The Annotated Sense and Sensibility

by Jane Austen

  20. coxcomb: conceited, foolish man, excessively concerned with his appearance and inclined to show off; fop.

  21. prettiest: best.

  22. sly: secretive.

  23. concerto: musical piece. The term then could apply to a variety of musical compositions, rather than just ones involving a solo instrument and an orchestra, as it usually does today.

  24. She presumably means Elinor is a party concerned because of her friendship with Edward, or her family connection with him.

  25. take orders: become ordained as a clergyman.

  26. interest: influence, especially through personal connections.

  27. The living is the position of clergyman for a parish. The right to appoint people, who had to be qualified clergy, to these positions was not controlled by the church, but by a variety of individuals or other entities. This right was effectively a piece of property, which could be passed on to one’s heirs or bought and sold. Wealthy landowning families controlled a large number of livings, and were especially likely to control one for the parish in which they resided, as is the case here with John Dashwood and is later revealed to be the case with Colonel Brandon. The personal influence Lucy refers to was critical for appointments, for those making them were most likely to choose a person who was a family member or friend, or was recommended by someone connected to them. This system, though subject to some criticism, was generally accepted, in part because most institutions in this society were governed primarily by patronage and personal connections.

  28. The holder of the living enjoys a very good income. This would come from tithes the parishioners were obligated to pay and profits of glebe land, which the holder of the living could farm. Incomes varied significantly from one living to another, due to the great differences in the population and wealth of parishes, which would determine the amount of the tithes collected, as well as to the differences in the size of glebe land.

  29. Since appointments to clerical positions were for life, they would normally become vacant only when the current holder, or incumbent, died. Even those who had become too old to perform the duties effectively would usually hire a curate (see note 25), rather than resign.

  30. She speaks of friendship only for Edward, though Lucy had mentioned Elinor’s possible regard for herself.

  31. Lucy, as the woman, would be the one to decide to do this, though she certainly could do it in consultation with Edward if she wished.

  32. Elinor conceals her emotions, probably from a sense that Lucy’s words are meant to solicit a reaction that reveals Elinor’s true feelings for Edward and puts her in an embarrassed position.

  33. In calling them “so tenderly attached” Elinor is employing stronger and more obvious sarcasm than she has used until now. It may be the result of the agitation caused by Lucy’s last question, or simply from cumulative annoyance as she talks further to Lucy.

  34. Lucy’s words also reveal increased annoyance with Elinor, though, in a sign of the latter’s relative triumph in this conversation, Lucy alone shows her annoyance through the tone of her voice.

  35. ease: lack of restraint; informality.

  36. Their increasingly sharp words might escalate into more open avowals of their real feelings toward each other.

  37. accustomary: usual.

  38. Lucy explicitly declares her indifference toward these relations, even though she is obviously intending to make use of their hospitality. When not attempting to flatter or deceive someone, her own words frequently display her underlying lack of regard for others.

  39. The rubber of casino (see this page and note 55).

  40. Lucy’s having felt the need to warn Elinor away by revealing the engagement constitutes the strongest proof that she knows Edward is weary of it. Further proof appeared in this conversation through Lucy’s evident animosity toward Elinor and her inability to mention anything indicating Edward’s continued regard, even after implicitly challenged on the point by Elinor.

  41. Lucy could receive these letters without sacrificing the secrecy of her engagement because none of the people with whom she is now staying would know Edward’s handwriting. People did not write a return address on letters then, only the name of the recipient. Letters did show a postmark, but Edward seems to spend much of his time in London, and a postmark from there, even if it excited the curiosity of Mrs. Jennings or Sir John, could easily be explained as coming from the relations in London that Lucy has just mentioned.

  42. They could be dangerous by inciting her to speak to Lucy in a way that would violate good manners, or, perhaps even more likely, by reminding her of her disappointment with Edward and kindling resentment toward him or regrets about her own situation. She was earlier shown trying to suppress her feelings of disappointment after Edward’s visit.

  43. Presumably they prefer the Middletons because of their superior wealth and status—for the probable social inferiority of their relatives at Exeter, see note 5. Over the course of the novel they repeatedly drop one group of people for another whenever it seems advantageous.

  44. This would be Christmas (see this page). At this time Christmas was celebrated principally through parties and feasting. Gift giving, trees, cards, and special decorations did not arise until later in the nineteenth century.

  VOLUME II, CHAPTER III

  1. Portman Square is in an elegant part of London; for more on this, see note 23. For the location of the square, see map; for a picture.

  2. spoke: indicated, revealed.

  3. Betty is her servant. Many wealthy women would be accompanied wherever they went by lady’s maids, who took care of their mistresses’ clothes and helped them with dressing and grooming. Betty, however, is not such a maid, though she may perform some of the same functions, for a lady’s maid was an upper servant, which would give her the right to be called by her last name rather than her first. Betty was a common name for servants, who often had diminutives as names: according to one scholar (Maggie Lane), most poorer women of the time with the name had been christened simply “Betty,” rather than “Elizabeth.” The former name was correspondingly shunned by the wealthy, even as the latter remained popular: Elizabeth Bennet, the heroine of Pride and Prejudice, is only called “Elizabeth,” “Eliza,” or “Lizzy.”

  Betty would be sent by the public coach because the chaise (see next note) seats only three people, so there would be no room for her if Elinor and Marianne came. The fare for a coach ride would be a modest sum for someone like Mrs. Jennings, who is wealthy enough to own an elegant house in London. For a picture of a public coach, see this page.

  4. A chaise was a small enclosed carriage (for a picture). Whereas a coach had two seats, each with room for three that faced one another, a chaise had one such seat facing forward. It was the vehicle most commonly used by people traveling post (see note 18). Its being enclosed meant protection from cold and rain, while its small size meant it could go faster than a coach. Mrs. Jennings would be renting a chaise, the most common procedure for those traveling post.

  5. One of them could serve as chaperone (see note 3).

  6. Mrs. Jennings assumes, like most people in this society, that a mother’s principal concern for her daughters is that they find husbands.

  7. She probably figures that all those who have shown an interest in Marianne and Elinor—Willoughby, Colonel Brandon, and Edward—will be in London for the winter. At the same time, the vagueness of her words suggests she would be happy to look out for any potential mates; further incidents will show Mrs. Jennings assuming that other people are not too choosy about whom they will marry.

  8. come into: agree with, accede to.

  9. comfortable: pleasant, enjoyable.

  10. From this point forward Mrs. Jennings plays a more important role. While her basic character remains the same, the more positive aspects of her nature, particularly her generosity and good humor, come more to the fore. Her offer to take Elinor and Marianne, and her talking merrily of how they could laugh at her behin
d her back, highlight those qualities.

  11. poking: puttering around.

  12. Charlotte (Mrs. Palmer) would have lived with her mother during previous winters because she was still unmarried. Her being pregnant now with her first child indicates that her marriage was recent, for since children were seen as a central purpose of marriage, and birth control was rarely practiced, couples generally began having babies soon after the wedding.

  13. As always in Jane Austen, the language employed by Mrs. Jennings gives a good sense of her character. Her use of a slang term like “monstrous,” frequent recourse to colloquial expressions like “the more the merrier” and “let us strike hands,” and her saying “Lord”—an invocation often in her mouth that was generally regarded as improper—mark her speech as far from polished and elegant. The speech of most characters, especially intelligent ones like Elinor, do not include any of these features.

  14. Marianne may expect Willoughby to be in London because he identified that as his destination when he left (though he did not say how long he would be there), or because he had told her he intended to be there in the winter, or simply because she knows that many people go to London then. The mention of Willoughby and Marianne’s feelings toward him indicates that the story, after having focused on Elinor’s situation for a number of chapters, is now shifting back to the younger sister. There will be several more shifts until the end.

  15. On her own account she wishes to avoid seeing Edward, especially in the presence of Lucy. As for Marianne, Elinor’s thoughts about her and Willoughby have not been described since his abrupt departure and her debates with her mother on the subject. But Willoughby’s continued absence and silence would certainly increase her doubts about his intentions, and she probably fears that pursuing him to London is likely to lead Marianne to disappointment, while encouraging her to keep focusing on a matter that causes her distress.

  16. Elinor fears what these strong feelings portend, in the event that Marianne’s hopes are not fulfilled.

  17. amusement: enjoyment.

  18. directly: immediately.

  19. Mrs. Dashwood is educating Margaret at home (being thirteen she is not finished yet). This was common for girls and would be particularly likely in a case like this in which the mother is highly capable of teaching—Mrs. Dashwood’s polished and articulate speech, her high social background, and the excellent learning displayed by her two oldest daughters all suggest that she is well educated—but in no position to afford a fine school. One reason for Mrs. Dashwood to expect great improvement in Margaret while the others are gone, in addition to her inveterate optimism about everything, is that Margaret has undoubtedly spent a large amount of time away from home, and her studies, due to the frequent social events sponsored by the Middletons.

  20. London offered a vast array of plays, concerts, and public spectacles, and these could provide young women of their condition, i.e., social rank, with enjoyment and cultural polish. As for manners, those of elite London society were considered the height of elegance and refinement, and their beneficial influence was extolled by many writers.

  A chaise.

  [From G. A. Thrupp, History of Coaches (London, 1877), p. 77]

  [List of Illustrations]

  21. This is a diplomatic way for Elinor to hint critically at her mother’s tendency to overlook every possible impediment or drawback to a pleasant scheme. One example of this tendency appears above in her mother’s talk of being able to alter the bedrooms, which, given everything that has appeared about their finances, is almost certainly not feasible.

  22. Mrs. Dashwood’s quick dismissal of the entire matter of cost indicates her impracticality. It may not cost much, since they will be staying with Mrs. Jennings, but one cannot be automatically sure of that, especially given the expensiveness of London.

  23. protection: patronage, tutelage.

  24. consequence: social importance or position. Since they will be Mrs. Jennings’s effective dependents while there, her vulgarity will reflect on them socially. That Elinor should consider this an objection worth raising, and that Mrs. Dashwood should feel compelled to answer it, indicates how much even the most high-minded people in this society value social status.

  25. Going in public with Lady Middleton would be preferable because of her far superior manners and social polish.

  26. scruples: hesitations.

  27. This decision underlines Elinor’s self-sacrificing character. It is also essential to the development of the entire plot.

  28. condescend: consent.

  29. This could mean Edward, though Elinor already knows him well, or Edward’s brother, about whom they know little, or Mrs. Ferrars, though after all that has been heard to her detriment, it is doubtful that one could rationally anticipate enjoyment from becoming acquainted with her.

  30. The hyperbole of their enthusiasm contrasts sharply with Lucy’s look of delight when Elinor told her earlier she would not go to London (this page).

  31. Meaning to mistrust or fear what might result from Marianne’s attempt to see Willoughby again.

  Portman Square in London; Mrs. Jennings’s residence is near here.

  [From The Repository of arts, literature, fashions, manufactures, &c, Vol. X (1813), p. 105]

  [List of Illustrations]

  32. Soon almost all the characters will appear in London, and remain there for much of the rest of the novel. As already mentioned, London was very busy in the winter and attracted many people. For some, such as John Dashwood and his wife, it would be a natural venue because they live in the nearby county of Sussex. For the Middletons it would be more unusual, given the long travel time between Devonshire and London. Wealthy families in the western part of England would be more likely to go to Bath for the winter, as important characters in both Northanger Abbey and Persuasion do, because of its greater proximity (see map). Bath was the leading resort town in England, and while not as busy as London, it offered plenty of entertainment and social life, at a lower cost. The probable reason for the exception here is that Mrs. Jennings and the Palmers both have a house in London, the former because of her earlier residence there and the latter most likely because of his ambition to serve in Parliament. This could easily induce the Middletons to go there as well to be close to their relations.

  Carriages stopping at an inn.

  [From Joseph Grego, Rowlandson the Caricaturist, Vol. I (London, 1880), p. 213]

  [List of Illustrations]

  VOLUME II, CHAPTER IV

  1. That this would require exertion indicates that Elinor’s goodness is not simply a natural and automatic attribute, but something she must continually attain by struggling to suppress other impulses. This is consistently the case for Jane Austen’s heroines.

  2. The distance from Barton, four miles north of Exeter, to London would be around 175 miles by the main roads of the time. The standard speed on main roads was seven to eight miles per hour if using two horses, as most people did. This would mean a journey of between twenty-two and twenty-five hours: they probably spent around nine hours each day on the road the first two days, and the remainder on the third day (they are described below as arriving at three o’clock). These times, while very slow from our perspective, were a considerable improvement over earlier ages, a product of better carriages and, especially, advances in road design and construction. Jane Austen is always very accurate about the amount of time required to travel someplace; in a letter to a niece, in which she comments on the niece’s draft of a novel, she criticizes her for having people travel in one day between two towns that are actually two days apart (Aug. 18, 1814).

  3. happy: fitting, appropriate.

  4. complaisance: civility, willingness to please others.

  5. Elinor frequently makes up for Marianne’s deficiencies in civility. It is one reason Marianne is able to be rude or inconsiderate without suffering many negative consequences.

  6. They probably just took whatever standard fare was being offere
d or deferred to Mrs. Jennings’s choice.

  7. As this list indicates, the diet of wealthy people in England then was heavily centered on meat and fish.

  8. It is now January, and carriages then had no heat (though people did use very warm coverings).

  9. handsome: moderately large.

  10. “Apartment” most frequently meant room then, but it could mean a suite of rooms. Country houses often had apartments consisting of a bedroom and a dressing room, and perhaps a large closet. But in town houses, where space was far more limited, people were more likely just to have a bedroom, and this is probably the case with Elinor and Marianne.

  11. landscape in coloured silks: silk embroidery of a landscape scene.

  12. great: prestigious (especially in a social sense).

  13. Girls from wealthy families would often go to schools. Those in London were especially prestigious, though the main reason Charlotte attended one may have been because her parents lived there. The focus of these schools was teaching accomplishments, which could include foreign languages (usually French or Italian), drawing, music, dance, or decorative activities like embroidery. That the best proof of Charlotte’s seven years is a piece of embroidery suggests that the education she received was of limited value.

  14. As already mentioned, correspondence between unmarried men and women was permitted only if they were engaged. Presumably Elinor did not witness any letters from Marianne to Willoughby while they were at home.

  15. The reason it is not entirely satisfactory is probably that Willoughby’s prolonged absence and silence have made her doubt his affection for Marianne. Thus if they are engaged Marianne could be binding herself to a man who would not prove to be an ideal husband.

  16. Once a letter was written the paper, or papers, would be folded up and then sealed on the outside—there were no envelopes. The sealing would be done either by placing a sticky wafer between the folds of the paper or by melting wax onto the paper, and then stamping it with a seal. Then it could be directed, or addressed. The contents of this note are revealed on this page.