Sense and Sensibility

Sense and Sensibility Summary | Chapter 1 Summary

This chapter lays the foundation for the plot of the novel by introducing the Dashwood family. Henry Dashwood and his daughters from a second marriage have moved into Norland Estate to care for Henry's ailing uncle. Henry had hoped to provide for his wife and daughters by inheriting the Estate, but when the uncle dies it is revealed that Henry's son John from a previous marriage has a son named Harry who will eventually inherit the estate. We also learn that Harry has earned this estate by being clever and charming during a visit to Norland Estate.

When Henry falls ill, it becomes clear that he only has 10,000 pounds for his wife and daughters. He calls John to his bedside and asks him to support his stepmother and his sisters. Austen reveals to the reader that John is not a bad person but that he has married a mean spirited wife (Fanny). John decides to give each of his sisters 1,000 pounds, since this will be barely affect the income from both his great-uncle's estate and his own mother's fortune.

Fanny Dashwood moves into Norland Estate with Harry and a few servants. She immediately begins to act superior to Mrs. (Henry) Dashwood and her three daughters. Mrs. Dashwood is upset by this and wants to leave, but stays because her oldest daughter Elinor persuades her to and because she wants the three girls (Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret) to have a friendly relationship with their brother John.

Austen also gives brief sketches of each daughter. Elinor is described as having "strength of understanding" and the ability to control her feelings when needed. Marianne is described as "sensible and clever," but impulsive. Thirteen-year-old Margaret is described as having much of Margaret's romantic nature, but "without having much of her sense."