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The book Sense and Sensibility is both similar and different from books we've read in class. In many ways it is similar to Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close in that the characters are searching for self discovery. The girls in Sense and Sensibility finally find that family is their number one priority and they need each other despite their differences. Both girls end up having separate lives, but will always stay true to each other, holding on to their true identity. This is shown in the last paragraph of the novel. Austen writes, "Between Barton and Delaford, there was that constant communication which strong family affection would naturally dictate;—and among the merits and the happiness of Elinor and Marianne, let it not be ranked as the least considerable, that though sisters, and living almost within sight of each other, they could live without disagreement between themselves, or producing coolness between their husbands. "(336) Oskar is also searching for his values and identity in society and finds that family is an important value to him as well. In the end however, there are also different in many ways. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close deals with a major theme of overcoming tragedy which is also in Sense and Sensibility but not quite as much Also, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close uses visual images and multiple narrators which Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close does not.


The book Sense and Sensibility also has similarities and differences to the novel Black Boy. The novels are similar because they both deal with ideas of independence. In Sense and Sensibility the girls are gaining independence by growing up and finding their place in society and Richard gains independence by rebelling. Marianne’s independence is shown when Jane Austen says, "Marianne Dashwood was born to an extraordinary fate. She was born to discover the falsehood of her own opinions, and to counteract, by her conduct, her most favorite maxims. She was born to overcome an affection formed so late in life as at seventeen, and with no sentiment superior to strong esteem and lively friendship, voluntarily to give her hand to another!—and THAT other, a man who had suffered no less than herself under the event of a former attachment, whom, two years before, she had considered too old to be married,—and who still sought the constitutional safeguard of a flannel waistcoat! " (334). Marianne learns good sense throughout the novel as well as independence from what had consumed her life. The books are different because they also have different themes. Black Boy also deals with the issue of racism.

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In the book Sense and Sensibility there are two main characters with contrasting personalities and outlooks on life. Elinor and Marianne are sisters living with their widowed mother and youngest sister Margaret. The novel illustrates the challenges of growing up and how each girl deals with them in very different ways. Elinor is older and much more reserved. She is extremely calm and has astonishing self control. Elinor views the world logically and practically. Marianne on the other hand is driven by passion and emotion. Her moods swing from the extremes, either completely ecstatic or hopelessly depressed. She is consumed by imagination filled with romances and fantasies and often overreacts to situations. The girls differences are magnified throughout the book as they are faced with the same challenges but react with them in completely opposing ways.


Though the girls had grown up at Norland, they were forced to leave by their mother, who could know longer live with her step-son and his wife. While Elinor not only had to leave Norland, but her love interest Edward, she showed no emotion. Reflecting on this, Marianne declared, "And Elinor in quitting Norland and Edward, cried not as I did. Even her self command is invariable. When is she dejected or melancholy?" (38). Elinor was extremely composed and seemingly unaffected by the thought of leaving Norland and Edward, proving her poised and calm disposition. Marianne, on the other hand, was hysterical to leave her home. She cried, " Dear, dear Norland, when shall I cease to regret you!- when learn to find a home elsewhere!- Oh, happy house, you know where I could suffer from viewing you from this spot!" (26). It is clear that Marianne expresses her emotions much more than Elinor and deals with her problems vocally.


Elinor on the other hand, bottles up her emotions and faces her problems much more calmly. Later, once in Barton, the girls find that a gentleman by the name of Willoughby who assisted Marianne when she sprained her ankle. Convinced that he is a potential love interest for Marianne, they bombard Sir John with questions. Marianne passionately asks, “But what are his manners upon more intimate acquaintances. What are his pursuits, talents and genius" (41). Elinor, on the other hand, inquires, "Where does he come from? Has he a house in Allenham" (42). This is another example of how Marianne is passionate and romantic while Elinor is level-headed and practical.

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Many times conflicts within relationships are caused due to a clashing of personalities. Form the very beginning of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, we see conflict erupt from eccentric characters. Most of this conflict is caused because of the clashing of personalities of the characters. Mr. Henry Dashwood was a peculiar man who dies at the beginning of the book, acting as a catalyst for the conflict in the house. He left most of his estate to his son of a previous marriage and almost none for his wife and daughters. This illustrates a lack of thoughtfulness on the part of Mr. Dashwood. Mrs. Dashwood and characters are left dependent on the generosity of the son Mr. John Dashwood which is extremely unfortunate because he is very selfish and his wife is even more so. They decide to give next to nothing their stepmother and stepsisters next to nothing and make the environment at Norland very hostile. This leaves Mr. Dashwood and her daughters Eleanor, Marianne and Margaret very upset. The complete, exaggerated selfishness of John Dashwood and his wife is apparent at the begging of the book. We also see the stubbornness and independence of Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters when they decide they must move out of that house. Eleanor then has a new love interest that adds another eccentric personality to the mix. I predict more conflict will come from the relentless, unstoppable clash of personalities.