3. The characters Elinor and Marianne
Dashwood in Jane Austen’s
Sense and Sensibility conduct
themselves in a manner that many
women of that time period also
behaved; no matter what
obstacles they faced, their focus
was always finding a husband to
secure a comfortable future.
5. Elinor Dashwood:
The eldest daughter of the
Dashwood family at 19 years
old. She forms the “sense” in
the title of Austen’s novel. She
is reserved and practical and
often serves as her mother’s
counselor.
6. Marianne Dashwood:
At 17 Marianne is the
second oldest daughter in the
Dashwood family. Unlike her
sister who is quiet and
reserved, Marianne is
spontaneous and encourages
excess sensibility.
7. Mrs. Dashwood:
The mother of Elinor, Marianne
and their younger sister Margaret
and second wife of Mr. Henry
Dashwood. She is kind, loving
and romantic, just like Marianne
and only wants what’s best for her
daughters, which is finding
suitable marriages.
8. Fanny Dashwood:
The selfish wife of John
Dashwood, Mr. Dashwood’s son
from his first marriage. She is
manipulative and greedy. Her
goal is always to have money.
She convinces her weak-willed
husband to stop supporting his
mother and two younger sisters a
little after their father dies.
10. When Mr. Henry Dashwood dies his house
and estate is left to his only son, John
Dashwood. The rest of his children are all
female so they could not inherit anything
from their father. This left them all penniless
and without a home.
In the beginning, Mrs. Dashwood, Elinor,
Marianne and Margaret are able to live with
John because of a promise he made to his
father. However, his greedy wife, Fanny,
manipulates John into turning out his family
and leaving them with only 500 pounds
apiece.
11. Elinor was sad to leave their home because she
had recently become attached to Edward
Ferras, Fanny’s brother, but the women all
move to Barton Park to live with some distant
relatives.
At Barton Park the women are introduced to
Colonel Brandon and John Willoughby. John
Willoughby openly courts Marianne and she
becomes quite miserable when he suddenly
leaves for business in London. Also while
staying at Barton Park, the Dashwood sisters
meet Anne and Lucy Steele. Elinor finds out to
her silent dismay that Lucy is secretly engaged
to Edward Ferras.
12. After traveling to London, Elinor and Marianne
learn that many people have been talking of
an engagement between Willoughby and
Marianne. However, when Marianne does
see Willoughby he ignores her and later
writes a letter denying any feelings that he
has for her.
In questioning his behavior, the girls learn that
Willoughby had a history of acts such as
these and has spent all of his fortune and
was therefore interested in marrying a
wealthy heiress, Ms. Grey.
13. When the Dashwood sisters return home they
learn that Lucy Steele is engaged to Mr.
Ferras. Thinking that it is Edward, they are
not surprised but Edward soon shows to
correct their assumptions. The greedy Lucy
Steele is engaged to Robert Ferras,
Edwards younger brother because ironically
he is to inherit their mother’s fortune after
Edward is disinherited by his mother for
being engaged to Lucy in the first place.
Soon after, Edward proposes to Elinor and
Colonel Brandon proposes to Marianne.
16. Although the era is named after the reigning
monarch of the time, Queen Victoria,
women had basically the same rights as
children.
Women could not vote, sue or own property.
Women were seen as clean and pure. Their
bodies were like temples and should not
have been defiled with make-up or pre-
marital sex.
The only job proper women were allowed to
hold was that of a teacher.
Although they were treated like saints, they
had no legal rights.
20. They can choose what they want to
do, where they want to work, and if
they even want to get married.
21. Society’s view of a woman’s role
has evolved over the past few
hundred years. Women of today
may look back on Victorian
women and be appalled at how
they were treated, but a woman of
the Victorian era may as well be
just as appalled at how women
behave today. The role that
anyone plays in society comes
from society’s view as a whole.
22. How would you survive as a 19th
Century Woman?
The Game
23. 1. Your father recently died, leaving your
mother, you and your four other
sisters with little money. You… 4. What is your number one priority?
a. immediately find your best dress and
attend all the balls so that eligible
bachelors can dance with you. a. finding a husband
b. take a job as a tutor for your distant aunt’s b. being happy
children.
c. helping others
c. sit around all day hoping that some
handsome, wealthy young man will find
you.
5. In looking for a dress for a ball, which
of the following would you
2. You are known for your… accentuate?
a. love of books a. wrists…it’ll be risky, but the men will notice
me more
b. lovers
b. waist…a slender waist is what I’m looking
for
c. good looks or other talent such as playing
the piano
3. Would you wear a corset? c. eyes..the color of the dress must
compliment my eyes and make me look
mysterious
a. Yes
b. No
24. 0-2
The ruined maiden
You wasted the time you should have been using
to find a suitable husband by flirting with men.
You could be seen at parties batting your
eyelashes at many fellows. Be careful! This
seemingly innocent flirting could result into
something worse so that you may never be seen
as fit for a respectable marriage.
25. 3-5
The governess
Maybe you’re not very handsome, maybe you
just like helping others. Congratulations on
your smarts and compassion. However, that
won’t get you very far in the world. You may
be able to make some money to send your
family or even buy a new dress. But what’s
the point in flashy clothing when you’re just
going to watch the children all day.
26. 6-9
The wife
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the
top. Well technically speaking, your
husband probably has but you’ve done
well marrying a rich man. Look he’s so
rich you can commission a painting of
yourself! Good job going to all the balls,
knowing the right people and conducting
yourself in a respectable manner. Now
go have fun and make lots of kids-
hopefully a son so there is an heir to your
husband’s estate.
