# Chapter XXXIII explained — Sense and Sensibility > Chapter companion for Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. ## What happens John Dashwood visits Elinor in London, revealing his selfishness and social climbing. He speculates on Mrs. Jennings's potential legacy, expresses concern over Marianne's declining health, and eagerly anticipates Elinor marrying Colonel Brandon. He also mentions Edward Ferrars's possible marriage to Miss Morton, boasts of his own expenses, and is delighted by his reception from Lady Middleton and Sir John. ## Themes in this chapter ### Social Class and Money John Dashwood's conversation centers on income, legacies, and the financial implications of marriage, highlighting the mercenary concerns of the landed gentry. ### Deception and Appearance John Dashwood feigns concern for his sisters while pursuing his own social and financial interests, and Elinor conceals her true feelings about his remarks. ### Family and Sibling Bonds The strained relationship between Elinor and her brother John is evident, as he prioritizes his own convenience over genuine familial duty. ## Character check-ins ### Elinor Dashwood Endures her brother's mercenary conversation and deflects his hints about Colonel Brandon. ### John Dashwood Visits Elinor, discusses finances, speculates on Mrs. Jennings's will, and promotes a match with Colonel Brandon. ### Marianne Dashwood Mentioned as looking unwell and having lost her bloom; not present during the visit. ### Colonel Brandon Discussed as a potential husband for Elinor, with John Dashwood eager to promote the match. ### Mrs. Jennings Praised by John Dashwood for her kindness and speculated as a source of future legacy. ### Lady Middleton Receives John Dashwood's visit; he finds her elegant and fashionable. ## Key lines > Elinor kept her concern and her censure to herself; and was very thankful that Marianne was not present, to share the provocation. Elinor silently disapproved of her brother's selfish talk and was relieved Marianne was not there to be upset by it. _Highlights Elinor's restraint and protective nature toward Marianne._ > I question whether Marianne now, will marry a man worth more than five or six hundred a year, at the utmost, and I am very much deceived if you do not do better. John Dashwood doubts Marianne will marry a man with more than five or six hundred pounds a year, but expects Elinor to make a better match. _Reveals John's mercenary view of marriage and his underestimation of Marianne's prospects._ > He had just compunction enough for having done nothing for his sisters himself, to be exceedingly anxious that everybody else should do a great deal. John felt just enough guilt for neglecting his sisters that he eagerly hoped others would provide for them. _Illustrates John's hypocrisy and self-justification._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters/xxxiii - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sense_and_sensibility_se/chapters