# XLIX explained — Sense and Sensibility

> Chapter companion for Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen.

## What happens

Edward Ferrars arrives at Barton Cottage to propose to Elinor Dashwood, having been released from his engagement to Lucy Steele, who has married his brother Robert. The chapter explores the joy and relief of the Dashwood family, Edward's reflections on his past folly, and his plans to seek a reconciliation with his mother.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Edward's proposal to Elinor and Lucy's marriage to Robert Ferrars illustrate the complexities of love, duty, and social expectations in matrimony.

### Family and Sibling Bonds

The Dashwood family's shared joy and John Dashwood's involvement in family reconciliation highlight the importance of familial support and conflict.

### Romantic Idealism vs. Reality

Edward's reflection on his youthful infatuation with Lucy as a 'foolish, idle inclination' contrasts with the mature, genuine love he now feels for Elinor.

## Character check-ins

### Elinor Dashwood

Overcome with happiness upon learning of Edward's freedom and his proposal; she discusses Lucy's marriage and Edward's plans for reconciliation.

### Edward Ferrars

Arrives at Barton Cottage to propose to Elinor; reflects on his past engagement to Lucy and resolves to seek his mother's forgiveness in person.

### Marianne Dashwood

Expresses her joy for Elinor through tears; shows a new candor by acknowledging John and Fanny's potential merit in reconciliation.

### Mrs. Dashwood

Too happy to be comfortable; praises Edward and Elinor, and struggles to balance giving them privacy with her own desire to enjoy their company.

### Colonel Brandon

Visits Barton for three or four days, then leaves with Edward to show him Delaford and assist with improvements.

### John Dashwood

Writes a letter expressing solemnity over Lucy's marriage and suggesting Edward write a letter of submission to Mrs. Ferrars.

## Key lines

> The change which a few hours had wrought in the minds and the happiness of the Dashwoods, was such—so great—as promised them all the satisfaction of a sleepless night.

The Dashwoods were so overjoyed by the sudden turn of events that they knew they would not sleep that night.

_Describes the family's overwhelming happiness after Edward's proposal._

> It was a foolish, idle inclination on my side, said he, the consequence of ignorance of the world, and want of employment.

Edward admits that his attachment to Lucy was a naive and idle fancy, born from his lack of worldly experience and occupation.

_Edward explains his past engagement as a result of youth and idleness._

## Links

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