Chapter V explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Family and Sibling Bonds

  John Dashwood's failure to honor his father's dying wish highlights the tension between familial duty and selfishness, while the Dashwood women's unity in their reduced circumstances underscores their strong bond.

• Social Class and Money

  The chapter emphasizes the economic vulnerability of the Dashwood women after Mr. Dashwood's death, as they must sell possessions and reduce their household to a cottage, contrasting with John and Fanny's comfortable wealth.

Characters to notice

• Mrs. Dashwood

  Arranges the move to Barton Cottage, sells her carriage on Elinor's advice, and pointedly invites Edward Ferrars to visit despite Fanny's disapproval.

• Elinor Dashwood

  Exercises prudent discretion, persuading her mother to sell the carriage and limit the number of servants.

• Marianne Dashwood

  Delivers a passionate farewell to Norland, expressing deep sorrow at leaving the beloved estate.

• Edward Ferrars

  Shows surprise and concern upon learning the Dashwoods are moving to Devonshire, hinting at his attachment to Elinor.

• John Dashwood

  Expresses hypocritical regret that the distance prevents him from fulfilling his promise to his father, while his wife Fanny is pleased at their departure.

Key passages

• “Dear, dear Norland!... when shall I cease to regret you!—when learn to feel a home elsewhere!—Oh! happy house, could you know what I suffer in now viewing you from this spot, from whence perhaps I may view you no more!—And you, ye well-known trees!—but you will continue the same. No leaf will decay because we are removed, nor any branch become motionless although we can observe you no longer!—No; you will continue the same; unconscious of the pleasure or the regret you occasion, and insensible of any change in those who walk under your shade!—But who will remain to enjoy you?”

  Marianne laments leaving Norland, personifying the house and trees as unchanging witnesses to her sorrow, and wonders who will appreciate them after she is gone.

  Marianne's romantic sensibility is fully displayed in this emotional farewell, contrasting with Elinor's practical approach to the move.

• “Her wisdom too limited the number of their servants to three; two maids and a man, with whom they were speedily provided from amongst those who had formed their establishment at Norland.”

  Elinor's good judgment led to reducing the household staff to just three servants, chosen from their former Norland employees.

  Elinor's sense and practicality guide the family's financial decisions, a key aspect of her character.