Sense and Sensibility · Chapter
Chapter XXXV explained
Elinor observes Mrs.
What happens
Elinor observes Mrs. Ferrars's pride and prejudice, and endures Lucy Steele's self-deceived happiness about her treatment. Marianne's open affection for Edward and disdain for Lucy create tension, while Elinor remains bound by her promise of secrecy.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Lucy misinterprets Mrs. Ferrars's civility as genuine affection, while Elinor sees through the surface to the underlying prejudice and manipulation.
Female Agency and Constraint
Elinor is constrained by her promise of secrecy to Lucy, unable to correct Marianne's misconceptions or openly express her own feelings.
Romantic Idealism vs. Reality
Marianne's idealistic praise of Edward clashes with the reality of his secret engagement to Lucy, creating painful tension.
Characters to notice
- Elinor Dashwood
Elinor observes Mrs. Ferrars's pride and meanness, and is forced to listen to Lucy's self-congratulatory account of the visit.
- Lucy Steele
Lucy visits Elinor to boast about Mrs. Ferrars's civility, interpreting it as a sign of favor and a good omen for her engagement.
- Marianne Dashwood
Marianne openly praises Edward and expresses her dislike of London and the Ferrars family, causing discomfort to Edward and Lucy.
- Edward Ferrars
Edward visits but is uneasy under Marianne's effusive praise and Lucy's presence; he leaves early despite Marianne's attempts to detain him.
- Mrs. Ferrars
Mrs. Ferrars is described by Elinor as proud, mean, and prejudiced; her civility to Lucy is noted but seen as insincere.
Key passages
“She had found in her everything that could tend to make a farther connection between the families undesirable.”
Elinor saw that Mrs. Ferrars's pride and prejudice made any closer relationship between their families unwelcome.
Elinor's assessment of Mrs. Ferrars's character.
“I come to talk to you of my happiness. Could anything be so flattering as Mrs. Ferrars's way of treating me yesterday?”
Lucy visits Elinor to share her joy at Mrs. Ferrars's kind behavior, which she sees as a great compliment.
Lucy's self-deceived interpretation of Mrs. Ferrars's civility.
“The sight of you, Edward, is the only comfort it has afforded; and thank Heaven! you are what you always were!”
Marianne tells Edward that seeing him is the only good thing about London, and she is glad he has not changed.
Marianne's open affection for Edward, oblivious to the awkwardness it causes.