CQ: Compare and contrast early Elinor’s and early Maryann’s actions and who do you agree more with? “Sense and Sensibility” is about a family whose father has died and left them with very little to live on. Throughout the book, the two oldest daughters of Mrs. Dashwood, Elinor and Maryann, are trying to find a husband, even though they don’t have dowries. While the family was still at their original house Edward Ferrars, the brother of the manipulative sister-in-law, falls in love with Elinor before he has to leave suddenly. After the family is forced to move away to a small cottage by their stepbrother who has inherited all of his father’s estate, Maryann was running in the rain and fell down. John Willoughby rode up on horseback and …show more content…
Both Edward and Elinor are very stately in their relationship as to not flaunt the fact that they love each other. Alternatively, Maryann and Willoughby both openly display their love to all until he is drawn away to London. In this aspect Elinor did not hasten her relationship and stayed calm throughout the time she was around him, while Maryann acted in the very opposite manner. As we see by the end of the book, Elinor’s actions ultimately help her decide that she would marry Edward, while Maryann’s actions leave her heartbroken until Colonel Brandon comes onto the scene. Elinor represents sense while Maryann represents sensibility. After Willoughby leaves for London, Maryann holds out hope that he will return for her. After Edward leaves for London, Elinor is still in love with him, but does not outwardly show it as the way her sister does. Again, we see the parallels between the title and the two sisters. Lastly after Maryann realizes that Willoughby has already moved on so quickly, she is left heartbroken. Maryann was left heartbroken because she did not take her time and rushed into a relationship unknowingly. Elinor was reserved in her love for Edwards and in the end, they were together. I agree more with Elinor’s actions because she thought out her relationship, didn’t rush into it, and in the end was happy with her