Sense and Sensibility

Jane Austen (1775-1817)

Original en 118651 words First published 1811 United Kingdom

Jane Austen's first published novel, 1811. Elinor Dashwood, nineteen, has sense: she governs her feelings, even when her family is disinherited and the man she loves proves false. Her sister Marianne has sensibility: she feels everything at full volume, and falls dangerously for the charming Willoughby. Between prudence and passion — which should govern a life, and what does each cost? — Austen builds her first great comedy of money, manners and heartbreak, already in complete command of her ironic art.

Text sourced from Project Gutenberg (public domain in the United States); the Project Gutenberg trademark and license text have been removed on import. Public-domain status determined by the author's death year + 50 years rule.

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