Q: Elinor Dashwood Character Analysis in Sense and Sensibility | Jane Austen
In the novel, “Sense and Sensibility”, Jane Austen has presented very effectively the difference between human nature, emotions and reason. The character of Elinor Dashwood is particularly important among the main characters of the novel.
She is a symbol of wisdom, patience and self-control. Elinor is responsible towards her family and takes thoughtful decisions in every situation. Balance and maturity are visible in her behaviour. In this way, the character of Elinor clearly presents the main idea of the novel, “sense”. Her character is calm, patient and responsible.
Elinor Dashwood is the eldest daughter of the Dashwood family. She is a very intelligent and mature girl. A sense of responsibility is visible in him at an early age. After the death of the father the financial condition of the family becomes weak. At such times, Elinor turns to her mother and sisters for support. She tries to handle the family by controlling her emotions. This shows that he is practical and conscientious.
Elinor's nature is very calm and restrained. She does not reveal her feelings easily to others. She believes that one must be patient in difficult situations. This is why she looks completely different from her sister Marianne. Marianne is very emotional and expresses her feelings immediately. But Elinor takes the decision thoughtfully. She believes that not only emotions but also wisdom is important in life.
Elinor's love affair with Edward Ferrers is shown. She loves Edward with all her heart. But she is still very patient when she learns that Edward is already secretly engaged to someone else. She hides her grief and does not complain to anyone. She also tries to save her family from this trouble. This shows his tolerance and self-control.
The character of Elinor also symbolizes morality and social decorum. She always behaves correctly and respectfully. She respects the feelings of others. Many times she hides her feelings and gives importance to the happiness of others. This shows his generosity and maturity.
Elinor also has a lot of empathy and understanding. She understands people's nature and circumstances very well. That's why she is not harsh towards others. For example, when Marianne becomes very sad after failing in love, Elinor supports her. She tries to make him understand and takes care of him. This shows that she is also a good sister.
The character of Elinor represents the main idea of “sense” in this novel. She teaches us that emotions are important in life, but controlling them is equally important. One should act with patience and discretion in difficult times. His behavior also shows that true love is not based only on emotion, but also on trust and responsibility.
At the end of the novel, Elinor gets rewarded for her patience and goodness. Edward Ferrers' engagement is broken and the two eventually get married. This ending shows that honesty, patience and wisdom ultimately lead to success.
Thus the character of Elinor Dashwood is very inspiring and balanced. He is an example of wisdom, responsibility and self-control. Through it the author has given the message that only sentimentality does not work in life. Prudence and patience are equally important. Therefore Elinor Dashwood is considered an ideal and strong character in the novel.
Exam-Oriented Questions and Answers
1. Who is Elinor Dashwood?
Answer: Elinor Dashwood is one of the main characters of the novel Sense and Sensibility. She is the eldest daughter of the Dashwood family. His nature is calm, sensible and responsible. She is dutiful towards her family and always takes decisions with discretion. In the novel, she is considered a symbol of “sense” i.e. prudence.
2. What are the main characteristics of Elinor Dashwood's personality?
Answer: Elinor's nature is very balanced and mature. She controls her emotions. She acts with patience and understanding in every situation. She takes responsibility of her family and always respects the feelings of others.
3. What is the difference between the temperaments of Elinor Dashwood and Marianne Dashwood?
Answer: Elinor and Marianne are both sisters, but they have different natures. Elinor is very intelligent and reserved. She takes decisions thoughtfully. Marianne on the other hand is very emotional and expresses her feelings immediately. Thus Elinor represents “sense” and Marianne represents “sensibility”.
4. What is Elinor Dashwood's relationship with Edward Ferrars?
Answer: Elinor loves Edward Ferrars. Edward likes her too. But Edward is already secretly engaged to Lucy Steele. Elinor is saddened by this, but she hides her sadness. In the end Edward's engagement is broken and he marries Elinor.
5. Why is Elinor Dashwood called the symbol of “sense” in the novel?
Answer: Elinor is said to be the epitome of “sense” because she uses prudence and logic in every situation. She controls her emotions. She does not lose patience even in difficult times. His behavior shows wisdom and self-control.
6. How is Elinor Dashwood towards her family?
Answer: Elinor is very responsible and loving towards her family. After the death of her father, she becomes the support of her mother and sisters. She understands the family's problems and tries to handle them.
7. What message does the character of Elinor Dashwood convey?
Answer: Elinor's character conveys the message that not only emotions but also wisdom and patience are important in life. One should act with restraint and wisdom in difficult situations. True love is based on trust and responsibility.
8. Why is the character of Elinor Dashwood important in the novel?
Answer: The character of Elinor Dashwood explains the main idea of the novel. She represents “sense”. Through it the author shows that balanced thinking and self-control give the right direction to life.
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