Sense and Sensibility

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Have you read any other novels that revolve around dynamics between sisters? Consider novels like Little Women, Hello, Beautiful or Blue Sisters. Why do you think novelists from different time periods find it interesting or necessary to explore sisterly relationships?

2. Did you identify more closely with Elinor or Marianne? Do you agree that both of the sisters ultimately get happy endings? Why or why not?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Austen initially establishes a dichotomy between Elinor’s rational approach to life (sense) and Marianne’s more emotional and impulsive approach (sensibility). Do you believe that people are inherently more emotional or more rational? What kinds of events might lead someone to become more or less in touch with their emotions?

2. The Dashwood women become economically vulnerable when Henry Dashwood dies, which instigates the novel’s plot. What do you think makes the disruption of economic circumstances (through job loss, divorce, etc.) particularly traumatic? What qualities lead to someone coping well or poorly with these changes?