Sense and Sensibility Essay Questions
Questions for Study
- What is the role of letters in Sense and Sensibility?
- Although Elinor Dashwood is not a first-person narrator, most of the story is told through her eyes. Why do you think the author chose this narrative structure and not one of multiple view points?
- Although it ends with two marriages, some readers have claimed that of all of Austen’s novels, Sense and Sensibility has the saddest ending. In what way would you agree or disagree with that assessment.
- Elinor and Marianne’s younger sister Margaret plays a very minor role in the novel. Why do you think Austen took the trouble to include her at all?Could she be said to further the plot of the novel in any way? In what way does she serve as a comparison or contrast with any of the other characters? Can she be seen to enlighten us about any of the other characters?
- Do you find the ending of the novel, when Marianne decides to marry Colonel Brandon, a satisfactory conclusion to the novel as a whole? Why or why not? Please make close reference to the text.
- Comment on Austen’s depiction of children in the novel. Give two specific examples of children in the novel. What do you think Austen is trying to tell us about them?
- What is your opinion of
- Compare and contrast
- Compare and contrast Elinor and Marianne.
- What is your opinion of Edward Ferrars’ actions throughout the novel.
- Who would you describe as the ‘villain’ of Sense and Sensibility? Why? Make close reference to your text.
- What is your opinion of Lucy Steele’s actions throughout the novel.
- Compare and contrast Mrs. Dashwood’s relationships with her children to that of Mrs. Ferrars’.