# Chapter XX explained — Sense and Sensibility

> Chapter companion for Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen.

## What happens

Elinor converses with Mrs. Palmer, who eagerly shares gossip about Marianne's supposed engagement to Willoughby, claiming Colonel Brandon confirmed it. Elinor is surprised and skeptical. Mrs. Palmer also discusses her own marriage and invites the Dashwoods to Cleveland, which they decline. Elinor tries to learn more about Willoughby's character but gets little substantial information.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance

Mrs. Palmer's gossip about Marianne's engagement, based on little evidence, highlights how appearances and rumors can shape perceptions.

### Romantic Idealism vs. Reality

Elinor's cautious skepticism contrasts with Mrs. Palmer's romantic assumptions about Marianne and Willoughby's future.

### Social Class and Money

Mrs. Palmer's mention that her mother thought Colonel Brandon not a good enough match for her underscores the importance of social standing in marriage.

## Character check-ins

### Elinor Dashwood

Elinor engages in conversation with Mrs. Palmer, seeking information about Willoughby and managing her skepticism about the rumored engagement.

### Marianne Dashwood

Mentioned as the subject of gossip regarding her supposed engagement to Willoughby; Elinor is concerned for her.

### John Willoughby

Discussed by Mrs. Palmer, who claims he is to marry Marianne and speaks of his general reputation.

### Colonel Brandon

Mentioned as having allegedly confirmed the engagement rumor to Mrs. Palmer; also noted for his past interest in Mrs. Palmer.

### Mrs. Palmer

Charlotte Palmer is cheerful and gossipy, sharing news about Willoughby and Marianne, and inviting the Dashwoods to Cleveland.

### Mr. Palmer

Depicted as droll and ill-humored, but Elinor suspects his behavior is a bid for distinction.

## Key lines

> I am so glad we are got acquainted at last... And I am so glad your sister is going to be well married!

Charlotte expresses delight at meeting Elinor and shares her excitement about Marianne's supposed upcoming marriage.

_Mrs. Palmer's enthusiasm reflects the widespread gossip about the engagement._

> Don't pretend to deny it, because you know it is what everybody talks of.

Mrs. Palmer insists that the engagement is common knowledge, despite Elinor's denial.

_Highlights the pressure of public opinion on private matters._

> Mr. Palmer is so droll! He is always out of humour.

Charlotte finds her husband's constant ill temper amusing.

_Illustrates the mismatch in their marriage and Charlotte's determined cheerfulness._

## Links

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