MLA Research Paper on Character Sketch of Elinor Dashwood

The title of Jane Austen's ‘Sense and Sensibility’ is actually a metaphor for the two main characters: Elinor Dashwood, who represents Sense; and Marianne Dashwood, who represents Sensibility.
 

Right from the beginning of the story, Elinor is portrayed to be a rational and sensible girl who does not like to share her feelings with others. This is evident from the way she reacts to several situations throughout the book. For example, when Elinor first meets Edward, she develops an immediate liking for him but does not tell anyone of her feelings. This quality is further exposed when Edward has to leave Elinor and does not react to the news by exhibiting an emotional frenzy. She even maintains a cool composure when Edward does not return to deliver an atlas for Margaret.

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However, Austin does reveal Elinor’s emotional side when Elinor starts crying as she listens to her sister play the piano. She justified her emotional outburst by explaining that the song was her late fathers favorite. When Elinor and Marianne are in London, Elinor finally reveals her emotions to Marianne by telling her that she was heart broken after she found out that Edward was engaged to a childhood sweetheart. Thus, towards the end of the story, Elinor’s personality transforms from being logical and practical to becoming more emotional.

Conflict
Both Elinor and Marianne are the main characters of ‘Sense and Sensibility’. The problem that both these sisters face during the novel is for each of them to find a proper husband. Both Elinor and Marianne are courted by the men of their choice, but later in the story they are let down by them. Consequently, they both face disappointment and rejection.

However, Elinor lets her good sense guide her, and she is ultimately united with her lover. Marianne lets her sensibility guide her, which leaves her miserable. In the end she is rewarded with a competent husband when she becomes more sensible.
 

There is a conflict between Lucy Steele and Elinor since Lucy stands in the way of Elinor and Edward, the man she wants to marry. Edward got engaged to Lucy during the days when he was under her uncle’s care. Even though Edward does not love Lucy anymore, he is obligated to marry her. Even though he is attracted to Elinor, he decides to suppress his love for her to maintain his loyalty to Lucy. Therefore, Lucy is the obstacle between Elinor and Edward.
Marianne’s conflict arises due to Willoughby. He plays with her feelings and makes her believe that he is in love with her. However, he forgets all about Marianne when he meets Miss Grey, a wealthy girl. His engagement to Miss Grey causes great pain and suffering to Marianne. Therefore, Willoughby acts as an antagonist who ruthlessly casts Marianne aside for his own interest.