preview

Elinor Is Realistic And Practical While Marianne

Decent Essays

Both Elinor and Marianne possess agreeable qualities: Elinor is realistic and practical while Marianne is passionate. However, these good qualities do nothing in their search for husbands since the world in which they live is largely defined by money and social connections, which the two lack. For instance, to demonstrate the importance of social rank, Austen writes: He is very far from being independent. What his mother really is we cannot know; but, from Fanny’s occasional mention of her conduct and opinions, we have never been disposed to think her amiable; and I am very much mistaken if Edward is not himself aware that there would be many difficulties in his way, if he were to wish to marry a woman who had not either a great fortune or high rank. (p. 20-21) The quote represents Elinor’s realization that her marriage to Edward Ferrars, a man from a wealthy family, was in jeopardy solely because of his family’s arrogance. Since Elinor did not have the social and financial esteem that they wanted, Edward’s family verifies that status was more important than happiness. To further show that money and social connection was crucial in nineteenth century life, Austen shows the cruel circle in which no money and no connections creates. Primogeniture, or the tradition where first-born child, usually male, inherits estate and wealth, prevents the Dashwood sisters from having money. Because of this, both Elinor and Marianne are forced to rely on the fortunes of a wealthy

Get Access