Sense and Sensibility · Chapter
Chapter XXXII explained
Elinor shares the truth about Willoughby with Marianne, who reacts with silent grief and a settled gloom.
What happens
Elinor shares the truth about Willoughby with Marianne, who reacts with silent grief and a settled gloom. Mrs. Dashwood advises her daughters to remain in London to avoid painful memories at Barton. Willoughby marries Miss Grey, and the Dashwoods receive visits from the Miss Steeles. Colonel Brandon's quiet support is appreciated by Elinor, while Mrs. Jennings and others express indignation at Willoughby's behavior.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Willoughby's true character is revealed through his seduction and desertion of Miss Williams, contrasting with his earlier charming demeanor.
Romantic Idealism vs. Reality
Marianne's romantic ideals are shattered by Willoughby's betrayal, forcing her to confront the harsh reality of his deceit.
Female Agency and Constraint
Marianne is constrained by her mother's advice to remain in London, despite her desire to return home, highlighting the limited agency of women in shaping their own lives.
Characters to notice
- Elinor Dashwood
Elinor bears the painful duty of informing Marianne of Willoughby's marriage and manages the family's social interactions with composure.
- Marianne Dashwood
Marianne is deeply affected by Willoughby's betrayal, showing settled dejection and silent grief, but begins to treat Colonel Brandon with compassionate respect.
- Colonel Brandon
Colonel Brandon offers delicate and unobtrusive support to Elinor and Marianne, earning the privilege of intimate discussion about Marianne's disappointment.
- Mrs. Jennings
Mrs. Jennings speculates about a match between Colonel Brandon and Elinor, and later expresses indignation at Willoughby's behavior.
- Lucy Steele
Lucy Steele arrives in London with her sister and greets Elinor with pointed remarks about her extended stay, hinting at her secret engagement.
- John Willoughby
Willoughby marries Miss Grey and leaves town, prompting widespread condemnation from the Dashwoods' circle.
Key passages
“She felt the loss of Willoughby’s character yet more heavily than she had felt the loss of his heart; his seduction and desertion of Miss Williams, the misery of that poor girl, and the doubt of what his designs might once have been on herself, preyed altogether so much on her spirits, that she could not bring herself to speak of what she felt even to Elinor.”
Marianne was more devastated by the revelation of Willoughby's immoral character than by losing his affection, and the weight of his betrayal left her unable to confide even in Elinor.
Highlights Marianne's moral shock and the depth of her disillusionment.
“Colonel Brandon’s delicate, unobtrusive enquiries were never unwelcome to Miss Dashwood. He had abundantly earned the privilege of intimate discussion of her sister’s disappointment, by the friendly zeal with which he had endeavoured to soften it, and they always conversed with confidence.”
Elinor always welcomed Colonel Brandon's gentle and respectful questions, as his sincere efforts to ease Marianne's pain had earned him the right to speak openly about her sorrow.
Shows the growing trust and intimacy between Elinor and Colonel Brandon.