Sense and Sensibility · Chapter
XLII explained
The Dashwoods leave London for Cleveland, the Palmers' estate.
What happens
The Dashwoods leave London for Cleveland, the Palmers' estate. Marianne, still grieving over Willoughby, indulges in solitary walks and catches a severe cold. Colonel Brandon and Mr. Palmer arrive, and Brandon discusses improvements to the Delaford parsonage with Elinor, hinting at his attachment to her.
Themes in this chapter
Romantic Idealism vs. Reality
Marianne's romantic grief over Willoughby contrasts with the practical concerns of Elinor and Colonel Brandon.
Female Agency and Constraint
Marianne exercises agency through solitary walks but is constrained by her health and societal expectations.
Characters to notice
- Elinor Dashwood
Observes Colonel Brandon's attentions and Marianne's worsening cold; reflects on leaving London and her hopes for tranquility at Barton.
- Marianne Dashwood
Grieves over Willoughby, takes imprudent walks in wet weather, and develops a severe cold; finds solace in solitary rambles at Cleveland.
- Colonel Brandon
Arrives at Cleveland, discusses Delaford parsonage improvements with Elinor, and shows anxious solicitude for Marianne's health.
- Mrs. Jennings
Persuaded of Colonel Brandon's attachment to Elinor; engages in conversation about friends left behind.
- Mr. Palmer
Arrives with Colonel Brandon; behaves politely to visitors but is occasionally rude to his wife and mother-in-law; fond of his child and idle.
- Mrs. Palmer
Hosts the party at Cleveland with constant good humor; her folly is evident but not disgusting.
Key passages
“Two delightful twilight walks ... had—assisted by the still greater imprudence of sitting in her wet shoes and stockings—given Marianne a cold so violent as, though for a day or two trifled with or denied, would force itself by increasing ailments on the concern of everybody, and the notice of herself.”
Marianne's two evening walks in damp conditions, plus sitting in wet shoes and stockings, gave her a severe cold that eventually demanded everyone's attention.
Marianne's imprudence leads to illness.
“His behaviour to her in this, as well as in every other particular, his open pleasure in meeting her after an absence of only ten days, his readiness to converse with her, and his deference for her opinion, might very well justify Mrs. Jennings’s persuasion of his attachment.”
Colonel Brandon's eagerness to see Elinor and his respect for her views could easily explain Mrs. Jennings's belief that he is in love with her.
Elinor observes Brandon's attentions.