Sense and Sensibility · Chapter
Chapter L explained
The final chapter resolves the fates of the main characters.
What happens
The final chapter resolves the fates of the main characters. Willoughby lives on with some regret but finds domestic happiness in his own way. Marianne, after overcoming her romantic ideals, marries Colonel Brandon, finding true happiness in forming his. Edward and Elinor are content in their marriage, while Lucy Steele cunningly secures her position with Mrs. Ferrars by marrying Robert Ferrars, who inherits the family's favor. The Dashwood family remains closely connected, with frequent visits between Barton and Delaford.
Themes in this chapter
Romantic Idealism vs. Reality
Marianne's journey from romantic idealism to a realistic, affectionate marriage with Colonel Brandon exemplifies the theme's resolution.
Love and Marriage
The chapter contrasts different marriages: Marianne and Brandon's affectionate union, Edward and Elinor's contented partnership, and Lucy and Robert's self-interested match.
Deception and Appearance
Lucy Steele's manipulative behavior and her success in winning Mrs. Ferrars's favor through flattery and pretense highlight the theme of deception.
Characters to notice
- Marianne Dashwood
Marianne marries Colonel Brandon, overcoming her former attachment to Willoughby and her romantic ideals, finding happiness in her new role as wife and mistress of Delaford.
- Colonel Brandon
Colonel Brandon finds consolation and happiness in his marriage to Marianne, his spirits restored by her regard and society.
- John Willoughby
Willoughby lives on with sincere repentance and regret for his treatment of Marianne, but does not die of a broken heart; he finds some domestic felicity in his own marriage and sporting pursuits.
- Elinor Dashwood
Elinor is happily married to Edward Ferrars, living near her family and maintaining close ties with her mother and sisters.
- Edward Ferrars
Edward Ferrars is content in his marriage to Elinor, performing his duties with cheerfulness and attachment to his wife and home.
- Lucy Steele
Lucy Steele cunningly marries Robert Ferrars, securing Mrs. Ferrars's favor through flattery and self-interest, and becomes a favorite child in the family.
Key passages
“Marianne could never love by halves; and her whole heart became, in time, as much devoted to her husband, as it had once been to Willoughby.”
Marianne's capacity for deep love transferred entirely from Willoughby to Colonel Brandon.
Illustrates Marianne's emotional transformation and the depth of her new attachment.
“Willoughby could not hear of her marriage without a pang; and his punishment was soon afterwards complete in the voluntary forgiveness of Mrs. Smith, who, by stating his marriage with a woman of character as the source of her clemency, gave him reason for believing that had he behaved with honour towards Marianne, he might at once have been happy and rich.”
Willoughby felt a pang at Marianne's marriage and later realized that if he had acted honorably, he could have been both happy and wealthy.
Highlights Willoughby's regret and the consequences of his earlier dishonorable behavior.
“The whole of Lucy’s behaviour in the affair, and the prosperity which crowned it, therefore, may be held forth as a most encouraging instance of what an earnest, an unceasing attention to self-interest, however its progress may be apparently obstructed, will do in securing every advantage of fortune, with no other sacrifice than that of time and conscience.”
Lucy's relentless pursuit of self-interest, despite obstacles, secured her fortune and position with only the sacrifice of time and conscience.
Summarizes Lucy's successful manipulation and the moral commentary on her actions.
