Name: Sense and Sensibility
Author: Jane. Austen
ISBN: 9780192547019

Sense and Sensibility

Jane. Austen

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Author Description

This is one of a complete set of Jane Austen's novels collating the editions published during the author's lifetime and previously unpublished manuscripts. The books are illustrated with 19th century-plates and incorporate revisions by experts in the light of subsequent research.

Menrva's Summary

THE PULSE

The sudden death of Mr. Dashwood leaves his wife and three daughters in precarious financial circumstances, forcing them to navigate the rigid social hierarchies of Regency England while managing their own conflicting temperaments. Elinor and Marianne Dashwood represent the opposing poles of reason and emotion as they seek security and affection in a society governed by inheritance laws and marriage prospects. They face opposition from judgmental relatives and the volatile nature of their own romantic attachments. The narrative utilizes a third-person omniscient perspective to dissect the social maneuvers and internal contradictions of the landed gentry. The story unfolds through a series of social engagements and domestic crises that test the sisters' resolve and their ability to reconcile personal desire with societal expectation.

INSIDE THE PAGES

Regency era social commentary
Focus on the contrast between rationalism and romanticism
Detailed exploration of inheritance and property laws
Sharp, ironic character studies
Epistolary elements through correspondence between characters
Focus on domestic spheres and social etiquette
Examination of the economic necessity of marriage
Use of free indirect discourse to reveal internal thoughts

THE COLLECTIVE ECHO

Readers and critics frequently highlight the precision of the prose and the enduring relevance of the social dynamics depicted in the work. Discussion often centers on the balance between Elinor’s stoic restraint and Marianne’s impulsive emotional expression. The atmosphere is noted for its subtle irony and the clarity with which the author critiques the limitations placed upon women of the period. Many observers appreciate the structural integrity of the plot and the way the narrative builds tension through social misunderstandings. The work remains a foundational text for those interested in the evolution of the novel and the nuances of 19th-century social satire.

Page Count:
446

Publication Date:
1988-11-17

Publisher:
Oxford University Press

ISBN-10:
0192547011

ISBN-13:
9780192547019

Romance

Historical Fiction

19th Century

Sisters fiction

Social Satire

Classic Literature