Summary
Edward's Secret
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Elinor and Marianne settle into their new life at Barton Cottage with their mother, finding the small home cozy despite being a major downgrade from Norland. Their kind landlord Sir John Middleton proves to be exactly what he seemed - a genuine, hospitable man who immediately welcomes them into the local social circle. He's determined to keep them entertained and introduces them to his mother-in-law, Mrs. Jennings, a cheerful widow who loves nothing more than matchmaking and gossip. The contrast between the sisters becomes even more apparent in this new setting. Elinor appreciates Sir John's straightforward kindness and adapts gracefully to their reduced circumstances, while Marianne struggles with what she sees as the vulgarity of their new acquaintances. She finds Sir John and Mrs. Jennings lacking in the refined sensibilities she values, dismissing their warmth as mere noise. This chapter establishes the social world the Dashwood women will navigate - one that's less sophisticated than what they're used to, but potentially more genuine. Austen shows us how different personalities respond to change and new social situations. Elinor's practical wisdom helps her see the good in people who may lack polish but offer real friendship, while Marianne's romantic idealism makes her judge people harshly for not meeting her elevated standards. The chapter sets up the central tension between accepting life as it is versus demanding it meet our idealistic expectations - a choice we all face when circumstances force us into unfamiliar territory.
Coming Up in Chapter 9
The Dashwood sisters' social circle expands as they meet more of the local families, including some unexpected personalities who will challenge their assumptions about country life. Marianne's strong opinions about their new neighbors are about to be put to the test.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
Mrs. Jennings was a widow with an ample jointure. She had only two daughters, both of whom she had lived to see respectably married, and she had now therefore nothing to do but to marry all the rest of the world. In the promotion of this object she was zealously active, as far as her ability reached; and missed no opportunity of projecting weddings among all the young people of her acquaintance. She was remarkably quick in the discovery of attachments, and had enjoyed the advantage of raising the blushes and the vanity of many a young lady by insinuations of her power over such a young man; and this kind of discernment enabled her soon after her arrival at Barton decisively to pronounce that Colonel Brandon was very much in love with Marianne Dashwood. She rather suspected it to be so, on the very first evening of their being together, from his listening so attentively while she sang to them; and when the visit was returned by the Middletons’ dining at the cottage, the fact was ascertained by his listening to her again. It must be so. She was perfectly convinced of it. It would be an excellent match, for _he_ was rich, and _she_ was handsome. Mrs. Jennings had been anxious to see Colonel Brandon well married, ever since her connection with Sir John first brought him to her knowledge; and she was always anxious to get a good husband for every pretty girl. The immediate advantage to herself was by no means inconsiderable, for it supplied her with endless jokes against them both. At the park she laughed at the colonel, and in the cottage at Marianne. To the former her raillery was probably, as far as it regarded only himself, perfectly indifferent; but to the latter it was at first incomprehensible; and when its object was understood, she hardly knew whether most to laugh at its absurdity, or censure its impertinence, for she considered it as an unfeeling reflection on the colonel’s advanced years, and on his forlorn condition as an old bachelor. Mrs. Dashwood, who could not think a man five years younger than herself, so exceedingly ancient as he appeared to the youthful fancy of her daughter, ventured to clear Mrs. Jennings from the probability of wishing to throw ridicule on his age. “But at least, Mama, you cannot deny the absurdity of the accusation, though you may not think it intentionally ill-natured. Colonel Brandon is certainly younger than Mrs. Jennings, but he is old enough to be _my_ father; and if he were ever animated enough to be in love, must have long outlived every sensation of the kind. It is too ridiculous! When is a man to be safe from such wit, if age and infirmity will not protect him?” “Infirmity!” said Elinor, “do you call Colonel Brandon infirm? I can easily suppose that his age may appear much greater to you than to my mother; but you can hardly deceive yourself...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Adaptation Versus Judgment
When circumstances force change, we choose between adapting to find genuine value or judging others to protect our ego.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to distinguish between genuine human warmth and polished but empty social performance.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when you dismiss someone for lacking polish—then look deeper to see if they offer something real that polished people might not.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Reduced circumstances
When a family loses money and social status, forcing them to live more modestly than before. In Austen's time, this was especially difficult for women who had no way to earn their own income.
Modern Usage:
Like when someone loses their job and has to downsize their house or lifestyle - the shame and adjustment that comes with financial setbacks.
Social circle
The group of people you regularly socialize with, often determined by class, wealth, and location. In rural England, your social options were limited to whoever lived nearby.
Modern Usage:
Your friend group, coworkers, or community - the people you see regularly and who influence your social life.
Matchmaking
The practice of trying to set up romantic relationships between other people. Older women like Mrs. Jennings saw this as both entertainment and social duty.
Modern Usage:
Like being the friend who's always trying to set people up on dates or suggesting 'you should meet my cousin.'
Refined sensibilities
Having educated, sophisticated tastes in art, literature, and social behavior. Marianne believes only people with these qualities are worth knowing.
Modern Usage:
Being a snob about culture - thinking you're better than others because you have 'better taste' in music, books, or lifestyle.
Condescension
When someone of higher social status acts friendly toward those they consider beneath them. Sir John's kindness is genuine, not condescending.
Modern Usage:
When someone talks down to you or acts like they're doing you a favor by being nice - the difference between real kindness and fake politeness.
Provincial
Relating to rural areas away from major cities, often implying less sophisticated or worldly. Marianne sees their new neighbors as provincial and beneath her standards.
Modern Usage:
Small-town mentality or calling someone 'basic' - dismissing people as unsophisticated because they're not from a big city.
Characters in This Chapter
Sir John Middleton
Benevolent landlord
The Dashwoods' landlord who proves to be genuinely kind and hospitable, immediately welcoming them into local society. He represents authentic goodness without pretension.
Modern Equivalent:
The friendly neighbor who brings you cookies when you move in and invites you to every barbecue
Mrs. Jennings
Local social connector
Sir John's mother-in-law, a cheerful widow who loves gossip and matchmaking. She embodies warmth and genuine interest in others, though Marianne finds her vulgar.
Modern Equivalent:
The chatty coworker who knows everyone's business and always wants to set people up
Elinor Dashwood
Practical protagonist
Shows wisdom by appreciating Sir John's genuine kindness despite his lack of sophistication. She adapts gracefully to their new circumstances and sees the good in people.
Modern Equivalent:
The friend who makes the best of any situation and sees people's good qualities even when they're different from her
Marianne Dashwood
Idealistic critic
Struggles with their reduced status and judges their new acquaintances harshly for lacking refined tastes. She cannot see past surface differences to appreciate genuine kindness.
Modern Equivalent:
The person who complains about everything not being up to their standards and judges people for not being 'cultured' enough
Mrs. Dashwood
Adaptive mother
Settles into Barton Cottage and adapts to their new social situation, following Elinor's lead in appreciating their neighbors' genuine hospitality.
Modern Equivalent:
The mom who makes the best of a tough situation and tries to keep the family positive during a major life change
Key Quotes & Analysis
"Sir John was a blessing to all the juvenile part of the neighbourhood, for in summer he was for ever forming parties to eat cold ham and chicken out of doors, and in winter his private balls were numerous enough for any young lady who was not suffering under the unsatiable appetite of fifteen."
Context: Describing Sir John's generous hospitality and social activities
This shows Sir John's genuine desire to bring joy to others, especially young people. Austen's gentle humor about fifteen-year-olds having 'unsatiable appetites' for parties reveals her understanding of human nature.
In Today's Words:
Sir John was always throwing parties and get-togethers - the kind of guy who's constantly organizing barbecues and game nights because he loves seeing people have fun.
"Lady Middleton had the advantage of being able to spoil her children all the year round, while Sir John's sports were only in season."
Context: Comparing the couple's different ways of entertaining themselves
Austen's dry wit points out how Lady Middleton focuses entirely on her children while Sir John has broader interests. This reveals different approaches to finding purpose and entertainment.
In Today's Words:
Lady Middleton could obsess over her kids 24/7, while Sir John's hobbies were seasonal - showing how some people make their whole identity about their children.
"Mrs. Jennings was a widow with an ample jointure. She had only two daughters, both of whom she had lived to see respectably married, and she had now therefore nothing to do but to marry all the rest of the world."
Context: Introducing Mrs. Jennings and her passion for matchmaking
This perfectly captures how Mrs. Jennings, having successfully married off her own daughters, now sees matchmaking as her life's mission. It's both amusing and touching - she wants others to find the happiness her daughters found.
In Today's Words:
Mrs. Jennings had money and her kids were settled, so now she made it her business to play cupid for everyone else - like the mom who's always trying to set up her single friends.
Thematic Threads
Class
In This Chapter
The Dashwoods must navigate a less refined social circle than they're accustomed to at Norland
Development
Evolved from losing their estate to learning how to function in a different social stratum
In Your Life:
You might face this when changing jobs, neighborhoods, or social circles where the 'culture' feels beneath your previous experience
Identity
In This Chapter
Marianne clings to her refined sensibilities as a way to maintain her sense of self-worth in reduced circumstances
Development
Building on earlier themes of how the sisters define themselves after losing their status
In Your Life:
You might see this when you use past achievements or standards to judge new situations rather than adapting to present reality
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
The tension between Sir John's genuine hospitality and Marianne's expectations of sophisticated social interaction
Development
Introduced here as the sisters encounter their new social world
In Your Life:
You might experience this when people don't behave according to your expectations but offer something valuable in their own way
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Elinor demonstrates wisdom by appreciating authentic kindness even when it lacks polish
Development
Continuing Elinor's pattern of practical wisdom from earlier chapters
In Your Life:
You might need this skill when learning to value substance over style in relationships and opportunities
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
The contrast between Mrs. Jennings' warm but gossipy nature and Marianne's cold dismissal of her
Development
Introduced here as we meet the extended social circle
In Your Life:
You might face this when deciding whether to engage with people who seem different from your usual social group
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
How do Elinor and Marianne each respond to their new neighbors Sir John and Mrs. Jennings, and what does this reveal about their different approaches to change?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Marianne dismiss Sir John and Mrs. Jennings as vulgar, while Elinor appreciates their genuine kindness? What's really driving each sister's reaction?
analysis • medium - 3
Think about a time when you or someone you know had to adjust to a new workplace, neighborhood, or social group. Did you see more 'Elinor' or 'Marianne' responses?
application • medium - 4
When you're forced into unfamiliar circumstances, how can you tell if you're genuinely maintaining standards or just protecting your ego through judgment?
application • deep - 5
What does this chapter suggest about the relationship between our expectations and our ability to find genuine connection with others?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Practice the Adaptation Choice
Think of a current situation where you're dealing with people or circumstances that don't match your ideal standards. Write down three judgments you've made about this situation, then challenge yourself to rewrite each judgment as an adaptation opportunity. What genuine value or learning might you be missing because you're focused on what's 'wrong'?
Consider:
- •Notice when your criticism is really about protecting your sense of superiority rather than maintaining legitimate standards
- •Look for authentic warmth or competence that might exist beneath surface differences
- •Consider whether your 'high standards' are actually preventing you from finding unexpected solutions or friendships
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you initially judged a person or situation harshly, but later discovered genuine value you had missed. What helped you shift from judgment to appreciation?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 9: Willoughby's Rescue
The next chapter brings new insights and deeper understanding. Continue reading to discover how timeless patterns from this classic literature illuminate our modern world and the choices we face.