Rachel Knighton
Honors English 12
Pd. 4
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Author Biography
Jane Austen was an English novelist born on
December 16, 1775. She was the seventh of eight
children and grew up in the Parsonage House of
Steventon, Hampshire. Austen was a witness to
much political unrest and change in her environment.
Her father, Reverend George Austen, was an
intelligent clergyman. Her mother, Cassandra Leigh
came from a long line of clergymen. The Austens led
a comfortable life even though they were not very
wealthy. Most of Jane and her sister’s education
occurred at home. They put on theatrical
performances in their barn at home. Jane loved
reading from a young age and was an avid writer by
age twelve. She was greatly encouraged by her
family.
Author Bio (Cont’d)
Austen was briefly engaged in 1802,
but never married. Writing and family
were her true loves. After he father
retired in 1801, the family moved to
Bath. Jane used the events she
experienced in her new city to inspire
some of her books. She was not used to
life outside of her country setting and
found the new area exciting.
Author Bio (Cont’d)
Following the death of her father,
Jane, her sister, and mother moved to
Southampton in 1805. After spending a
few years there, they women moved to
Chewton Cottage in Hampshire. This is
where Jane spent the rest of her life.
This estate was the site of many of
Austen’s publications; however they
were published anonymously, so she
was not a well known author.
Author Bio (Cont’d)
The last years of Austen’s life were
spent relaxing and writing. Her last work
was entitled Sanditon, but it was never
finished. Jane fell ill in 1817 and was
taken to Winchester for care where it is
believed she died from Addison’s
disease on June 18, 1817. She is buried
at Winchester Cathedral.
Books by Jane Austen
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Northanger Abbey
Jane Austen's first major novel was written in
1798-99, when she was in her early twenties.
It is a comic love story set in Bath about a
young reader who must learn how to separate
fantasy from reality. Miss Austen sold the
novel (then entitled Susan) to a publisher in
1803, and the work was advertised but never
published. She bought it back many years
later, and her brother Henry Austen published
the novel as Northanger Abbey after her death
in 1817.
Books by Jane Austen
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Sense and Sensibility
Sense and Sensibility was the first of Jane Austen's
novels to be published. She began to write it
sometime around 1797, and she worked on it for
many years before its publication in 1811. The title
page said that it was written "By a Lady", and only
her immediate family knew that Jane Austen was the
author. Impetuous Marianne Dashwood tumbles into
a fairytale romance that goes sour, and her practical
older sister Elinor copes with the family's financial
problems while hiding her own frustrated romantic
hopes. The book was a success, and it even earned
a profit!
Books by Jane Austen
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Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice was first written in the late
1700's, then rewritten in 1811-1812 and finally
published in early 1813. It is probably the
most-read of all of Jane Austen's novels and is
a popular favorite among many. Originally
entitled First Impressions, the novel deals with
the misjudgments that often occur at the
beginning of an acquaintance and how those
misjudgments can change as individuals learn
more about each other.
Books By Jane Austen
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
Mansfield Park
Mansfield Park was written between February, 1811 and
the summer of 1813. It was the third novel Jane Austen
had published and it first appeared on May 4, 1814.
During her lifetime, it was attributed only to "The author of
Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice", and the
author's identity was unknown beyond her family and
friends. It is Jane Austen's most complex novel and deals
with many different themes, from the education of
children, to the differences between appearances and
reality. The version of the novel housed here at
Austen.com is slightly annotated.
Lovers' Vows: This is the play that the Bertrams wish to
enact in the first volume of Mansfield Park. In addition to
the text of the play, a synopsis is provided here, as well as
a short analysis explaining some of the objections to the
play within the novel and a cast list.
Books by Jane Austen


Emma
Emma was written in 1814-1815, and while
Jane Austen was writing it, it was suggested to
her by a member of the Prince Regents'
household that she dedicate it to His Royal
Highness. Austen took the suggestion as it
was intended--as a command--and Emma was
thus dedicated, but the dedication itself is
rather slyly worded. Emma deals with a young
woman's maturation into adulthood and the
trouble she gets herself into along the way.
The version of the novel housed here at
Austen.com is slightly annotated.
Books by Jane Austen


Persuasion
Persuasion was written in 1815-1816, while
Jane Austen was suffering from her fatal
illness. She was still working on some
revisions at the time of her death in 1817.
The novel was published posthumously by
her brother, Henry Austen. Persuasion is a
novel of second chances, expectations of
society, and the constancy of love. You can
also read the preface which Henry wrote
telling the world of his sister's authorship,
life, and untimely death.
Literary Devices for Northanger
Abbey
Characterization: noun
 portrayal; description: the actor's
characterization of a politician.
 the act of characterizing.
 the creation and convincing
representation of fictitious characters.
(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/characterization?s=t)
Characterization

Characterization is a
ubiquitous literary device in
Jane Austen’s Northanger
Abbey. She uses this device
to help the reader picture the
character in their mind while
they are progressing through
the story. An example of this
is found in the beginning of
the story as a direct physical
characterization of Catherine
Morland, the main character.
“She had a thin awkward
figure, a sallow skin without
colour, dark lank hair, and
strong features” (Northanger
Abbey 7).

In addition to imagery, Austen
uses characterization to
develop her characters
emotionally. She illustrates
their dispositions through
conversation and direct
characterization. An example
of this is found in an
explanation of Catherine’s
outer emotional appearance.
“That her heart was
affectionate, her disposition
cheerful and open, without
conceit or affectation of any
kind – her manners just
removed from the
awkwardness and shyness of
a girl” (Northanger Abbey 12).
Characterization

“He seemed to be about four or five and twenty, was
rather tall, had a pleasing countenance, a very intelligent
and lively eye, and , if not quite handsome, was very near
it” (Northanger Abbey 19). This quote characterizing
Henry Tilney is describing Catherine Morland’s judgment
of him upon their initial encounter. This shows the vibrant
traits that stood out to Catherine and first attracted her to
the dashing gentleman. Her ambition for much of the plot
is to establish a relationship with Henry and be in his
presence as much as she can. If she had not noticed his
outstanding traits the story would have been very different
and she may have continued to, uninterestedly engage in
spending time with Isabella Thorpe’s brother, John.
Literary Devices for Northanger
Abbey
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Conlfict: noun
a fight, battle, or struggle, especially a
prolonged struggle; strife.
controversy; quarrel: conflicts between parties.
discord of action, feeling, or effect; antagonism
or opposition, as of interests or principles: a
conflict of ideas.
a striking together; collision.
incompatibility or interference, as of one idea,
desire, event, or activity with another: a conflict
in the schedule.
(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/conflict?s=t)
Conflict

One conflict in Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey is
unveiled when Catherine’s acquaintances invite her to go
on a carriage ride with them. Both males and females will
be joining the ride. Catherine talks to Mr. Allen about her
next days plans and tells him that she has been invited,
but will not be attending because she has already made
plans with Miss Tilney. Mr. Allen is glad at hearing this,
because he and his wife both see it as improper for boys
and girls to be riding together through public areas.
Catherine then feels a conflict within herself, because she
has previously engaged in these rides. “Dear Madam,
then why did not you tell me so before? I am sure if I had
known it to be improper, I would not have gone with Mr.
Thorpe at all; but I always hoped you would tell me, if you
thought I was doing wrong” (Northanger Abbey 97).
Catherine is at war with her emotions, feeling that she has
done wrong and disappointed Mr. and Mrs. Allen.
Conflict

In chapter XIII a conflict erupts
between Catherine and her best
friend, Isabella. John, James, and
Isabella want to go on a carriage
ride and invite Catherine to come
along. However, she has already
made plans to walk with the
Tilney’s. She is stubborn in her
decision to keep plans with the
Tilney’s and Isabella gets upset at
her refusal to join them. She feels
that Catherine is taking herself
out of their group and expresses
her distress by saying, “I cannot
help being jealous, Catherine,
when I see myself slighted for
strangers!” (Northanger Abbey
91). Isabella’s thoughts become
reality as Catherine begins to
spend more time with the
Tilney’s.

The main conflict of the story lies
within Catherine. She is
introduced to Henry Tilney at the
beginning of the novel. She finds
him very attractive and spends
her time in Bath trying to spend
as much time as she can with
him. At the end of her time in
Bath, Henry’s sister, Eleanor and
General Tilney invite her to come
back to their home, Northanger
Abbey, to spend a few weeks.
She is delighted to go. A few
weeks after she is at the Abbey,
General Tilney mysteriously asks
her to leave. This separates her
from Henry and she is
devastated, but the conflict is
resolved a short time later when
they are reunited and get
married.
Literary Devices for Northanger
Abbey
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Atmosphere/Mood: noun
a state or quality of feeling at a particular time:
What's the boss' mood today?
a distinctive emotional quality or character:
The mood of the music was almost funereal.
a prevailing emotional tone or general attitude:
the country's mood.
a frame of mind disposed or receptive, as to
some activity or thing: I'm not in the mood to
see a movie.
a state of sullenness, gloom, or bad temper.
(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mood?s=t)
Atmosphere/Mood

“…and Catherine felt
herself in high luck”
(Northanger Abbey 19).
This quote is a description
of how Catherine believes
the rest of the ballroom
perceives her. She feels
eloquent and untouchable
in the grasp of Henry and
she feels that this mood is
dispersing through the
room as people see her
with the young Tilney.

Austen creates a romantic
mood when she describes
Catherine’s thought of
Henry Tilney, “…she found
him as agreeable as she
had already given him
credit for being. He talked
with fluency and spirit –
and there was an archness
and pleasantry in his
manner which interested,
though it was hardly
understood by her”
(Northanger Abbey 19).
Catherine is enthralled by
Henry’s simplistic charm.
Atmosphere/Mood

When Catherine barges into the Tilney’s
home after the discrepancy between
herself and John the atmosphere in the
room is described in an inexplicable
manner, “Whatever might have been felt
before her arrival, her eager declarations
immediately made every look and sentence
as friendly as she could desire”
(Northanger Abbey 95). This quote makes
the reader think of what good or bad
happenings may have just occurred in the
Tilney home that Catherine interrupted.
Literary Devices for Northanger
Abbey
Theme: noun
 a subject of discourse, discussion,
meditation, or composition; topic: The
need for world peace was the theme of
the meeting.
 a unifying or dominant idea, motif, etc.,
as in a work of art.
 a short, informal essay, especially a
school composition.

(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/theme?s=t)
Theme

One theme that occurs in Austen’s Northanger
Abbey is that of lies and deceit. Catherine
faces much of this throughout the novel
involving her acquaintances of John Thorpe
and also with the Tilneys. One particular
instance is when Catherine believes that she
has scheduled a walk with Miss TIlney.
However, when she goes to meet her the
servant says that she is not in. As Catherine
leaves and looks back, she sees Eleanor
walking out of her home with her father.
Catherine feels upset at this and is not happy
that Eleanor ignored her.
Theme

A second theme in the novel is society and class. An
example of this can be found when General Tilney
unexpectedly tells Catherine to leave Northanger Abbey.
She is confused of his reasoning until Henry comes to her
home and explains the General’s thoughts. He had been
told that she was not from good financial means. He did
not want someone like this living in his home and asked
her to leave. “It was not till the late explanation at
Northanger that they had the smallest idea of the false
calculations which had hurried him on. That they were
false” (Northanger Abbey 230). The confusion of
Catherine’s position in society led the General to kick her
out of the Abbey. Class was very important in this time
period and the General would not have an unworthy
person living in his home.
Theme

A third prevalent theme in the story is youth.
The main characters of this novel are all
adolescents. Throughout the storyline they
grow and learn how to make mature decisions
instead of the ignorant ones they had been
making before. An example of this can be
found in Catherine, who for one instance
would go on carriage rides with just John and
herself in the carriage. This was seen as
unacceptable to Mr. Allen, but upon inquiry
Catherine learned of his disapproval and no
longer took part in these adventures.
Literary Devices for Northanger
Abbey
Point-of-View: noun
a specified or stated manner of
consideration or appraisal; standpoint: from
the point of view of a doctor.
 an opinion, attitude, or judgment: He
refuses to change his point of view in the
matter.
 the position of the narrator in relation to the
story, as indicated by the narrator's outlook
from which the events are depicted and by
the attitude toward the characters.

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
(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/point+of+view?s=t
Point-of-View

The point of view in Northanger Abbey varies by
using the narrator. There are some instances where
the narrator talks directly to the reader. “But when a
young lady is to be a heroine, the perverseness of
forty surrounding families cannot prevent her”
(Northanger Abbey 11). A second view is a normal
one where events are simply described. “Catherine
followed her orders and turned away” (Northanger
Abbey 57). The final view in the novel is free indirect
discourse. Catherine’s thoughts and feelings are
explained even though the story is being looked at
from the view of third person.
Literary Devices for Sense and
Sensibility
Characterization: noun
 portrayal; description: the actor's
characterization of a politician.
 the act of characterizing.
 the creation and convincing
representation of fictitious characters.

(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/characterization?s=t)
Characterization

Austen uses characterization
in her book Sense and
Sensibility to portray the
characters’ personalities such
as exemplified in this quote,
“Mrs. Jennings, Lady
Middleton’s mother, was a
good-humoured, merry ,fat,
elderly woman, who talked a
great deal, seemed very
happy, and rather vulgar”
(Sense and Sensibility 29).

Along with describing the
characters’ personalities,
Austen uses this device to
describe the relationships
between her characters. “His
manly beauty and more than
common gracefulness were
instantly the theme of general
admiration; and the laugh
which his gallantry raised
against Marianne received
particular spirit from his
exterior attractions” (Sense
and Sensibility 36). This
quote explains to the reader
the ways in which Marianne is
attracted to WIlloughby.
Characterization

This device is also used as a way of
simply telling the reader about a
character as seen in this quote,
“Willoughby was a young man of good
abilities, quick imagination, lively spirits,
and open, affectionate manners” (Sense
and Sensibility 41). This statement tells
the reader some quick values that lie
within Willoughby’s character.
Literary Devices for Sense and
Sensibility
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Conflict: noun
a fight, battle, or struggle, especially a
prolonged struggle; strife.
controversy; quarrel: conflicts between parties.
discord of action, feeling, or effect; antagonism
or opposition, as of interests or principles: a
conflict of ideas.
a striking together; collision.
incompatibility or interference, as of one idea,
desire, event, or activity with another: a conflict
in the schedule.
(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/conflict?s=t)
Conflict

Willoughby and Marianne team
up against Elinor, telling her that
Colonel Brandon is not a suitable
husband for a girl as young as
Marianne. Elinor sticks up for him
saying that he is a respectable
man. She calls the two of them
out on their ignorance by saying,
“If their praise is censure, your
censure may be praise, for they
are not more undiscerning, than
you are prejudiced and unjust”
(Sense and Sensibility 43).

“If they were one day to be your
own, Marianne, you would not be
justified in what you have done”
(Sense and Sensibility 58). This
quote supports Elinor’s argument
with Marianne that she should not
have gone into Mrs. Smith’s
home while she was not there.
Elinor is upset, because even
though the estate may someday
belong to Marianne through her
marriage to Willoughby, she did
not have the right to enter it
without Mrs. Smith being there.
Marianne, of course, tries to
defend herself by saying that it
may be hers someday and that
gives her the right to be there.
Conflict

In chapter XIII Colonel Brandon receives a
mysterious letter that calls him to town.
Everyone wants to know what the letter
was about and why his leave must be so
urgent, but he will not tell. Everyone begins
to create ideas of what the letter was about
and make assumptions on if it was real or if
it was written by himself to create a
situation that would cause him to have to
leave the area. This situation creates a
conflict between the inhabitants of the
Barton cottage.
Literary Devices for Sense and
Sensibility
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Atmosphere/Mood: noun
a state or quality of feeling at a particular time:
What's the boss' mood today?
a distinctive emotional quality or character:
The mood of the music was almost funereal.
a prevailing emotional tone or general attitude:
the country's mood.
a frame of mind disposed or receptive, as to
some activity or thing: I'm not in the mood to
see a movie.
a state of sullenness, gloom, or bad temper.
(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mood?s=t)
Atmosphere/Mood

“When he was present
she had no eyes for any
one else. Every thing he
did was right. Every
thing he said was
clever” (Sense and
Sensibility 45). This
quote describes the allconsuming power that
Wiloughby had on
Marianne’s attention. He
literally took her breath
away and when they
were together she could
see no one else but him.

When Lucy tells Elinor
that she and Edward
have been engaged for
four years Elinor is
caught quite off guard.
She is not sure of what
to say to Lucy and the
conversation acquires a
feeling of awkwardness
from Elinor’s
perspective.
Atmosphere/Mood

“Marianne felt for her most sincerely; but she
did more harm than good to the cause, by
turning very red, and saying in an angry
manner to Margaret, -- “Remember that
whatever your conjectures may be, you have
no right to repeat them.”” (Sense and
Sensibility 51). The situation this quote is
describing is the one in which Margaret
reveals the sure possibility that Marianne has
feelings for a young gentleman. This causes a
terrible, embarrassing atmosphere for
Marianne and she becomes very upset with
Margaret.
Literary Devices for Sense and
Sensibility
Theme: noun
 a subject of discourse, discussion,
meditation, or composition; topic: The
need for world //peace// was the theme
of the meeting.
 a unifying or dominant idea, motif, etc.,
as in a work of art.
 a short, informal essay, especially a
school composition.

(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/theme?s=t)
Theme

One theme in the story is the relationship between
money and inheritance. The widow, Mrs. Dashwood
and her three daughters are left with nothing after
the passing of her husband. “He was neither so
unjust, nor so ungrateful, as to leave his estate from
his nephew” (Sense and Sensibility 4). Due to the
society of the times, the women could not work and
were left without a home. The lack of financial
means, also decides the marital fate of the two single
daughters of the family. They need to marry a
wealthy man in order to live soundly, but it would be
hard to attract one without having their own small
fortune.
Theme

A second theme is marriage. The two oldest daughters of
Mrs. Dashwood are nothing less than eligible to be
married. The oldest daughter, Elinor falls in love with
Edward Ferrars. It seems that they will be married before
long, but her acquaintance, Lucy lets her in on a secret.
She has been engaged to Edward for a long time. “"Four
years you have been engaged," said she, with a firm
voice” (Sense and Sensibility 108). Love has also crossed
Marianne’s path. She had caught the attention of
Willoughby. Through their time spent together she had
grown strong feelings for him, but in a letter to her he
expresses that he had never loved her and did not mean
to give her the intention that he did. She was absolutely
crushed by this. She was sure that they were to be wed
also.
Theme

A third theme is secrecy. There are a few trap
doors in this novel that lead to emotional
turmoil. One example is found in Willoughby’s
sudden pulling away from Marianne and the
Dashwoods. He hid that he did not love
Marianne from her and the family until it was
too late and Marianne had grown very much
attracted to him. Another example is the secret
engagement of Lucy and Edward. No one was
supposed to know that they were engaged,
but Lucy told Elinor and she was crushed,
because she had fallen for him.
Literary Devices for Sense and
Sensibility
Diction: noun
 style of speaking or writing as
dependent upon choice of words: good
diction.
 the accent, inflection, intonation, and
speech-sound quality manifested by an
individual speaker, usually judged in
terms of prevailing standards of
acceptability; enunciation.

(http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/diction)
Diction

The use of the word
“propriety” is a careful choice
by Austen, because it
describes Mr. John
Dashwood’s societal
appearance, “but he was, in
general, well respected; for
he conducted himself with
propriety in the discharge of
his ordinary duties”(Sense
and Sensibilty 5). His familial
correlation shows an opposite
behavior, because his wife
takes away from his propriety.
“But Mrs. John Dashwood
was a strong caricature of
himself; more narrow-minded
and selfish” (Sense and
Sensibility 5).

The diction in the description
of Elinor’s feelings towards
the exposition of Lucy’s
engagement to Edward is
very strong. Austen’s choice
of words gives the reader a
vivid picture of how
devastated Elinor is upon
discovering this news. “She
was mortified, shocked,
confounded” (Sense and
Sensibility 111).
Diction

Austen shows a drastic change in diction
within the character of Willoughby. This
occurs in his return letter to Marianne in
which he expresses that he never did love
her and hopes that she did not get the
impression that he did. She is crushed and
insulted by the letter. Willoughby’s diction
towards her thus far has always been
comforting and joyful; however this
exchange shows a change to an insulting,
unyielding diction.
Summary: Northanger Abbey
Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey is divided up into two books.
Book I begins with Catherine Morland accepting an invitation from
the Morlands’ family friends the Allens to spend a few weeks of
vacation in the resort town of Bath. Catherine is very excited,
because she does not often get to go out. It is just her luck that she
is introduced to a young gentleman, Henry Tilney. She is very
attracted to the intellectual, well-mannered boy. After their meeting
however, they do not have another encounter for a while.
After a short time of being there the Allens encounter their
friends the Thorpes. Catherine becomes very good friends with
their daughter, Isabella, who is well versed in the current
happenings of all the balls, fashion, and gossip in Bath. The girls’
brothers, John Thorpe and James Morland come to town. Isabella
begins to fall in love with James after the foursome spends some
time together by going on carriage rides. Catherine is always stuck
trying to converse with John, but her thoughts are preoccupied with
thinking of Henry Tilney. John becomes under the impression that
Catherine is attracted to him, but the truth is quite on the contrary.
Summary: Northanger Abbey
As Isabella and James spend more and more time
together, Catherine begins to separate from the group. She
becomes friends with Henry’s sister Eleanor Tilney, who is
aware that Catherine has feelings for Henry, but keeps her
observation to herself. The girls plan to go for a walk with
Henry, but inclement weather puts a damper on their adventure.
John, James, and Isabella strongly urge Catherine to go for a
carriage ride with them instead and she reluctantly complies.
On their ride Catherine spots Henry and Eleanor making their
way to her home to pick her up for their walk. Catherine feels
awful that she broke their plans and asks John to stop the
carriage and take her to them, but he denies her request. This
makes her very angry. After the rest of the ride, Catherine
barges into the Tilney’s home, passed the servants and into the
room where General Tilney and his two children are relaxing.
She urgently apologizes for missing their walk and they plan a
new time. The General invites her to stay for dinner, but she
cannot, because the Allens expect her home, so she takes a
rain check.
Summary: Northanger Abbey
Following the incident of Catherine being pressured into
the carriage ride, John, James, and Isabella try to make her
come with them again. Catherine stands her ground this time
and is faithful to her previous plans with the Tilneys. As she
walks with Henry and Eleanor, they get better acquainted and
find they have similar taste in literature and the trio becomes
much closer. Upon Catherine’s return home, she is informed
that James and Isabella are engaged to be married. Also, John
is taking his leave from Bath and meets with Catherine to tell
her goodbye. He is left with the false impression that Catherine
is in love with him.
In Book II, the arrival of Henry Tilney’s brother, Captain
Frederick Tilney, captures Isabella’s attention. The two begin to
form a relationship. James is of course unaware of this
connection, but due to his mediocre income, Isabella’s attention
is much happier spent on the Captain.
Summary: Northanger Abbey
Eleanor and Catherine’s friendship has grown very strong during their time in
Bath and this leads to the Tilneys inviting Catherine to come spend a few weeks at their
home, Northanger Abbey. She graciously accepts. A small time later, they are on the
road to the Abbey. Catherine expresses her thoughts on what the Abbey will be like and
the adventures she might have there. Henry humors her and pulls at her vivid
imagination by telling her what her time might be like there, adding ideas of hidden
passages and secrets.
One night Catherine explores into the late Mrs. TIlney’s room. She begins to
suspect that the General had some sort of role in her death. Henry catches her, scolds
her, and demands that his father would never do such a thing as end his mother’s life.
Isabella and Captain Tilney’s suspected relationship causes John to end his
engagement to Isabella. Catherine finds this out when she receives a letter from her
brother, James. The letter also states that Isabella and the Captain are now engaged.
However, this turns out to be false, because she receives a letter from Isabella, herself
stating that the Captain has broken her heart and left her. Catherine is upset by her
friend’s ridiculously unworthy behavior and does not write her back.
Summary: Northanger Abbey
After a few weeks pass, General TIlney orders
Catherine to leave Northanger Abbey. She does not
understand his reasoning for this, but respects his wishes
and returns to her home, where she lives in an uneasy
manner. She misses Henry dearly and wishes they could
speak. Henry does come to her home and surprise her by
asking her hand in marriage. She is absolutely thrilled! He
goes on to explain that she was asked to leave, because
of a misunderstanding with his father about her family’s
financial standing. Although they must still gain
permission from the General to get married, they are
happy they can be together again. After Eleanor Tilney
marries a rich man, the General is in a good mood and
consents to his son’s marriage to Catherine. The book
ends with the couple happily married.
Review
This book was a good read. It started off slow and was
definitely confusing at times. However, as the story developed it
got more and more interesting. The more you got to know the
characters the more intriguing it became. The plot had a few
twists and turns with the characters' relationships. It was
surprising when Henry returned to Catherine's home after she
was asked to leave the Abbey. I thought they were done for
good. I am glad that it had a happy ending for them.
There were a lot of conversations between the characterst
that were all over the place. I had trouble keeping up with their
changing topics and opinions. Overall the plot was a good one.
As Catherine lived through the plot, I felt like I was learning and
growing with her. It was a good story that let me in as one of its
players. I would recommend this book to someone who can see
past the plot and pay attention at the boring explantory parts.
Summary: Sense and Sensibility
Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility is broken up into three
volumes. The first volume begins with the tragic death of Mr.
John Dashwood. His passing has left his son, who is to his first
wife, with all of his possessions. Mr. Dashwood’s second wife
and three daughters are left with little income and nowhere to
live. John will not help them out so, the foursome is invited to
live at Barton Park with their relatives, the Middletons. The
oldest of the three daughters, Elinor is upset by their sporadic
move, because she has recently gotten involved with Edward
Ferrars. She does not want to leave her new crush. Marianne
has a few discussions with her mother on the fact that she does
not feel that Edward has good enough interests in the arts to be
with Elinor. She accepts that he is a man of good status, but
she feels that he needs to have more interest in literature and
the arts to be a proper fit for her sister. Also, Marianne is upset
about Elinor’s feelings for Edward not being strong enough. She
feels that Elinor should be absolutely committed to the
gentleman at this point, but Elinor is not sure Edward feels the
same way she does and is scared to attach herself any farther.
Summary: Sense and Sensibility
At Barton Park Marianne and Elinor meet Colonel Brandon
and John Willoughby. Upon their meeting, Willoughby is
attracted to Marianne and begins to court her. However, their
courtship does not last long, because Willoughby suddenly has
to leave for business. Two friends of the Middletons arrive at
Barton Park, Lucy and Anne Steele. Lucy befriends Elinor and
tells her that she is engaged to a Mr. Ferrars for four years now.
Elinor believes it to be Edward’s younger brother, Robert, but
then she is informed that it Edward that has her heart. Elinor is
flabbergasted.
Volume II begins with Marianne and Elinor going to
London with Mrs. Jennings. It is rumored that Marianne and
Willoughby are to be engaged, but Marianne receives a letter
from him stating that he never had feelings for her and did not
mean to lead her on. Marianne is crushed and the family
decides that Willoughby was not a proper fit for her anyway.
Summary: Sense and Sensibility
The third volume of the novel tells of how Lucy’s older
sister exploits Lucy’s engagement to Edward’s mother and she
is absolutely furious. His mother then removes him from any
inheritance that he would have received. On Marianne and
Elinor’s way home from London, they stop in Cleveland. While
there Marianne contracts a cold. Willoughby comes to visit her
and explain his emotional letter. Marianne comes to her senses
and realizes that he was not a proper man for her anyway. Mrs.
Dashwood and Colonel Brandon also come to visit Marianne.
The novel ends with the Dashwoods returning to Barton
Park, and they learn that there was a complete
misunderstanding concerning who Lucy Steele was engaged to.
It turns out that she is engaged to Robert Ferrars, leaving
Edward able to propose to Elinor. Marianne and Colonel
Brandon become engaged soon after Elinor and Edward. They
all live happily together at Delaford.
Review
This book had a good story overall. At the beginning
there were a lot of characters being introduced and it was
a little hard to follow with so many people having the
same last name. I liked and disliked all of the romantic
drama. The characters were definitely easy to relate to.
The story sucked you up and made you feel like you were
there reading the letters and going through the hardships
that the girls were going through.
Overall the book was a good read and had many
twists and turns. The mysterious atmospheres kept me
wanting more. I would recommend this book to someone
who has a good memory to remember all of the
characters and to someone who likes romantic tragedies.
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Works Cited
"Austen.com | The Works of Jane Austen."
Austen.com | The Works of Jane Austen.
The Spring. Web. 21 May 2012.
<http://www.austen.com/novels.htm>.
 Austen, Jane. Northanger Abbey. New
York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2005. Print.
 Austen, Jane. Sense and Sensibility. New
York: Barnes & Noble Classics, 2003. Print.
 Dictionary.com
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