outside reading post 2

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.