Sense and Sensability

by Jane Austin

Sense and Sensibility is a classical story written by Jane Austin in 1795 as a novel-in-letters although it did not survive in that format. She wrote at a time when repression pervaded society. Her style shows a keen understanding of the upper classes in a very stratified society. Money was always an issue because it was shameful to be of the wealthy class, educated, well dressed, waited on by servants and not have money. She describes in a saterically witty style, the shallowness of this class of people.

But many of the characters are kind as well. Also, I really liked how social people were and how different it was to live without TV, movies and social media. People spent a lot of time visiting other people. Since there were no vehicles beyond a horse and buggy, when people visited, they often stayed for week or so. Since this was the upper class they were not tethered to jobs where they had to report everyday. Especially the women, who were expected to be home and ready to entertain. I can’t imagine inviting my closest friends over for a month. You would think in this scenario there would be personality clashes and resentments, and you would be right. But the societal rules of the day did not allow rudeness. The young women were expected to marry and every young man who visited bcame a potential husband. The courtship would take place in plain view of the all of their friends and acquaintances.

The main characters are the Dashwood family; Mrs. Dashwood, and her daughters Elinor and Marianne. Mrs. Dashwood must move from her large estate when her step son inherits his late father’s property. Sir John Middleton, who is a jovial distant cousin, provides the Dashwoods with a home in Barton Cottage on his estate. Mrs. Jennings, Sir Middleton’s jovial and well intetioned mother-in-law, is their closest friend.

Jane Austin has a depth of understanding of human nature and psychology that provides an entertaining and complex cast of characters. You will love this book if you like happily ever after love stories and a time capsule of a very different era.