# Chapter XXXVIII explained — Sense and Sensibility

> Chapter companion for Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen.

## What happens

Elinor and Marianne reflect on Edward's integrity after his engagement to Lucy Steele is exposed. Mrs. Jennings seeks gossip from Miss Steele in Kensington Gardens, and Elinor learns that Edward and Lucy's engagement remains firm, though their marriage is delayed by lack of preferment. Lucy writes a letter to Elinor, which Mrs. Jennings praises.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance

Lucy's letter presents a facade of gratitude and humility, while her true design is to solicit patronage.

### Love and Marriage

Edward and Lucy's engagement persists despite financial obstacles and family opposition, highlighting the practical challenges of marriage.

### Social Class and Money

The lack of a living and financial means delays Edward and Lucy's marriage, reflecting the importance of income in marital prospects.

## Character check-ins

### Elinor Dashwood

Reflects on Edward's integrity and avoids dwelling on the topic with Marianne.

### Marianne Dashwood

Stays home to avoid meeting the Willoughbys; feels self-reproach comparing her conduct to Elinor's.

### Mrs. Jennings

Eager for gossip, visits Kensington Gardens and later praises Lucy's letter.

### Lucy Steele

Writes a letter to Elinor detailing her continued engagement to Edward and seeking assistance.

### Anne Steele

Accosts Elinor in Kensington Gardens, revealing Lucy's initial anger and the family's ongoing situation.

### Edward Ferrars

His integrity is praised by Elinor and Marianne; his engagement to Lucy remains firm.

## Key lines

> Elinor gloried in his integrity; and Marianne forgave all his offences in compassion for his punishment.

Elinor admired Edward's moral strength, while Marianne pardoned his faults out of sympathy for his suffering.

_Highlights the sisters' differing responses to Edward's situation._

> Wait for his having a living!—ay, we all know how that will end:—they will wait a twelvemonth, and finding no good comes of it, will set down upon a curacy of fifty pounds a year...

Mrs. Jennings predicts that Edward and Lucy will wait in vain for a living and eventually settle for a poorly paid curacy.

_Reflects Mrs. Jennings's pragmatic and somewhat cynical view of their prospects._

## Links

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