Sense and Sensibility: Volume 1 (Book Disussion, Ch. 1-22)

Come and join us as we undertake a re-reading of Jane Austen's six major novels volume-by-volume, allowing us to focus deeper on specific areas of the novels that may not always get the most attention. We will be starting with Sense and Sensibility, Volume I (Chapters 1-22 of a standard modern copy of the novel).

A perfect time for Austen virgins to make their first dives into the novels and for seasoned Janeites to take an even deeper dive and experience the novels in their original three-volume form.

Here are some questions for discussion closer to the event:

1. Jane Austen is meticulous and does not do anything randomly. We do not directly see the courtship between Elinor and Edward when they first meet at Norland.
   a. What do you think inspired this decision?
   b. How do you think this decision establishes the characters and relationship of Elinor and Marianne?

2. Think of Edward’s behavior when he meets Elinor at Norland and when he visits them at the Cottage.
   a. Can we aquit his behavior after we learn the truth of his engagements and understand his hesitations? Or has he misused Elinor?
   b. How is Lucy and Edward’s engagement foreshadowed?
   c. Why doesn’t Edward tell Elinor about the engagement himself?

3. How are different types of sisterhoods laid out for us in this volume? What are the similarities/patterns, and differences?
   a. Elinor and Marianne
   b. Lady Middleton and Mrs. Palmer
   c. The Steeles

4. Marianne’s humor: We see Elinor herself frequently laugh at Marianne, particularly when she is in a bout of sensibility about something humourous (such as Flannel Waistcoats).
   a. What role does this laughter play in characterizing the two sisters and their relationship?

5. How is Marianne’s sensibility characterized and chariczturized?
   a. Given Marianne’s overindulgence in grief to an unhealthy degree (even in V1, she’s already running herself ragged) do you think it was a good idea for the mother to step back and not ask anything about Willoughby?

6. The Middletons: how do their characters enhance the story? How does Austen insert social commentary through irony?

7. Colonel Brandon: In early stages, do you think his partiality for Marianne is specific for her, or entirely born from her similarity to Eliza?

8. Consider how Colonel Brandon is thought to have a “natural daughter” when he suddenly cancels the picnic and elaves for London.
   a. What does this say about society and what is most important in being considered a gentleman?
   b. How does Austen show her thoughts on society’s treatment of men and women when it comes to liberal behavior between the sexes?

9. Consider Lucy’s motivations for revealing her big secret.
   a. What does she hope to accomplish?
   b. How do you think Lucy justifies the risk of divulging her biggest secret?

Hope to see you all there!