Sense and Sensibility
Jane Austen
Contains spoilers for the entire book.
Discussion topics
Topic 01 of 08
Two sisters
Which sister did you side with at first, Elinor or Marianne, and did that change?
Keep the conversation going
- Does the novel favour sense over sensibility, or does each sister learn from the other?
- What does each sister's way of grieving their father say about her?
There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.
Discussion topics
Which sister did you side with at first, Elinor or Marianne, and did that change?
Keep the conversation going
- Does the novel favour sense over sensibility, or does each sister learn from the other?
- What does each sister's way of grieving their father say about her?
How does the loss of Norland shape the Dashwood women's prospects?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of John and Fanny Dashwood talking themselves out of helping?
- How does money decide the fates of everyone in the book?
What draws Marianne to Willoughby, and what should have warned her?
Keep the conversation going
- Did his late confession to Elinor change how you saw him?
- Did he truly love Marianne?
Why does Marianne overlook Colonel Brandon for so long?
Keep the conversation going
- What does his story about Eliza tell you about him and about Willoughby?
- How did you feel about Marianne's marriage to him?
Why does Edward keep his promise to Lucy Steele?
Keep the conversation going
- What did you make of Lucy confiding in Elinor?
- Is Edward's honour admirable or weak?
What does Elinor's self-control cost her, and was it worth it?
Keep the conversation going
- When does Marianne finally understand what Elinor has borne?
- Is there such a thing as too much restraint?
What changes in Marianne after her illness at Cleveland?
Keep the conversation going
- Is her new seriousness growth, or the loss of something?
- What does she learn about her own choices?
How satisfied were you with the novel's two marriages?
Keep the conversation going
- Who gets what they deserve, and who doesn't?
- What does the novel say about whether love and money can go together?
There is no single right answer. Bring your own reading.