Sense and Sensibility

Jane Austen’s first published novel, Sense and Sensibility was published in 1811. A comedy of manners, it follows the Dashwood sisters, sensible Elinor and sensitive Marianne. Left without fortune or protection upon the death of their father, the girls and their mother are forced to leave the family home—passed to Mr. Dashwood’s son by a first marriage—and rent a small cottage from a cousin. Austen’s sparkling wit and sharp irony portray the girls in their search for security and love, amidst the harsh strictures of society and situation.