# XLIII explained — Sense and Sensibility

> Chapter companion for Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen.

## What happens

Marianne's illness worsens, leading to a crisis. Elinor, with the help of Mrs. Jennings and Colonel Brandon, nurses her through a dangerous fever. After a period of grave concern, Marianne begins to recover, and Colonel Brandon volunteers to fetch Mrs. Dashwood.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Sibling Bonds

Elinor's unwavering devotion to Marianne during her illness highlights the strength of sisterly love and duty.

### Romantic Idealism vs. Reality

Marianne's physical collapse underscores the harsh consequences of her romantic disappointment, contrasting with her earlier idealistic views.

## Character check-ins

### Elinor Dashwood

Anxiously nurses Marianne through her illness, remaining composed and hopeful despite the danger.

### Marianne Dashwood

Falls seriously ill with a putrid fever, experiencing delirium and a heavy stupor before beginning to recover.

### Colonel Brandon

Stays at Cleveland at Mrs. Jennings's urging, and volunteers to fetch Mrs. Dashwood when Marianne's condition worsens.

### Mrs. Jennings

Provides compassionate care and practical help, insisting on staying at Cleveland to assist Elinor.

### Mr. Harris

The apothecary who attends Marianne, initially confident but later alarmed by her decline, and finally announces her recovery.

### Mrs. Palmer

Frightened by the mention of infection, she leaves Cleveland with her baby.

## Key lines

> Elinor, catching all, and more than all, his fears in a moment, proposed to call in further advice.

Elinor immediately grasped the full extent of the danger and suggested seeking a second medical opinion.

_Shows Elinor's quick understanding and proactive response to Marianne's critical condition._

> Hope had already entered; and feeling all its anxious flutter, she bent over her sister to watch—she hardly knew for what.

Despite her efforts to remain cautious, hope took hold of Elinor, filling her with nervous anticipation as she observed Marianne.

_Captures the emotional turmoil of hope amidst fear._

> The comfort of such a friend at that moment as Colonel Brandon—of such a companion for her mother—how gratefully was it felt!

Elinor felt immense gratitude for Colonel Brandon's offer to fetch her mother, knowing his presence would be a great support.

_Highlights the value of Colonel Brandon's steadfast friendship in a time of crisis._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xliii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters