Sense and Sensibility · Chapter
XLV explained
Elinor reflects on Willoughby's visit and his confession, feeling a mix of commiseration and regret.
What happens
Elinor reflects on Willoughby's visit and his confession, feeling a mix of commiseration and regret. Mrs. Dashwood arrives at Cleveland, overjoyed to find Marianne recovering. She reveals to Elinor that Colonel Brandon has confessed his love for Marianne, and she enthusiastically supports their match, envisioning a happy future at Delaford.
Themes in this chapter
Romantic Idealism vs. Reality
Mrs. Dashwood's idealized vision of Colonel Brandon as the perfect husband contrasts with Elinor's more pragmatic assessment, and Marianne's past romantic attachment to Willoughby is weighed against the reality of his character.
Family and Sibling Bonds
Elinor's protective concern for Marianne and Mrs. Dashwood's maternal devotion underscore the strong family ties that guide decisions about love and marriage.
Characters to notice
- Elinor Dashwood
Struggles with her feelings after Willoughby's visit, torn between pity and judgment; listens to her mother's plans for Marianne and Colonel Brandon.
- Marianne Dashwood
Awakens refreshed from sleep, recovering from her illness; unaware of the discussions about her future.
- Mrs. Dashwood
Arrives at Cleveland in a state of terror, overjoyed to find Marianne safe; enthusiastically reveals Colonel Brandon's love for Marianne and plans for their marriage.
- Colonel Brandon
Accompanies Mrs. Dashwood to Cleveland; his love for Marianne is disclosed to Elinor by Mrs. Dashwood, though he remains diffident about his chances.
- John Willoughby
Elinor thinks of him with pity and regret after his visit, referring to him as 'poor Willoughby'; his past actions and confession weigh on her mind.
Key passages
“Willoughby—he, whom only half an hour ago she had abhorred as the most worthless of men—Willoughby, in spite of all his faults, excited a degree of commiseration for the sufferings produced by them, which made her think of him as now separated forever from her family, with a tenderness, a regret, rather in proportion, as she soon acknowledged within herself, to his wishes than to his merits.”
Elinor, who had just despised Willoughby as utterly worthless, now feels pity for his suffering and thinks of him with a tenderness that she admits is more influenced by his desires than his actual worth.
Elinor's internal conflict after Willoughby's confession.
“He opened his whole heart to me yesterday as we travelled. It came out quite unawares, quite undesignedly.”
Colonel Brandon unexpectedly revealed his deep feelings for Marianne during their journey together.
Mrs. Dashwood recounts Colonel Brandon's confession of love.