Sense vs Sensibility Theme in Jane Austen’s Novel, Sense and Sensibility
The novel “Sense and Sensibility” is a famous work of English literature, written by Jane Austen. The main theme of this novel is the difference between “Sense” and “Sensibility”.
Here “Sense” means prudence, understanding and patience, while “Sensibility” means more emotionality and sensitivity. The author has shown both these qualities through the characters of two sisters, Elinor and Marianne.
Elinor symbolizes prudence and restraint, while Marianne symbolizes sentimentality and sensitivity. Through this topic the author wants to convey that mere intelligence or mere emotion is not enough in life. For true happiness and success, it is very important to have a balance between the two.
“Sense” in the novel means wisdom, patience, and making informed decisions, whereas “Sensibility” means getting carried away by emotions, being more sensitive, and listening to the heart. The need for balance between these two qualities is shown throughout the novel.
Elinor is the epitome of “Sense”. She is a very intelligent and calm girl. She maintains patience in every situation. Even when she learns the truth about Edward, she hides her grief. She puts the responsibility of her family first. Restraint and practical thinking are visible in his behaviour. She believes that only emotions do not work in life, but intelligence and patience are also important. Therefore his character teaches us to remain calm in difficult times and take decisions thoughtfully.
Marianne, on the other hand, is a symbol of “Sensibility”. She is very emotional and sensitive. She feels everything deeply. She considers love as the biggest truth of life. When Willoughby leaves her, she is devastated. Instead of hiding her grief, she expresses it openly. Her excessive emotionality makes him weak. Later she understands that life cannot run on the basis of emotions alone. She also learns that prudence and patience are equally important.
The main message of the novel is that both “Sense” and “Sensibility” are necessary in life. Only through prudence can life become dry and harsh, and through mere sentimentality can life become unstable and tragic. Therefore there should be a balance between these two. Both Elinor and Marianne learn from their experiences. Elinor gradually learns to express her feelings, and Marianne adopts prudence and restraint. Thus both the sisters end up becoming balanced personalities.
Through this topic the novelist also gives a message to the society. In the society of that time, great importance was given to marriage, wealth and prestige. But the novelist shows that social rules alone do not make life happy. For true happiness, a combination of wisdom and true emotions is necessary.
In the end, it can be said that the basic idea of this novel is that neither too harsh a conscience nor too much sentimentality is good in life. The right life is the one in which there is a balance between intellect and emotions. This is the main message of “Sense vs Sensibility”, which is as relevant today as it was then.
Important questions and answers (for University Exam)
1. What is the meaning of “Sense”?
Answer: “Sense” means wisdom, prudence and patience. This is the quality in which a person takes decisions thoughtfully. He does not work under the influence of emotions. Elinor in the novel, “Sense and Sensibility” is the best example of this. She remains calm in every situation and adopts practical thinking.
2. What is the meaning of “Sensibility”?
Answer: “Sensibility” means more emotionality and sensitivity. In this the person listens more to his heart. He expresses his feelings openly. Marianne symbolizes this in the novel, as she feels everything deeply.
3. What quality does Elinor symbolize?
Answer: Elinor is a symbol of “Sense” i.e. prudence and understanding. She is patient and remains calm even in difficult times. She puts the responsibility of her family first and controls her emotions.
4. What virtue does Marianne symbolize?
Answer: Marianne is a symbol of “Sensibility” i.e. sentimentality. She gives great importance to love and emotions. When she gets hurt, she breaks down and can't hide her feelings.
5. What is the main message of the novel?
Answer: The main message of the novel is that a balance of both conscience and emotions is necessary in life. Only through wisdom can life be harsh, and only through sentimentality can life be tragic.
6. What is the difference between Elinor and Marianne?
Answer: Elinor is calm, patient and practical. Marianne is passionate, sensitive and quick to respond. This difference reflects “Sense” and “Sensibility”.
7. What does Marianne learn in the end?
Answer: Marianne finally learns that life cannot be based on emotions alone. He understands that prudence and restraint are also important.
8. Does Elinor learn anything too?
Answer: Yes, Elinor learns not to just suppress her emotions. He should also express his feelings.
9. What is the novelist's purpose?
Answer: The novelist Jane Austen aims to show that balance is very important in life. Both intellect and emotions together give true happiness.
10. Why is the topic “Sense vs Sensibility” important even today?
Answer: This topic is important even today because every person has to balance between conscience and emotions while taking decisions in life. This balance makes life successful and happy.
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👉 The School for Scandal | as an eighteenth-century comedy of manners