Sense and Sensibility Summary
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Here you will find a Sense and Sensibility summary (Jane Austen's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.
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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024
Chapters
Chapters Sense and Sensibility Summary Overview
Upon Mr. Dashwood's passing, his estate is left to his son from his first marriage, John Dashwood. This leaves his second wife and three daughters, Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret, homeless and with little financial stability. The family is invited to stay with their distant relatives, the Middletons, at Barton Park. Upon leaving their home, Elinor is heartbroken as she has grown fond of Edward Ferrars, who is related to her through John. In Barton Park, Elinor and Marianne come across several new faces, including Colonel Brandon and John Willoughby. Willoughby courtships Marianne openly, only to abruptly leave for London, leaving Marianne in distraught. Concurrently, Elinor learns of a secret engagement between Lucy Steele, a relative of Lady Middleton's mother, and Mr. Ferrars. In the next part of the story, Elinor and Marianne accompany Mrs. Jennings to London. Here, Elinor learns that there is talk of an engagement between Marianne and Willoughby, but Marianne has not mentioned anything to her family. Marianne is eager to see Willoughby again, but he spurns her at a party and later writes to her, denying any feelings for her. Colonel Brandon reveals Willoughby's past of recklessness and Mrs. Jennings confirms that Willoughby is engaged to Miss Grey, a wealthy heiress. In the final part, Lucy's secret engagement to Edward Ferrars is exposed by her sister. Edward's mother is disgusted and disinherits Edward, giving his wealth to his younger brother Robert. The Dashwood sisters spend time with family friends at Cleveland on their trip back from London. Here, Marianne contracts a severe cold and falls seriously ill. Willoughby pays her a visit to apologize for his actions. Upon hearing his story, Marianne realizes that she was rash in her behavior and that she could not have been happy with Willoughby anyway. When the Dashwoods return home, they are informed that Lucy Steele and Mr. Ferrars are engaged. They presume it to be Edward, only to be corrected by Edward himself that Lucy is engaged to his brother Robert. Edward then proposes to Elinor, and Marianne gets engaged to Colonel Brandon. The story concludes with both couples residing at Delaford, while maintaining a close relationship with their mother and younger sister back at Barton cottage.
chapter 1-5
The elderly Mr. Dashwood, owner of Norland Park in Sussex, welcomes his nephew, Henry Dashwood and his family to his estate after his sister's death. Henry's family includes his son John from a previous marriage, his current wife and their three daughters. John is married with a four-year-old son, Harry. Upon the elder Mr. Dashwood's death, his estate is bequeathed to John and Harry. Henry, however, dies a year later, leaving only a small fortune for his dependents. He makes John promise to look after his stepmother and half-sisters before he passes away. At first, John plans to honour his father's request by supporting his female relatives, but his selfish wife Fanny convinces him to only leave them a small sum of money. After Henry's death, Fanny becomes the lady of Norland Park, treating Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters like guests. Fanny's brother, Edward Ferrars, visits Norland and forms a close bond with Elinor Dashwood. Edward, a simple man who values home comforts, is the eldest son of a wealthy deceased man and his future depends on his mother's will. Elinor likes Edward but doesn't express her feelings openly due to uncertainty about his feelings for her. Marianne Dashwood, Elinor’s sister, expresses her disappointment in Edward's lack of artistic temperament. Marianne knows Elinor has feelings for Edward but is frustrated by Elinor's muted expressions of "liking" and "esteem" for him, wishing for a more passionate declaration. Six months after Fanny takes over Norland, Mrs. Dashwood gets an invitation from her cousin Sir John Middleton to stay at Barton Cottage on his Devonshire property. Keen to distance herself from Fanny's tactless behaviour, Mrs. Dashwood quickly accepts, organises her servants to prepare Barton Cottage, and tells John, Fanny, and Edward about their plans to move. After a tearful goodbye from Marianne to Norland, the Dashwood ladies depart for their new residence.
chapter 6-10
In early fall, the Dashwood women, Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret, relocate to Barton Cottage. They are greeted by their landlord Sir John Middleton, a cousin of Mrs. Dashwood. Sir John is an amicable, large-hearted man, but his wife, Lady Middleton, shows stiff reserve. The Middletons, with their four children, live in Barton Park, close to the Dashwoods' cottage. The Dashwoods are invited to dine at Barton Park where they meet two more guests: Lady Middleton's mother, Mrs. Jennings, a jolly woman with somewhat crude tastes, and Colonel Brandon, a friend of Sir John. Marianne plays the piano after dinner, which noticeably pleases Colonel Brandon. Later, Mrs. Jennings shares her suspicion that Colonel Brandon harbors feelings for Marianne. Marianne dismisses this, viewing Brandon as too aged and weak. Elinor defends him, while expressing concern about his mild rheumatism. Marianne finds it peculiar that Edward has not visited them yet and that his goodbye to Elinor was so composed. One day, while Marianne and Margaret are exploring nearby hills, it suddenly rains heavily. Marianne sprains her ankle while rushing home. A charming man named Willoughby from Allenham helps Marianne back to the cottage and promises to visit the next day. Sir John, responding to Marianne's curiosity, commends Willoughby as a congenial gentleman with excellent hunting skills and a potential heir to his elderly female relative's wealth. When Willoughby visits, Marianne learns they share similar tastes in music, dance, and literature. Elinor jokingly warns Marianne that she and Willoughby have exhausted all topics in their first meeting, leaving little for future conversations. However, Willoughby continues his daily visits. While Mrs. Dashwood appreciates Willoughby, Elinor questions his prudence and judgement. She also senses Colonel Brandon's fondness towards Marianne. She is upset when Willoughby dismisses Colonel Brandon as dull and ordinary despite his sense and flawless character.
chapter 11-15
The Dashwoods find themselves inundated with social invites in Devonshire. Marianne is particularly taken with Sir John Willoughby, much to Elinor's worry due to her sister's openly affectionate behavior. Elinor derives her only pleasure from Colonel Brandon's company. Seeing Marianne's fascination with Willoughby, Brandon discusses the possibility of "second attachments" with Elinor, hinting at his own feelings. During a walk, Marianne delightfully reveals Willoughby's offer of a horse. Elinor, displaying her practicality, reminds Marianne of the high cost of maintaining a horse and questions the appropriateness of accepting such a lavish gift from a man she barely knows. Marianne defends her stance but eventually agrees that a horse would be an unnecessary burden on their mother. Soon after, Margaret shares with Elinor, her observation of Willoughby cutting a lock of Marianne's hair and kissing it, implying their engagement. Elinor cautions her younger sister against assuming anything. Mrs. Jennings, aware of Elinor's past affection for someone in Norland, probes for more details. Elinor dismisses her curiosity, but Margaret ends up revealing that there was a man named 'F', leaving Elinor embarrassed. The Dashwoods, Brandon, Willoughby, and the Middletons plan a trip to Whitwell estate. The trip is abruptly cancelled due to an urgent letter received by Brandon, having to leave immediately for undisclosed reasons. Mrs. Jennings, however, confides in Elinor that Brandon's natural daughter, Miss Williams, might be involved. Since Brandon's departure thwarts their trip to Whitwell, the group opts for a countryside drive instead. Marianne admits that during the drive, she and Willoughby visited his home at Allenham in the absence of his elderly relative, Mrs. Smith. Elinor reprimands Marianne for such inappropriate behavior. On one occasion, while at Barton Cottage, Willoughby expresses his fondness for the cottage and urges Mrs. Dashwood not to change anything about it. While inviting him for dinner the following day, they find Marianne in tears and Willoughby hurriedly leaving. He informs them he has to go to London for business and will not be back for the rest of the year. Mrs. Dashwood suspects a secret engagement between him and Marianne, while Elinor remains skeptical. Marianne is deeply distressed and refuses to speak or eat.
chapter 16-19
Marianne is greatly affected by Willoughby's unexpected leave and is unable to find solace in sleep or food. Mrs. Jennings notes the cessation of the group's Hamlet readings since Willoughby's departure, and Marianne assures her that he will return soon. A week past his departure, Marianne, along with her sisters, spots a man on horseback during their walk. Believing it to be Willoughby, she is disappointed to find it's Edward Ferrars, who has come to Barton for a visit. Edward's distant and restrained demeanor puzzles the girls, but Marianne is convinced of his affection for Elinor when she notices him wearing a locket with a hair lock. Though Edward claims it's his sister's, Marianne believes it to be Elinor's. During his week-long stay, Edward reveals his lack of ambition for a career, preferring to be an "idle, helpless being", contrary to his mother's expectations. The sisters dream about how they'd spend their wealth if they had any. Marianne expresses her wish to spend most of her fortune on her prospective marriage to Willoughby. The conversation takes a philosophical turn as they discuss love, wealth, and human nature. After a week filled with walks, dances, and visits to Sir John's mansion, Edward announces his departure, much to Elinor's regret. She justifies his short visit as a need to fulfill some duty for his mother. However, she struggles to distract herself from thoughts of him. Their solitude is broken by the arrival of a large party at Barton Cottage, hosted by Sir John, Lady Middleton, Mrs. Jennings, and the Palmers. Mrs. Palmer, a lively expectant woman, makes a stark contrast with her husband who remains engrossed in his newspaper. Sir John extends an invitation for the next day's dinner, an offer the Dashwood girls are unable to refuse.
chapter 20-22
Mrs. Palmer shares with the Dashwood sisters her plans to return home to Cleveland, inviting them to accompany her or join them for Christmas. Mrs. Palmer's husband, a man of dry humor, is roped into backing her proposal. Mrs. Palmer also reveals that their home is near Willoughby's estate, and she has observed his attachment to Marianne, something that Colonel Brandon also confirmed. She jokes about the possibility of her marrying Colonel Brandon, but Elinor is skeptical of her observations. After the Palmers leave, Sir John Middleton introduces Anne and Lucy Steele to the Dashwoods. Despite his hopes of fostering friendship, Elinor and Marianne find the Steele girls' indulgence of Lady Middleton's children and talk of eligible bachelors annoying. Elinor perceives Lucy as smart but poorly educated. Lucy, however, takes a liking to the Dashwoods and works to befriend Elinor. In a conversation with Elinor, Lucy claims to know Edward Ferrars well. She catches Elinor off-guard by asking about Edward's mother, making Elinor assume a connection to Robert Ferrars. Lucy then stuns Elinor with the revelation of her secret engagement to Edward for four years, which began while Edward was Lucy's uncle's pupil in Plymouth. Their engagement remains hidden due to Lucy's lack of fortune, but Edward keeps a ring with her hair as a token of their bond. This revelation leaves Elinor reeling in shock and sorrow.
chapter 23-27
Elinor tries to make sense of Lucy's revelation about her engagement to Edward, thinking it must be a result of a young crush. She firmly believes that Edward cannot love Lucy after knowing her shallow personality for four years. Elinor feels relief that she need not tell her family about Lucy's engagement due to the promise of secrecy. Amidst a social gathering at Barton Park, Elinor and Lucy discuss Edward while they work on a craft project for Lady Middleton's daughter, Annamaria. Lucy admits to her jealousy but denies any suspicions about Edward's loyalty. She believes it would be foolish to marry Edward with his modest fortune of two thousand pounds and wants to wait until they inherit Mrs. Ferrars' wealth. She insists that they must be discreet to avoid angering Mrs. Ferrars who might cut Edward off and favor her younger son Robert. Lucy frequently brings up her secret engagement to Edward, much to Elinor's discomfort. Lucy appears disappointed when Elinor does not plan to visit London, but soon the Dashwood sisters accept an invitation from Mrs. Jennings to join her in the city. Both sisters are excited about the trip, Marianne in particular for the chance to see Willoughby, though Elinor worries about meeting Lucy and Edward together. They reach London after a three-day journey. Elinor sends a letter to their mother while Marianne sends a note to Willoughby. Marianne eagerly awaits a visit from Willoughby and is disheartened when Colonel Brandon arrives instead. Marianne excuses herself and Brandon shares that Mrs. Palmer will visit the next day. Upon Mrs. Palmer's arrival, the ladies indulge in a shopping spree. Marianne anxiously checks for a letter from Willoughby but finds none. She consoles herself, blaming the lack of a reply on the weather. Sir John and Lady Middleton host a ball but Marianne is disheartened by Willoughby's absence. On returning from the party, they learn Willoughby declined his invitation, leaving Marianne devastated. Elinor decides to seek her mother's advice on Marianne and Willoughby's relationship. Colonel Brandon visits to inquire about Marianne and Willoughby's rumored engagement. Elinor is surprised at the widespread talk of an unannounced engagement. She tactfully informs Brandon of her sister's affection for Willoughby without confirming an engagement. Brandon leaves after expressing his hopes for Marianne's happiness and Willoughby's worthiness of her.
chapter 28-32
Although Marianne is in a gloomy state, she is compelled to join Lady Middleton's outing. Spotting Willoughby in the crowd sends her overjoyed, but her excitement shatters when he dismisses her with an icy stare. Willoughby's cold response leaves her heartbroken, forcing her to leave the gathering. Back home, Marianne discloses a letter from Willoughby to Elinor. In the letter, he apologizes for any misunderstandings, praises the Dashwood family, and announces his engagement to another woman. He also returns Marianne's letters, which had been desperate appeals for Willoughby to visit her. Despite never being officially engaged, Marianne had been quite assertive in her feelings towards Willoughby, much to Elinor's shock. Nonetheless, she consoles Marianne and insists they cannot abruptly leave Mrs. Jennings's home. Mrs. Jennings's attempts to cheer Marianne up are ineffectual. She tactlessly tells Marianne there are other worthy men, and even arranges a dinner to distract her, but nothing works. The group discusses Willoughby's sudden proposal to the wealthy Miss Sophia Grey due to his financial ruin, and Mrs. Jennings predicts Marianne will soon marry Colonel Brandon. Colonel Brandon visits Elinor, looking for confirmation about Willoughby's engagement, which she affirms. He later reveals his own tragic love story involving a woman named Eliza. She was forced to marry his brother for money, was treated poorly, and eventually vanished after their divorce. When Brandon found her, she was dying, and he promised to care for her young daughter. The girl, who Brandon had placed in school, disappeared and was seduced and abandoned by Willoughby. This explains his urgency to leave for London earlier in the novel. Elinor tells Marianne about Brandon's story, causing Marianne to grieve not only for losing Willoughby but also his lost nobility. Mrs. Dashwood writes to the girls expressing her anger and shock at Willoughby's actions, but insists they stay in town. Others also show their sympathy, but with self-interest. Lady Middleton is furious about Willoughby's conduct, yet plans to connect with Miss Grey due to her upcoming status. Only Elinor, Mrs. Dashwood, and Colonel Brandon express genuine concern for Marianne.
chapter 33-36
Elinor and Marianne encounter an annoying man at Gray's, a jeweler shop. When their brother, John Dashwood, enters, he admits to being in town for two days without visiting them. Later, he tells Elinor he would be happy if she married Colonel Brandon. Elinor says she doesn't intend to do so, but John maintains it would be good. He also mentions that their mother hopes Edward will marry Miss Morton's wealthy daughter. He observes Marianne's deteriorated appearance due to her sadness and suggests she won't attract a rich husband. John's wife, Fanny, unsure of Mrs. Jennings's social standing, initially hesitates to visit the Dashwoods but eventually does and enjoys her time. She decides to have a dinner party and invites the Dashwoods, Mrs. Jennings, the Middletons, Colonel Brandon, and her mother-in-law. Elinor is relieved when she learns Edward isn't attending. She dislikes Mrs. Ferrars, who is solely interested in her son's wealthy marriage. The dinner party conversation revolves around comparing the heights of two young boys, which annoys Elinor. John Dashwood flaunts his sister's gift, a pair of screens she painted, to Colonel Brandon. Mrs. Ferrars insults the artwork, and an angry Marianne publicly defends Elinor, winning Colonel Brandon's admiration. Mrs. Jennings leaves to assist with her daughter's childbirth. Lucy Steele visits Elinor to boast about Mrs. Ferrars's unexpected kindness at the party. Edward arrives unexpectedly and looks uneasy when he sees both Lucy and Elinor, leaving soon after. Marianne can't understand why Lucy visits so often, and Elinor, sworn to secrecy about Lucy's engagement to Edward, can't explain. Mrs. Jennings is overjoyed when her daughter gives birth to a son. Mr. Palmer, the father, is indifferent. Fanny and John are invited to a musical party by Mrs. Dennison and are asked to bring the Dashwood girls, mistakenly thought to be living with them. At the party, Elinor meets Robert Ferrars, the annoying man from the jeweler's, and John suggests inviting his sisters to stay at his London home. Fanny disagrees, wanting to invite the Steele sisters instead. This makes Elinor worry that Fanny might be supporting Lucy's engagement to Edward.
chapter 37-41
Upon returning from Mrs. Palmer's place, Mrs. Jennings reveals the bombshell that Lucy Steele and Edward Ferrars have been secretly betrothed for over a year. Elinor, who was already privy to the secret, informs Marianne, who is shocked that Elinor has kept the information from her for months without displaying any outward emotion. John Dashwood tells his sisters, while at Mrs. Jennings's house, about Fanny's extreme reaction to the shocking news. He also shares that Mrs. Ferrars demands Edward to end his commitment to Lucy or face disinheritance. During a Sunday outing to Kensington Gardens with Mrs. Jennings, Elinor is told by Miss Anne Steele that Edward has chosen Lucy over his inheritance. Consequently, his mother transfers her estate to his younger brother, Robert. Miss Steele mentions that Edward has accepted living frugally as a curate and Lucy has expressed her undying love for him regardless of his finances. Lucy further confirms her decision to stand by Edward in a letter to Elinor. Eager to leave London, Elinor and Marianne plan to travel home via Cleveland with the Palmers. Before their departure, Colonel Brandon offers Edward the position at Delaford rectory as a means of financial support. He requests Elinor to relay his offer, putting her in the uncomfortable situation of assisting the marriage of her beloved. As she prepares to write to Edward, he suddenly appears at Mrs. Jennings's house, allowing her to convey the Colonel's generous offer in person. Edward is profoundly touched by the Colonel's kindness. Elinor pays a visit to an unwell Fanny Dashwood, distraught from the news of Edward's engagement. John Dashwood informs her about Robert inheriting their mother's estate, just before Robert himself arrives, expressing sympathy for his disowned brother. After John leaves to inform Fanny of Elinor's arrival, the latter expresses her disappointment about the Dashwood sisters' imminent departure.
chapter 42-45
Elinor and Marianne, along with Mrs. Jennings and the Palmers, depart London for Cleveland in April. Elinor gladly anticipates their return to Barton, while Marianne is saddened to leave the city where her belief in Willoughby was shattered. Marianne contracts a severe cold after frequent, drawn-out evening walks at Cleveland. Despite the efforts of Elinor and Mrs. Jennings, Marianne's health worsens, leading to fever and delirium. This prompts Colonel Brandon to fetch Mrs. Dashwood from Barton. After days of worry, Mr. Harris, the apothecary, assures them that Marianne is now out of danger. To Elinor's surprise, Willoughby arrives just before Mrs. Dashwood and Colonel Brandon. Willoughby, seeking to apologize and explain his actions, confesses to Elinor that he married Miss Grey for her wealth, not love, and will always regard Marianne highly. He requests Elinor to ask for Marianne's forgiveness on his behalf, a task she agrees to once Marianne recovers. Upon arrival, Mrs. Dashwood and Colonel Brandon are relieved to find Marianne getting better. Mrs. Dashwood reveals to Elinor that Colonel Brandon confessed his love for Marianne during their journey, and she intends to support this potential match.
chapter 46-50
Returning to Barton Cottage, the Dashwoods find Marianne recovering from her ailment. Her thoughts of Willoughby come up again during a walk with Elinor. She regrets her past behavior with him but gains comfort from Elinor sharing his confession. Realizing that his deceit was due to financial woes rather than intentional malice, Marianne feels better. She also recognizes she wouldn't have found happiness with him due to his lack of integrity. Mrs. Dashwood, upon hearing of Willoughby's confession, sympathizes but can't entirely forgive him for his actions towards Marianne. News of "Mr. Ferrars'" marriage to Lucy Steele arrives, causing distress for Elinor and Marianne. This prompts Mrs. Dashwood to question if she should have been more in tune with Elinor's feelings. Surprisingly, Edward Ferrars soon shows up at their home. The sisters' confusion about his marriage is cleared up as Edward reveals it was his brother Robert who married Lucy. This revelation is a relief for Elinor, leading to her tear-filled exit from the room. Shortly after, she happily accepts Edward's marriage proposal. At dinner, Edward explains how he initially got engaged to Lucy and shares a note from Lucy ending their romantic involvement. Upon hearing about Edward and Elinor's engagement, Colonel Brandon generously offers to refurbish the Delaford parsonage for them. Eventually, Mrs. Ferrars accepts Edward's new life, but still favors Robert. Elinor and Edward, now living together at Delaford, often invite Marianne and Colonel Brandon, hoping for a romantic connection. This plan works, leading to an engagement between the Colonel and Marianne who join the couple at Delaford. The Dashwoods and the newly engaged couple remain close, frequently visiting their mother and Margaret at Barton Cottage, where they all live blissfully.
