Elinor in the 1995 version of Sense and Sensibility
Elinor and Marianne
Elinor Dashwood is one of the two main characters in Sense and Sensibility.
Biography[]
Upon the death of her father, Elinor's half-brother John inherits Norland Park in accordance with their great-uncle's will while his stepmother and sisters are left with only ten thousand pounds. John had promised his dying father he would take care of them, but his wife Fanny easily persuades him this does not mean monetary assistance.
Elinor falls in love with Edward Ferrars, Fanny's brother, during his stay at Norland, but her reduced circumstances and Edward's reticence in wooing her do not allow her to hope for an offer of marriage. After they move to Barton Cottage, the practical Elinor takes the initiative to make sure that they live within their means and do not overspend on luxuries.
She is compassionate and caring towards the older and grave Colonel Brandon, and pities the hopelessness of his love for Marianne. Her calmness and cool demeanor allow her to endure Mrs Jennings's teasing over her mysterious suitor, but she also has to endure Lucy Steele's confession that she and Edward Ferrars are secretly engaged. In the book, Elinor suppresses her feelings and does her best to convince Lucy that she feels nothing for Edward. She is concerned by the developing relationship between Marianne and Willoughby, thinking that impulsive, volatile Marianne is too open with her feelings and reckless about obeying social conventions. She assumes that Marianne is secretly engaged to Willoughby and is shocked when Marianne confesses that this is not the case.
Personality[]
In this novel, Austen analyzes the conflict between the opposing temperaments of sense (logic, propriety, and thoughtfulness, as expressed in Austen's time by neo-classicists), and sensibility (emotion, passion, unthinking action, as expressed in Austen's time by romantics). In this conflict, Elinor, a reserved, practical, and thoughtful young woman who embodies the "sense" of the title, is juxtaposed to her passionate younger sister Marianne who embodies "sensibility". Elinor may be loosely based on the author's older sister, Cassandra Austen.
Elinor is described as possessing a coolness of judgement and strength of understanding which qualifies her to be her mother's frequent counsellor, and sometimes she shows more common sense than her mother, whose judgment is shown to be flawed by her exaggerated notions of romantic delicacy. Her mother is more often preoccupied with Marianne and her problems. Although Austen writes that Elinor's feelings are just as passionate and deep as Marianne's, she knows how to govern them better, as she is more aware of the demands society makes upon women and more prepared to compromise. She is described as having a delicate complexion, regular features, and a remarkably pretty figure—although less striking than Marianne, more "correct"—which Austen uses as a good overall summary of their characters as well as their physical appearance. She is more polite than Marianne, though her repugnance towards vulgarity and selfishness is quite equal; and thus she can appreciate the rather vulgar but good hearted Mrs. Jennings, and be civil to people Marianne would be repulsed by such as Lucy Steele.
Relationships[]
Edward Ferrars[]
They share this quiet, unspoken bond and passion for each other. They fell in love in an unexpected time, however, Elinor didn’t permit herself to express her feelings because there was no formal understanding, however, she suffered holding in her feelings without enjoying any of the advantages of a legitimate relationship during the entire film. Edward finally professes his love for her making her cry passionately in disbelieving happiness. They share a kiss and Edward marries her in the end.
Marianne Dashwood[]
Despite their differences, they share a strong loyalty as sisters and care deeply for each other. Marianne is aware of Elinor’s deeper feelings for Edward and even grew to greatly admire him due to Elinor. In turn, Elinor is truthful and practical, yet compassionate when it comes to supporting her sister through Willoughby’s true colors, and steadily encouraging Colonel Brandon affections for her.
Lucy Steele[]
While Elinor saw Lucy Steele’s true colors early regarding Edward, she maintained politeness while slowly growing to dislike towards her underneath her smile as Lucy would attempt to boast about her relationship with Edward. She remained cordial with Lucy despite not having respect for her knowing she was attempting to be with Edward for a better fortune.
Colonel Brandon[]
She respects him and considers him a friend. Despite how Brandon attempts to hide subtle preferences for Marianne, Elinor feel great empathy for him while her younger sister chooses Willoughby over him knowing it is breaking his heart (possibly even thinking Brandon is a better match for her).
Fanny Dashwood[]
Her sister-in-law. Behind polite conversation, Elinor dislikes her yet governs her emotions regarding her, however, shows it in subtle gestures. Fanny respects her most of the Dashwood daughters, however, doesn’t think much of her and gossips to her husband and family about her.
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