Money, Family, and the Middle Way: Themes to consider

As we start Week 2 of Sense and Sensibility, I wanted to highlight some themes that I've noticed in the first ten chapters. 

Theme One: Money 
Fast Facts:  
Norland Estate (where the Dashwood daughters grew up) would be worth $18 million today
1000 pounds for each Dashwood daughter will inherit would  equal to $250,000 today. (WOW!)

Money is a key theme in S&S (as it is in most of Austen's novels). Elinor and Marianne's chances of securing a wealthy husband are reduced because neither one of them is an heiress to a large fortune (and 1000 pounds was NOT a large fortune in those days!). 

Edward, who IS the heir to his family fortune, is not in control of his financial present or future, especially in his choice of a wife...all because of his mother's firm grip on his money: 

“Edward Ferrars was the eldest son…the whole of his fortune depended on the will of his mother.” 

And most significantly at the beginning of the novel, money is the reason that Mrs. Dashwood and her daughters have to move away from Norland Estate. The way that her stepson and daughter-in-law treat Mrs. Dashwood financially is just despicable, don't you think? 

Source for Illustrations

 Fanny: “Indeed, to say the truth, I am convinced within my self that your father had no idea of your giving them any money at all…looking out for a comfortable small house for them, helping them to move their things, and sending them presents of fish and game…I’ll lay my life that he meant nothing further; indeed, it would be very strange and unreasonable if he did.”

What other characters and situations have you observed that are highly influenced by the need or love of money?

Theme Two: Family

I really believe that the first sentence of a novel can be a key to understanding major themes found within. Sense and Sensibility is no exception! 

The first sentence reads:

“The family of Dashwood had long settled in Sussex.” 

Family is a key theme in S&S. Ironically, the Dashwood's are torn from their family home in the first few chapters. Then emotionally, the family starts to grow apart as Marianne and Elinor both suffer in their very different ways. Later, we see the family separated through travel and even illness. However, this family is not destined to be torn apart forever. Keep reading...! 

Another key issue of family found in the very beginning is how family should care for each other. In the quote above, John and Fanny try to find every possible loop-hole for getting out of taking care of their female relatives.

In contrast, Sir John, a distant cousin, displays true family love and duty to the Dashwood women.

Sir John: “In showing kindness to his cousins, therefore, he had the real satisfaction of a good heart” 

What other contrasts of family love or duty do you see? 

Theme Three: The Middle Way

We have already defined and discussed "Sense" and "Sensibility;" Austen definitely explores the "middle way" between these two ideals in her writing. 

The author of the introduction to my novel writes, “Our guide to the middle ground is to be the precociously wise Elinor, who at nineteen is everything that Mrs. Dashwood and Marianne are not” (Drabble x). 

While I agree with this statement in one sense, I think that Elinor also must go a journey to find her own "middle way."

Marianne has this censure of Elinor's character: 

“Even now her self-command is invariable. When is she dejected or melancholy? When does she try to avoid society, or appear restless and dissatisfied in it?” 

Marianne wonders if her sister truly feels. Elinor has self-control, yes. But she doesn't allow others to see her pain, suffering, or even, at times, her love. I think Marianne is not the only sister who has personal growth to accomplish.

Another dichotomy we see in the novel is Marianne's struggle. My introduction states that it is the conflict between "emotion and control."

“It is in the portrayal of Marianne’s sufferings, however, that we reach the heart of the novel’s power and find ourselves face to face with the conflict between emotion and control” (Drabble xiii-xiv). 

What do you think? Do both sisters need to fine a "middle way" in their personal growth? 

What do you think this "middle way" will look like for Elinor? For Marianne? 

Who needs to grow the most? 

 So, here are three strong themes that I've observed in the opening chapters. 

What thematic patterns to you see? 

Let's discuss them here or in the Facebook group!