Austen's Novel Sense And Sensibility example essay topic

263 words
Jane Austen's novel Sense and Sensibility is a remarkable and memorable novel. Austen probably named her novel this because of her two main characters, Eleanor and Marianne. Eleanor is the oldest of the two girls, and has a great deal of common sense. Unlike Marianne, she controls her emotions with good sense and discretion. Eleanor's sense made her the person everyone could depend on. Marianne, on the other hand, is unthinking and totally engrossed in her romantic ideals.

She lacks the sense and discretion that her sister Eleanor has and prefers to say exactly what she feels and hold nothing back. Eleanor is often seen apologizing on Marianne's behalf. Eleanor, with all her sensibility, does not allow herself to get carried away. For example, when Edward and she begin to like each other, she knows his affections might not be as great as hers.

During this time, the importance of social and economic standing was an important factor in who people chose to marry. Because Eleanor was not as wealthy as Edward, she did not want to get carried away. So instead of falling hopelessly in love with him, she restrains herself. Marianne, however, believes that he must love Eleanor equally well, and she assumes more about the situation than is actually true.

This is a great example of Marianne's lacking ability to act with prudence. The two sisters personalities are so different, yet explain so clearly why Jane Austen would have titled her novel Sense and Sensibility..