Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Copy the parts that are underline on your own paper!

1.  EXPOSITION: It’s the basic situation providing background information and introducing the conflict. Your “family tree” with the notes you took from Ch. 1 and 2 present the basic situation and introduce the characters and their relationships as the story unfolds.

2.  INDIRECT CHARACTERIZATION: List concrete details (think LATTE) that reveal the characteristics of each character and comment on what these details show us. You should leave at least THREE lines for each character.

1)  John Dashwood

2)  Fanny Dashwood (John’s wife)

3)  Mrs. Dashwood (the widow and mother of the three daughters)

4)  Elinor Dashwood

5)  Marianne Dashwood

6)  Margaret Dashwood

7)  Edward Ferrars (brother of Fanny Dashwood)

8)  Sir John Middleton or his mother-in-law

9)  Colonel Christopher Brandon

10)  John Willoughby

3.  PLOT AND CONFLICT: List the main events and include both internal and external conflicts for the main characters. Copy what is in bold and leave 2-4 lines to answer the questions.

A. What is the main problem for Mrs. Dashwood and her three daughters because of their situation after their father’s death? As a result of this problem, several subplots and minor conflicts develop. (2 blank lines)

B.  Describe a conflict between Elinor and the rest of her family based on their differing personalities. (2 blank lines)

C.  Describe the relationship of Edward and Elinor. What are the complications? Include the internal and external conflicts of each one. Don’t forget to include how Lucy Steel adds a complication to Elinor’s internal conflict.

(3-4 blank lines)

D.  Describe the relationship of Marianne and Colonel Brandon. What are the complications? Include the internal and external conflicts of each one.

(3-4 blank lines)

E.  Describe the relationship of Marianne and John Willoughby. What are the complications? Include the internal and external conflicts of each one.

(3-4 blank lines)

4.  RISING ACTION:

Describe what happens in London and the important information we learn about the main characters. How does this affect the plot?

5.  CLIMAX: Complex stories have a main conflict for the main plot and several other conflicts tied into subplots. Since the climax is tied to the turning point of each conflict, one could say this complicated story has several climaxes. Ask yourself, what is the main conflict in this complicated story? Is it the conflict between each sister and the men each one loves or is it the one between them (the two sisters)? THIS IS A DISCUSSION ONLY SECTION.

6.  FALLING ACTION: Describe how the various conflicts are resolved.

7. THEME:

In Jane Austen’s time and today, sense means “possessing sound judgment and intelligence; being prudent and using common sense.”

In Jane Austen’s time, sensibility meant “having a great capacity for refined emotions involving sensitivity; following one’s heart and feelings instead of worrying about propriety (acceptable behavior in society).”

The title provides profound insight into the theme of this story. Think about the contrasting characters and beliefs of Elinor and Marianne and what they learned from their trials.

Who is chiefly characterized by sense?

Who is chiefly characterized by sensibility or sensitivity?

Both Elinor and Marianne grow or change in important ways. Think about

·  The title

·  The changes or growth of Elinor and Marianne

·  The outcome of the conflicts

as you write 1-2 statements expressing Jane Austen’s view or insight into life and/or

human nature.