Sense & Sensibility

Sense & Sensibility<br/>Elinor and Marianne Dashwood are two sisters with very different characters. Their differences become even more apparent when each becomes involved in a romantic interest. Marianne values deep feelings and those who express themselves with passion and strength. Elinor controls her feelings and tries not to worry or upset those around her by giving vent to her own emotions. Marianne learns through experience that by not governing her emotions and by giving too free a reign to her feelings she does herself great injury, as well as distressing those around her who care for her. Elinor experiences strong feelings as well but she governs them so as not to distress others. Marianne's strong feelings, which she valued so highly, turn out to be a selfish trait when she fails to govern them. Marianne comes to learn that rather than scorning those who exhibit self control, she should value their friendship and guidance. And those she valued so highly for their passionate feelings, she finds to be unreliable and full of unfulfilled intentions. This tale of two sisters teaches readers that true tranquility for ourselves and those around us is attained by governing our emotions with our reason. Reigning in the wild horses of our emotions with the steady hand of reason, as Elinor does, proves to lead to the happiest ending.