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In this novel the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, illustrate the pursuit of differing personal qualities. Marianne believes in emotional romantic standards for her male admirers. They must possess an intense appreciation of music, art, and literature. Elinor desires a match based on quieter sentiments and steady affections which include genuine comradeship and respect that occur over time. The story begins with the death of Mr. Dashwood. Because he has a son from an earlier marriage, English law only allows for his son, John, to inherit the estate at Norland Park. A relative of Mrs. Dashwood, Sir John Middleton, offers Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters the residence of a cottage at Barton Park. He is a kind and accommodating host who helps them reorganize their lives at this new place in Devonshire. Elinor had made the acquaintance of Edward Ferrars, the brother of John's wife, Fanny, but now they must part since Edward's mother wants him to marry well and Elinor has no money. Marianne has met John Willoughby when he rescues her from a fall on the hills. She is quickly attended to by his vigilance and falls in love. The reader continues on and is completely exposed to Austen's key subject: a man should should not be judged by romantic sentiment but by moral virtues. The introduction of Colonel Brandon to Marianne helps her see that counterfeit exaggeration is of no measure beside the resolute admiration the Colonel has for her musical abilities. Modest practicality is more reliable than any short life of a tantalizing passion. When Marianne falls ill and Colonel Brandon visits her during her recovery, she understands the convincing charm of his tenderness |
