Sense and Sensibility: Volume 3 (Book Discussion, Ch. 36-50)

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. In April we will be concluding our deep dive into Sense and Sensibility, Volume III (Chapters 36-50) 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.

Hope to see you all there!

Here are some questions to guide our discussion and provide food for thought:

• Consider Willoughby’s conversation with Elinor; is there any room for sympathy, given that he gained a small amount from Elinor?
  o Do you think Jane Austen is encouraging the reader to feel sympathy for Willoughby through showing the central, most sensible character, develop a small amount of sympathy? Or, is this perhaps a chink in Eleanor’s discernment?
  o Why did Willoughby decline his Aunt’s offer to marry Eliza to keep his inheritance? What does this decision say about his character?

- What do we learn about Edward’s character growth through his commitment to Lucy, change in circumstances, and eventual declaration and proposal to Eleanor?

- What does Eleanor’s reaction to the news about Edward’s freedom and proposal reveal about her character? How does this contrast with Marianne’s character arc?

- Reconsider what Lucy’s original motivations were and what her ultimate goal is by the end of the story
o How does her shifting engagement to Robert Ferrars move her towards her goal? Why did she chose to sever her ties with Edward and marry Robert?
o Do you think her affections for Edward were ever genuine? (Consider her final letter to Edward)
o What drove Lucy to treat her older sister the way she did after marrying Robert?

- How does Marianne’s character grow through her illness and into her eventual marriage to Colonel Brandon? How has she changed, and what about her character remains constant to the end of the story?

- Overall theme of the novel: the power and influence of women compared to the restrictions within the same society
o What gives a woman power and independence in the regency era? What carries over to present-day?
o How is the power and influence women can bear over the lives of others contrasted with those who are restricted? How does this influence their choices?

• Overall theme of the novel: the importance of emotional regulation
  o In an era where female instructional material was popular (think Hannah More), how does Austin give us “advice” in this novel without being didactic?

- Mrs. Jennings: what do we think of her moments of joking and impropriety contrasted by her ultimately generous and upstanding character?