Sense and Sensibility

Yesterday I read Sense and Sensibility. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen is the story of Marianne, the story of her older sister Elinor and the story of their family- the Dashwoods. The Dashwood family settled in the village of Barton. They recently moved from their old residence. Some background about why they move to Barton village is given in the first few chapters. They are getting acquainted with the village. One day Marianne goes for a walk with Margaret. It was raining and she falls. It is in this scene that the character of Willoughby is introduced in the story. Willoughby gives a lot of pain to Marianne. Since I have read this book before I know how the story goes. Willoughby is staying in the village with his aunt. He appears to like Marianne. Marianne genuinely likes him. They have read the same books and enjoy similar things. Her liking for him causes her to behave in a slightly impolite way a few times to everyone else except Willoughby. They spend a lot of time together causing others to surmise that they are engaged. To everyone it seemed as though Marianne and Willoughby are engaged. Then suddenly Willoughby has to leave. Willoughby leaves. The parting scene is very significant and I don't remember all the details. Something with Mrs Dashwood and Elinor that I need to read again. Marianne does not confide a lot with Elinor or Mrs.Dashwood. So they also do not know for sure how advanced the relationship between Willoughby and Marianne is. After Willoughby leaves there is no news from him. He does not send any letters. He does not send any message. Marianne is really worried. One day Mrs Jennings decides to take them to London. Marianne goes in hopes of seeing Willoughby. In London Marianne sends several messages to Willoughby. She gets no response. Then it was a ball and everyone attends. Marianne and Elinor go for the ball. There Marianne sees Willoughby in the distance. She tries to meet him. Willoughby does not show the warmth he shows earlier. He is very formal with her. Marianne faints. Marianne knows it is over with Willoughby. He returns to her all the letters she send him. Willoughby is engaged to be married to Miss Grey, a rich woman. Marianne falls sick. She is taken to Mrs Jennings' daughter's house. There she is in real danger. Everybody fears for her very life. Colonel Brandon goes to Barton to fetch her mother. The day her mother is reaching to see her health improves and the doctor pronounces her out of danger. Her mother and sister nurse her back to health. They all go back to Barton village. There Marianne goes through a period of soul searching. She immerses herself in studies and learning. Then one day she goes for a walk with Elinor. They have a conversation about Willoughby. They discuss the lessons she has learned. Elinor tells her that Willoughby once visits while Marianne was sick and tells Elinor his side of the story. This gives Marianne peace. Finally Marianne marries Colonel Brandon. Elinor gets married to Edward. Mrs. Dashwood is happy. Willoughby is sort of happy with his rich wife. Lucy Steele marries Edward's brother Robert. The lessons learned by Marianne and the harrowing experience she goes through is the most riveting part of this novel. Truly there is so much to understand about human interactions. Willoughby did not give any promise to Marianne. However the way he showed affection to her raised expectations in her. Which resulted in her mental and physical breakdown. This teaches us how guarded we are to be. This is how I remember the story. Yesterday I reached the part of Willoughby rescuing Marianne during the rain when she falls and how he is introduced to her family. Today I may read the rest.