"Sense and Sensibility" is Jane Austen's first published novel (1811). It began as a story entitled "Elinor and Marianne," which she read to her family in 1795. Austen began to rewrite it two years later when she was also drafting the first sketches for "Pride and Prejudice" and "Northanger Abbey" and working on a story, "The Watsons," which was never completed.
The Dashwoods of Norland Park live in Sussex. On the death of the father, Henry Dashwood, the estate is passed to John Dashwood, his son by a first marriage. Henry recommends to John that his second wife and his daughters live there when he dies. Selfish and uncaring, as well as encouraged by his mother-in-law Mrs Ferrars, his father's wish is not honored. Mrs Henry Dashwood and her daughters retire to a cottage in Devonshire. Elinor Dashwood and Mrs John Dashwood's brother, Edward Ferrars, feel a mutual attraction for each other but Elinor feels an odd constraint due to the family situation and affinities.
In Devonshire, Marianne Dashwood falls passionately in love with the charming but penniless John Willoughby. Displaying much of her emotional sensibility, Marianne is deeply distressed when he suddenly leaves for London. Elinor and Marianne follow John and go to London, thanks to the invitation of their friend Mrs Jennings. In London, Marianne finds Willoughby indifferent to her. Her reactions toward him provokes him enough to announce that he is getting married to an heiress.
Meanwhile, Elinor Dashwood learns that Edward Ferrars has been secretly engaged to Lucy Steele for four years. Elinor, with her better sense, contains herself despite disappointment. It is Edward's
dependence on his mother that made him conceal his engagement and now Mrs Ferrars, learning about it,dismisses Edward and settles her property on his younger brother Robert. Edward has a small living offered him by a certain Colonel Brandon, a quiet kindly man who has long been admiring Marianne. In a twist of the affairs of the heart, Lucy transfers her affections to Robert Ferrars and marries him instead of Edward.
The staunch and generous Colonel Brandon wins Marianne, who is brought to realize that her passionate sensibilities will hardly make for happiness. Free of commitment he deeply regrets, Edward Ferrars proposes to Elinor which she accepts.
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