What do you think is the main theme or message in Sense and Sensibility?

As it is stated in the title, Sense and
Sensibility illustrates the clash that occurs when emotions rule our common
sense. Austen presents, in a variety of story lines, that romance and social
expectations could be detrimental to individuals who allow themselves to be guided
merely on these two parameters. Therefore, the story aims to demonstrate that love will
always manifest itself the same way to everyone. However, only the strong would survive
the "curve balls" that romance throws our way. In all, Sense and
Sensibility is a study of how differently people react to the different
manifestations of love.

Out  several different story lines,
one can definitely point out Elinor and Marianne as the ultimate representatives of
sense (common sense) and sensibility (emotions),
respectively.

Elinor has self-control, abides by social
rules, and measures her emotional acumen. She does not allow complexity to ruin her
poise. She even tolerates the likes of Lucy Steele and her engagement to Edward. She is
stoic and analytical in every way.

Marianne, contrastingly,
believes that romance is the essence of life. She transfers her emotional nature to her
everyday existence. The result is that she ends up deceived, frustrated, and sick.
Eventually, as she recovers her senses, she realizes the foolishness of not quite
reading between the lines. In the end, she gets her emotions in check and opts for using
her common sense to understand the veracity of the Colonel's intentions towards
her.

In conclusion, Sense and
Sensibility explores both sides of the spectrum: Common sense in love and
emotional reaction. In the end, sense wins. However, Austen also leads us to understand
that, in love, all is fair. It is up to us to determine to what point that is a
possibility.