Sense and Sensibility

Mr. Dashwood dies, leaving his estate to his son John and stepson's family. John's wife Fanny systematically argues him down from a generous provision to almost nothing, and the Dashwood women must leave Norland.

The Dashwoods settle in Devonshire, meet Sir John Middleton and Mrs. Jennings, and encounter Colonel Brandon and the neighborhood. Elinor and Marianne's contrasting characters are established through their responses to the new life.

Marianne twists her ankle on a walk and is carried home by the handsome stranger John Willoughby. He immediately captures her imagination and, seemingly, her heart. Colonel Brandon observes with quiet concern.

Edward Ferrars visits Barton Cottage, and Elinor's feelings are revealed to the reader. Later chapters introduce Lucy Steele, who reveals her secret four-year engagement to Edward, devastating Elinor in silence.

Marianne and Elinor travel to London with Mrs. Jennings. Marianne writes to Willoughby with increasing desperation; he does not reply. At a party, Willoughby cuts her publicly. He sends a cold letter announcing his engagement to Miss Grey.

Colonel Brandon privately tells Elinor the full history of Willoughby's past: his seduction and abandonment of young Eliza Williams, Brandon's ward. The story also reveals Brandon's own history with a woman named Eliza who was forced to marry his brother.

The party returns through Cleveland. Marianne, grief-stricken and reckless, walks in the wet grass and rain repeatedly. She contracts a fever that becomes life-threatening. Elinor fears she will die. Willoughby arrives at Cleveland during the crisis.

Marianne recovers and reflects on her conduct. Lucy Steele elopes with Robert Ferrars rather than Edward — freeing Edward to propose to Elinor. Marianne, having reconsidered her values, accepts Colonel Brandon. The novel ends with its heroines settled, Willoughby occasionally rueful, and the social order restored.