His wife is cold but they accept frequent invitations to dinner parties at Barton Park anyway.
The Dashwood sisters meet Mrs. Jennings, Sir John’s mother-in-law, a fun and jovial woman who is somewhat vulgar at times, as well as Colonel Brandon, a gentleman with an interest in Marianne. The Colonel soon becomes interested in her. However, Marianne disapproves of the idea of letting him court her because he is 35 years old and has a serious demeanor about him. She also rejects his advances because she doesn’t want to be associated with Mrs. Jennings’ social circle or have the townspeople think that she’s being wooed by such an older man when she really isn’t interested in marrying anyone right now anyway (she just wants to focus on art). Fortunately for her though, Willoughby comes along and carries her home after twisting her ankle while walking around outside; he too shares many interests with Marianne: art, poetry and music among them. They become attached to one another quickly but Elinor thinks they should restrain themselves from showing their feelings so openly since it may not lead anywhere good later down the road if they do get married (and there are rumors going around about Willoughby already).
One day, the Middletons and Dashwoods are supposed to go on a picnic with Colonel Brandon. However, they have to cancel their plans because of some bad news that Colonel Brandon has received. Willoughby becomes more attentive towards Mrs Dashwood and her daughters than he was before; he spends time at their cottage all the time now. He openly confesses his love for Marianne in front of everyone else, which leaves Elinor convinced that if Marianne is not engaged to him yet then she will be soon enough.
One day, Mrs. Dashwood, Elinor and Margaret leave the couple alone in hopes of getting a proposal. When they return, Marianne is crying and Willoughby has left for London without saying goodbye. The women are very upset by Willoughby’s sudden departure and fear that he might have broken up with Marianne. However, it is not clear whether or not they were engaged because Marianne will not talk about it at all.
Edward comes to visit Elinor and Marianne at Barton Cottage. He is welcomed as a guest, but he seems sad and does not show much affection for them. It becomes apparent that Edward has another love interest, because he wears a ring with hair similar to Elinor’s. Even though Elinor finds this odd, she still cares about her brother deeply.
Sir John and Mrs. Jennings introduce the Palmer family to Elinor and Marianne. The Palmers are also from London, but they have not been in town long enough to know what’s going on with Willoughby and Marianne, who appear to be engaged, according to gossip in town. Elinor is confused because she knows nothing about this engagement herself; however, Mrs. Palmer thinks it will happen soon.
