Sense and Sensibility · Chapter
III explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Dashwood remains at Norland for several months, searching for a new home while relying on John Dashwood's promise of financial support. A growing attachment between Elinor and Edward Ferrars is observed, and Mrs. Dashwood eagerly anticipates their marriage. Marianne expresses her romantic ideals, criticizing Edward's lack of passion and taste, while her mother gently reminds her of her youth.
Themes in this chapter
Romantic Idealism vs. Reality
Marianne's critique of Edward's lack of passion and her demand for a lover who shares all her tastes highlight her romantic idealism, while Elinor's composure suggests a more realistic approach.
Love and Marriage
Mrs. Dashwood views Elinor's attachment to Edward as leading inevitably to marriage, reflecting the era's conflation of love with matrimonial prospects.
Family and Sibling Bonds
Mrs. Dashwood's concern for her daughters' welfare and Marianne's fear of losing Elinor underscore the strong family ties among the Dashwood women.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Dashwood
Remains at Norland, searches for a new home, and encourages Elinor's attachment to Edward Ferrars.
- Elinor Dashwood
Exercises prudence in rejecting unsuitable houses and is the object of Edward Ferrars's affection.
- Marianne Dashwood
Expresses her romantic ideals, criticizing Edward's lack of passion and taste in reading and music.
- Edward Ferrars
Quiet and diffident, he is attached to Elinor and prefers domestic comfort over ambition.
- Fanny Dashwood
Mrs. Dashwood's contempt for her increases; she wishes Edward to be distinguished.
Key passages
“Mrs. Dashwood had been informed by her husband of the solemn promise on the part of his son in their favour, which gave comfort to his last earthly reflections.”
Mrs. Dashwood knew that her husband had made John promise to take care of them, and this thought comforted him before he died.
Establishes the expectation of financial support from John Dashwood.
“It was contrary to every doctrine of hers that difference of fortune should keep any couple asunder who were attracted by resemblance of disposition.”
She believed that if two people were well-matched in character, money should never stand in the way of their marriage.
Reflects Mrs. Dashwood's romantic and idealistic views on love and marriage.
“He must have all Edward's virtues, and his person and manners must ornament his goodness with every possible charm.”
Marianne insists that her ideal husband must combine Edward's moral qualities with a captivating appearance and graceful behavior.
Highlights Marianne's romantic idealism and high standards.