"Sense and Sensibility" Revisited: The Lucy Steele Triangle (book discussion)

In this meeting we will revisit Austen's first officially published novel, "Sense and Sensibility" and take a deeper dive into one of her most intriguing love triangles and the perspective of the infamous Lucy Steele.

Both Austen newbies and seasoned Janeites welcome! For Austen newbies, let this be a great way to get started.

We will start with some ice breakers and then enter a round table discussion guided by the questions below. Time will also be allotted for other S&S-related topics and characters not covered by these questions.

LUCY/ELINOR

1. What are Lucy Steele’s general motivations?
   a. Why does Lucy Steele confide in Elinor?
   b. What makes Elinor so sure that Edward’s feelings for her are real? Do you agree with Elinor’s beliefs in his regard for her?
   c. What are Lucy Steele’s motivations and methods for securing Robert Ferrars?
   EDWARD/ELINOR
2. Do you believe Edward wronged Elinor or mislead her?
   a. Why did Edward visit the cottage after his visit with Lucy in Exeter? What does this offer to the story? Did Lucy sanction this? If so, what would make her do so?
   b. Could/Should Edward have confided his engagement to Elinor? Why didn’t he?
   c. Do you believe Edward’s later assertion that he only thought he was hurting himself by continuing the friendship with Elinor at Norland and by visiting Barton after?

EDWARD/LUCY

1. What made Edward fall for Lucy and get engaged in the first place? a. Why does Lucy Steele keep the engagement for so long? Do you think she would’ve broken it off had she met someone else of more consequence? How real were her feelings for Edward?
   b. What role does Mrs. Ferrars play in this story? How does her character drive the plot and reveal aspects of other characters?