Sense and Sensibility is a classic novel of English literature written by Jane Austen in 1811 It follows the story of two sisters – Elinor and Marianne Dashwood – as they come of age and experience the pressures of the repressive conventions of British society. The novel examines the social and personal relationships between men and women, as each of the sisters must grapple with the conflict between their own emotional needs and the societal expectations of their time.
Austen’s novel is widely recognized as a comment on the nature of relationships and the tension between sense and sensibility. The characters take different approaches to social expectations; Elinor represents the idea of “sense” with her practical nature, while Marianne embodies “sensibility” with her passionate emotions. This conflict between sense and sensibility is central to the novel and serves as a fascinating point of exploration for potential essay topics.
Here are five potential essay topics related to Sense and Sensibility:
1. Compare and contrast the characters of Elinor and Marianne. How do their conflicting approaches to life shape their relationships with others, including their romantic relationships?
2. Analyze the theme of “sense” and “sensibility” in the novel. How is this theme represented through the characters, their actions, and the development of their relationships?
3. Discuss the characterization of society in the novel. What are the expectations placed on men and women in the society Austen depicts, and how does this inform the story?
4. Trace the development of Elinor and Marianne as they navigate their romantic relationships. How do their lives ultimately change due to their experiences?
5. Examine the role of class in the novel. How does class position, wealth, and social status shape the events and characters’ interactions?
These five essay topics provide a wide range of perspectives from which to explore the themes and characters of Sense and Sensibility. They offer the opportunity to discuss the values, expectations, and pressures of Austen’s time while examining the characters’ struggles to find their place in the world.