Impacts Of Primogeniture In Sense And Sensibility By Jane Austen

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Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen discusses indirect themes of feminism and issues of primogeniture. In her novel the reader discovers Austen’s indirect description of primogeniture through the passing down of wealth and personal belongings of the first-born son leaving the daughters with a small income that is allotted to them yearly. Tarpley’s analysis on Austen’s novel discusses a man’s accountability in staying true to his promises and the effects it has on their sonship. Tarpley’s article provides an analysis of male characters in Austen’s novel which aids in the readers of the shift from traditional Christian vows to a utilitarian’s view. Primogeniture is a main issue discussed in Austen’s novel as the man has the ability to break vows and marry for economic gain. Austen presents the limited lifestyle that women live as a result of primogeniture. This essay will analyze the impacts of primogeniture on women and the freedoms of both male and female characters as portrayed by Austen in her novel. Tarpley, Joyce Kerr. "Sonship, Liberty, and Promise Keeping in Sense and Sensibility." Renascence, vol. 63, no. 2, Winter2011, pp. 91-109. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=58591434&site=ehost-live. Tarpley discusses the importance of keeping promises in relation to the concept of sonship and liberty. The article examines three male character in Austen’s novel; John Dashwood, John Willoughby, and Edward Ferrars. John Dashwood’s promise is on