Sense and Sensibility
In Jane Austen’s novel Sense and Sensibility (1811), Marianne must choose between two potential courtiers: Willoughby and Colonel Brandon. Why does Jane Austen pit a failed courtship against a successful one, and what does she imply about Marianne’s ultimate decision? Whether Marianne chooses Willoughby or Colonel Brandon, her future is at stake. Her heart yearns for Willoughby, but her judgment bids her to choose Colonel Brandon. Each potential candidate offers encouraging qualities, yet they are not without their negative faults. Willoughby represents the ideal suitor for the seventeen year old Marianne: he is young, attractive, smooth-talking, and loves literature. Willoughby’s negative aspects include disrespect, neglect, and a hunger for money. Colonel Brandon expresses compassion, honor, and contains vast amounts of wealth. What hinders Colonel Brandon’s chances is that he is too old for Marianne, quiet, and dour. If Marianne chooses Willoughby, she will quench her heart but suffer economically. If she chooses the less attractive Colonel Brandon she will be satisfied, but wealthy. One point is certain; courtship in the eighteenth century was not only out of love, but also an investment that women made which was essential to assure financial security and social status. By employing Elinor as a confidant to Marianne in her relationship with Willoughby and Colonel Brandon, Austen dictates her female audience to exploit their good behavior and reputation to secure a wealthy husband in a male dominated society. Willoughby makes a sketchy first impression while Elinor reprimands Marianne’s improper decorum. In only her second encounter with Willoughby, Marianne hastily discovers everything there is to know about his interests. Elinor criticizes Marianne’s careless behavior: “You have already ascertained Mr. Willoughby's opinion in almost every matter of importance”, she scolds Marianne. (Jalic) Elinor points out that Marianne basically throws her self at Willoughby’s feet. Overwhelmed by Willoughby’s appearance, Marianne abandons her ladylike conduct in that she exhibits no restraint in her actions. She exhausts every topic of choice, from poetry, to music, to conversation. Willoughby acknowledges Marianne’s vulnerability at this point.