In Jane Austen's Sense and
Sensibility, there are three Dashwood sisters: Elinor, Marianne, and
Margaret.
Elinor is the oldest of the three sisters in her
family. Whereas Marianne (the middle daughter) is the passionate young woman who cannot
exercise moderation in either her great happinesses or great sorrows—and is considered
the "sensibility" in Austen's title—Elinor is considered the "sense." Just barely still
a teenager at nineteen, she is particularly advanced mentally and emotionally for her
age. Elinor's "sense" is seen in her practicality, as well as with her tact, and her
strong sense of remaining in control of her emotions. An artistic woman with strong
feelings, she governs herself with rational thought. She sees a kindred spirit in Edward
Ferrars, feeling that they are much the same. Elinor keeps her innermost feelings
private, and she is grounded enough to support her family and hold it together in times
of great distress. She is a source of wisdom to Mrs. Dashwood (her mother) and her
sisters.
readability="6">Throughout the book, Austen holds up Elinor as a
paragon of virtue.
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