Sense and Sensibility · Chapter
Willoughby's Courtship of Marianne explained
Willoughby becomes a constant visitor at Barton Cottage, charming Mrs.
What happens
Willoughby becomes a constant visitor at Barton Cottage, charming Mrs. Dashwood and Marianne with his lively spirit and shared tastes in music, literature, and dancing. Elinor observes his tendency to disregard propriety and notes Colonel Brandon's growing but unrequited affection for Marianne. A debate ensues between Elinor and the others over Brandon's merits, with Willoughby and Marianne dismissing him as dull while Elinor defends his sense and character.
Themes in this chapter
Romantic Idealism vs. Reality
Marianne's perception of Willoughby as the embodiment of her romantic ideals contrasts with Elinor's more cautious, realistic assessment of his character flaws.
Propriety and Social Conduct
Elinor disapproves of Willoughby and Marianne's disregard for social forms, such as speaking too freely and neglecting polite restraint.
Deception and Appearance
Willoughby's charming exterior masks a lack of substance, while Colonel Brandon's reserved manner hides a deeper sensibility and past sorrow.
Characters to notice
- Marianne Dashwood
Fully recovered and deeply enamored with Willoughby, finding in him the perfect match for her romantic ideals.
- John Willoughby
Visits daily, displaying charm and shared passions with Marianne, though Elinor notes his lack of caution and disregard for social forms.
- Elinor Dashwood
Observes the developing relationship with concern, defending Colonel Brandon against Willoughby and Marianne's dismissive remarks.
- Colonel Brandon
His partiality for Marianne becomes perceptible to Elinor, who pities him as an unfortunate man slighted by the younger pair.
- Mrs. Dashwood
Approves of Willoughby wholeheartedly, already hoping for a match between him and Marianne.
Key passages
“His society became gradually her most exquisite enjoyment. They read, they talked, they sang together; his musical talents were considerable; and he read with all the sensibility and spirit which Edward had unfortunately wanted.”
Marianne found increasing delight in Willoughby's company, as they shared reading, conversation, and music—his lively, expressive reading contrasting sharply with Edward Ferrars's more reserved manner.
Highlights the immediate intellectual and emotional bond between Marianne and Willoughby, and the implicit comparison to Edward.
“Brandon is just the kind of man," said Willoughby one day, "whom everybody speaks well of, and nobody cares about; whom all are delighted to see, and nobody remembers to talk to.”
Willoughby dismisses Colonel Brandon as a universally respected but forgettable man, implying he is dull and unremarkable.
Illustrates the contrast between Willoughby's charismatic superficiality and Brandon's quiet worth, a central tension in the chapter.