by Jane Austen
27. Mrs. Ferrars, and her daughter and son-in-law, exhibited a similar “reasonableness” earlier when they considered Lucy especially culpable for having entered a secret engagement with someone from a wealthy family (this page).
28. Lucy, in her attempt to flatter Mrs. Ferrars and break down her hostility, claimed the latter was showing graciousness when she conferred her haughty notice, or acknowledgment.
29. succeed to: enjoy or possess in the wake of someone else.
30. Clerical duties would include conducting regular services, presiding at marriages and funerals, and visiting parishioners. Edward, though obviously a conscientious man who would perform his duties faithfully, never exhibits any particular religious zeal. This was not unusual at the time, for while religious faith was almost universal in this society, it frequently involved no great fervor, and the clergy was regarded as a profession that could be pursued, like any other, with a view in part to the advantages and opportunities it offered.
31. Mrs. Dashwood spoke earlier of the closeness of Barton and Delaford.
32. She wants to bring them together from a belief that Colonel Brandon is a worthy man and they would form a happy couple, not from a wish to procure his wealth for her daughter.
A marriage ceremony.
[From William Combe, The Dance of Life (London, 1817; 1903 reprint), p. 234]
[List of Illustrations]
33. They are obliged to Colonel Brandon for the clerical living they now enjoy, as well as the considerable effort he took to improve their home and make it ready for them quickly.
34. Marianne is the last to perceive it; her absorption in her own thoughts has often made her obtuse about what is happening around her.
35. This succumbing to external pressure represents a highly unromantic path to marriage, the least romantic of any Austen heroine. It thus forms a sharp irony in light of Marianne’s earlier opinions about love and marriage. In addition, Colonel Brandon, like Edward, contrasts with the dashing hero presented in much Romantic literature and initially desired by Marianne. At the same time, her choice of a man whose steady good sense makes him similar to Elinor, and whose close residence to her sister forms one of his attractions, is appropriate for a novel in which the ties between the two sisters have been central to the story—in many respects more important than either of their romantic relationships.
36. She had early on castigated Elinor for speaking of only her esteem and liking of Edward (this page). Now she is willingly entering a marriage in which she feels nothing more for her husband.
37. Since Elinor’s marriage took place approximately one year after they first came to Barton, Marianne’s is happening a year later.
38. retirement: seclusion.
39. Her duties would involve managing the household, as well as supervising the raising of their children—and the phrase “mistress of a family” suggests they eventually have children.
40. The leading landowner in a village played an important role; he would provide employment, charity, and hospitality and frequently would act as a local legal authority. His wife would host events for people in the neighborhood and visit local poor families and assist them.
41. It is notable that, amid this account of his cheerfulness, the fate of Eliza Williams and her child is never mentioned. He presumably continues to provide for them, but may not maintain any other ties. Those who had transgressed fundamental social laws were generally cast out from society, and kept from tainting or influencing others. Jane Austen may have refrained from further mentioning them because of her own discomfort with the subject, which she introduced mostly as a background story for Willoughby and Colonel Brandon.
42. Thus Marianne eventually does fall in love; despite the humorous comments of the narrator above, her final fate is not completely unromantic.
43. These were the conventions of many novels, which showed people who behaved badly always suffering fully for their misdeeds.
44. neither: none of these things. “Neither” was sometimes used then for more than two items.
45. uncomfortable: unpleasant.
46. Fervent devotion to sport was characteristic of many country gentlemen, even those who loved their wives and had no reason to wish to escape their company.
47. Margaret was thirteen at the beginning of the novel, and thus would be fifteen now. This would be around the age that girls started dancing at social events and were considered at least potentially romantic figures.
48. The suggestion is that this is unusual. Their sisterly harmony is similar to that seen in Pride and Prejudice, in which the heroine and her sister maintain a close relationship throughout the novel and end up settling down with husbands who are close friends and live in proximity to each other, though not as great a proximity as Elinor and Marianne. Their situation also contrasts with the frequent discord between the other linked couples, John and Fanny Dashwood and Robert and Lucy Ferrars.
Chronology
Jane Austen did not provide any exact dates in Sense and Sensibility, in contrast to most of her novels, but she provides enough indications of times of year and intervals between events to allow for a fairly precise chronology of the action.
VOLUME I
18 or 19 Years Earlier
Eliza forced to marry Colonel Brandon’s brother
She was 17, their “ages were nearly the same,” and Col. Brandon is now 35.
16 or 17 Years Earlier
Eliza gets divorced
It occurred “two years afterwards.”
Eliza gives birth to daughter, also Eliza
She was three when her mother died (see below).
14 Years Earlier
Col. Brandon returns to England, searches for Eliza
“It was nearly three years after” the above.
13 and a Half Years Earlier
Colonel Brandon finds Eliza; Eliza dies
He found her six months later.
11 and a Half Years Earlier
Old Mr. Dashwood’s sister dies; Henry Dashwood and his wife and daughters move to Norland
It happened “ten years before” his death.
Nine Years Earlier
Edward goes to be educated by Mr. Pratt
He was there four years (see below).
Five Years Earlier
Death of Colonel Brandon’s brother
Edward finishes his schooling with Mr. Pratt
This was one year before next event. (here)
Four Years Earlier
Edward engaged to Lucy
Edward entered at Oxford (here)
Two and a Half Years Earlier
Young Eliza removed from school
This was three years prior to Colonel Brandon’s confession to Elinor (see below).
One and a Half Years Earlier
Death of Old Mr. Dashwood
One year transpired from this until next event.
Six Months Earlier: February or March
Death of Henry Dashwood
Mrs. Dashwood and daughters had “half a year’s residence” at Norland.
Mr. and Mrs. John Dashwood take possession of Norland
This happened immediately after the funeral.
Disappearance of young Eliza
This happened in February. (here)
Several Months Earlier
Edward and Elinor become friendly
He moved into Norland “soon after his sister’s establishment” there, and gradually became acquainted with others.
Beginning of Main Action
The Dashwoods leave Norland
This occurred “a very few weeks” after receiving Sir John’s letter offering Barton cottage.
Very Early September
The Dashwoods arrive at Barton
The trip would have probably taken two days.
Day 2
Sir John visits the Dashwoods
Day 3
Lady Middleton visits the Dashwoods
Day 4
Th
e Dashwoods dine at the Middletons’
Mrs. Jennings arrives at the Middletons’
Mid- to Late September
Marianne’s rescue by Willoughby
This happened soon after they had been two weeks in Barton.
Sir John calls on the Dashwoods
Next Day
Willoughby calls on the Dashwoods
Late September
Willoughby visits the Dashwoods every day
October
Frequent social events organized by Sir John
Early to Mid-October
Colonel Brandon’s sudden departure
This time, and those for following entries, are calculated backward from events in mid-November.
Edward visits Lucy at her uncle’s
He came two weeks before arrival in Barton. (here)
Mid- to Late October
Willoughby expresses love of Dashwood cottage
This occurred “about a week after Colonel Brandon had left the country.”
Mrs. Smith confronts Willoughby about his illicit affair with young Eliza
It was the day before he left. (here)
Next Day
Willoughby’s sudden departure
Late October
Duel between Colonel Brandon and Willoughby
This happened just after Willoughby’s arrival in London, which was “within a fortnight” of Colonel Brandon’s arrival—this was a longer interval than that between their departures because Willoughby traveled more slowly.
Edward’s arrival in Barton
He came “about a week after” Willoughby’s departure. (here)
Beginning of November
Edward’s departure from Barton
He “remained a week” there.
Early November
Arrival of the Palmers in Barton
This happened “soon after” above event.
Next Day
Visit with the Palmers at the Middletons’
Day After
Departure of the Palmers
Middle of November
Arrival of the Miss Steeles at Barton Park
This occurred soon after: interval with no visitors “did not last long.” It can be dated to the middle of November because they stayed there “nearly two months”, and they left during the second week of January.
Soon After
Lucy reveals her engagement to Elinor
Later Elinor says Lucy told her “when Lucy first came to Barton”.
VOLUME II
Late December
Mrs. Jennings invites Elinor and Marianne to London
It occurred “on the approach of January.”
First Week of January
Mrs. Jennings, Elinor, and Marianne leave for London
3 Days Later
Arrival in London
Marianne writes to Willoughby
Middle of January
Willoughby leaves his card at Mrs. Jennings’s house
This happened “about a week after their arrival.”
The Middletons arrive in London
This was the same day as above: they sent a note the day after he left his card, and it announced their arrival “the night before.”
Two Days Later
Evening at the Middletons’ London house
Their note (see above) invited people for “the following evening.”
Next Day
Marianne writes to Willoughby; Elinor writes to Mrs. Dashwood
Mid- to Late January
Encounter with Willoughby at party
After Marianne’s second letter, “nothing occurred during the next three or four days”; “about the end of that time” they went to the party.
Next Day
Marianne’s third letter to Willoughby; his reply
Mrs. Jennings hears of Willoughby’s engagement (here)
Day After
Elinor and Marianne talk more about Willoughby
Arrival of letter from Mrs. Dashwood
Colonel Brandon tells Elinor his history (here)
Early February
Willoughby’s marriage
This happened “within a fortnight from the receipt of Willoughby’s letter.”
The Miss Steeles arrive in London
Early February
John and Fanny Dashwood arrive in London
They planned to be there “before the middle of February”. The sequence of later events suggests it was well before.
Day 2
John and Fanny take their son to Exeter Exchange
Day 3
Elinor meets John Dashwood at Gray’s
Day 4
John Dashwood calls on Mrs. Jennings
He told Elinor he would call “the next day.”
Day 5
Fanny calls on Mrs. Jennings and Lady Middleton
Early to Mid- February
Edward calls twice at Mrs. Jennings’s house
This was “within a very short time” of above.
John and Fanny invite the Middletons to a dinner
They did this “soon after their acquaintance began.”
Middle of February
The Miss Steeles come to stay at the Middletons’
This was a few days before following event.
Dinner party of John and Fanny
Lucy calls on Elinor, Edward also appears
This occurred the day after the party. (here)
Mid- to Late February
Mrs. Palmer gives birth
This happened “a few days after” above meeting.
Elinor and Marianne attend a musical party
How soon after other events is never specified. (here)
Fanny Dashwood invites the Miss Steeles to stay
This was the day after the above party. (here)
Late February
Mrs. Jennings spends her days with her daughter; Elinor, Marianne spend their days at the Middletons’
VOLUME III
First Week of March
Mrs. Jennings and the Miss Dashwoods return to their normal routine at Mrs. Jennings’s house
This occurred two weeks after Mrs. Palmer gave birth.
Early March Wednesday
Engagement of Edward and Lucy revealed
It was “about the third or fourth” day after above, later revealed to be a Wednesday.
Edward refuses to renounce engagement (here)
Thursday
John Dashwood tells Mrs. Jennings, Elinor, and Marianne of the affair
Thurs.–Fri.
Edward leaves London to think over his plans
Sunday
Edward sees Lucy; they affirm their engagement
Elinor sees Anne Steele in park, learns news
It was now “the second week in March.” (here)
Monday
Elinor receives a letter from Lucy
Middle of March
Elinor and Marianne plan trip home
Colonel Brandon calls, tells Elinor of gift to Edward
Elinor tells Edward of gift
This was the same day as above. (here)
Next Day
Mrs. Jennings calls on Lucy Steele
Mid- to Late March
Elinor calls on John Dashwood
“It was now above a week since” his telling her and Mrs. Jennings of Edward’s engagement.
First Half of April
Elinor, Marianne, Mrs. Jennings, and Mrs. Palmer leave London together
It was “very early in April.”
Day 3
Arrival at the Palmers’ house
Day 4
Mr. Palmer and Colonel Brandon arrive
Days 5 & 6
Marianne takes two twilight walks
Day 7
Marianne develops a violent cold
This is the most likely day. The cold, acquired during the walks, was “for a day or two trifled with or denied.”
Day 8
Marianne’s conditio
n worsens
Day 9
Apothecary examines Marianne, speaks of infection; Mrs. Palmer and baby evacuate the house
Day 10
Mr. Palmer joins his wife
Days 11 & 12
Marianne’s condition remains the same
Day 13
Marianne seems to improve, then worsens
Colonel Brandon leaves to get Mrs. Dashwood (here)
Sir John receives a letter from Mrs. Jennings about Marianne, later tells Willoughby of it (here)
Day 14
Marianne begins to improve
Willoughby arrives and is met with Elinor (here)
Colonel Brandon and Mrs. Dashwood arrive (here)
Mid- to Late April
Marianne moved to dressing room
This was “within four days after” above event.
Late April
The Dashwoods leave for home
The day is not specified; it seems to be several days to a week after the above.
The Dashwoods arrive home
It was late during the next day.
Marianne goes for a walk; Elinor tells of Willoughby She had been “two or three days at home.”
Early May
Elinor hears of Lucy’s marriage
Elinor was not “long in ignorance” of news of the matter. Counting backward from Colonel Brandon’s arrival in Barton (see below), this would be almost two weeks after they left the Palmers’.
Edward leaves Oxford
This would be soon after above event. Lucy had written him a letter while traveling to Dawlish, and thus just before she sent message of her marriage to Elinor, and he left Oxford “within four and twenty hours after receiving the letter.” (here)
Early to Mid-May
Edward arrives in Barton, proposes to Elinor
This would be two days after his departure from Oxford, according to prevailing travel speeds. (and here)
Middle of May
Colonel Brandon’s arrival in Barton
This was “about four days after Edward’s arrival.” He had been at home for three weeks after everyone’s departure from the Palmers’.
Latter Part of May
Edward and Colonel Brandon leave for Delaford
This was “three or four days” after Brandon arrived.
Edward leaves for London
He stayed at Delaford “a couple of nights” first.
Edward secures his mother’s consent to his marriage
He would have been two days, or a little more, on the road; she agreed after a little delay. At this point it was two weeks after Lucy and Robert’s marriage.