Sense and Sensibility: Penguin Critical Studies

Penguin Critical Studies

by Isobel Armstrong

Sets Jane Austen's novel in the context of the Napoleonic wars, with the melancholia and "sensibility" that they brought to 18th-century society, the source of much of the tension and power of the book. The Austen themes of family, attachments and engagements are explained against a society where great changes were taking place, such as the greater mobility of the populace. Yet it was probably one of the most repressive political eras of the century, and the theme of secrecy in the novel reflects this.

Genres: Classics, Nonfiction, Romance

144 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1995

Reviews

[Loretta Marchize · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first part of the novel a couple of months ago and so I wasn't quite sure of all that happened, but that's why you watch the movie adaption of the classics after you read them. I actually really liked this one. I think I still think I like Emma more, but this one was good too.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

while this did prompt a great many new ideas about SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, I found it a bit too feminist and academic for my tastes. *shrugs* also, as it is rather dry and non-fiction-y, it took me quite a while to read it. it was cool learning about the parallels between Austen's life and the themes of this novel, however, and I did find a few interesting quotes to quote in my essay :) so do I recommend this? eh, perhaps - if you need to do a deeeeep dive into this book, for example. otherwise, I'd suggest Tony Tanner's JANE AUSTEN to learn more about SENSE AND SENSIBILITY.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written 200 years ago. And. Still. Amazing. Austen Amazing.

[Dominick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compact, insightful study of Sense and Sensibility, Austen's most difficult novel in some ways. Armstrong is very useful on how the title terms are more complex than at first appears and resonate throughout the novel, as well as within the historical context in which the book was written and revised. I am less persuaded by her attempt to make Hamlet a key intertext--which, to her credit, she acknowledges herself faces some challenges. That element, especially, along with a few others, is more suggestive than persuasive. Nevertheless, this is well worth the read for anyone looking for some insight into the novel.

[Jennifer Orr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been saving this final Jane Austen for years, saving for what, I do not know...but after a marathon viewing of Downton Abby recently, I wasn't ready to leave England just yet, so I figured it was time. Her signature mixture of satire, hilarity and romance in the trappings of 19th century British society is enjoyable as always, though perhaps not as successful as in her masters Emma and P&P. Interestingly, I found this one to be her most biting in regards to the plight of the English woman. She covers this ground in all her novels, but for some reason, this one seemed personal. Jane gives Elinor and Marianne a happy ending, but still leaves the reader with the doubt that such endings were rare for their sisters, including Jane herself, in the real world.

[Jacqueline Langille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite, or because of, my job, I don't read nineteenth-century novels often. It was refreshing to read a text written in third-person with an omniscient narrator. So many modern texts employ first-person as to be irritatingly narcissictic in their story telling. I'll admit I found S&S dragged on a little, after enjoying the concise mangling of the plot employed by Emma Thompson in her movie version. Overall, Austen's novel was a pleasant read, and I will add Emma to my reading list for 2020.

[Zuzana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Literary criticism in its native academic style. ;-)
Loved the section on sentimental novels and the analysis of parallels to Henry Mackenzie's The Man of Feeling.

[L. Penn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Err...have to give up on this one for the time being as I'm 96-pages in and haven't experienced an iota of emotion for any character thus far. I'll return to it at a later date when I feel up for some, lah-dee-dah material, but for now...it's just not for me.

[Trisha_loves_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reread of the beautiful story of the Dashwood sisters. Marianne and Elinor experience love and heartbreak.

[Amie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just could not get into this story, nor did I care for the characters. I guess I have missed something, as so many people rave about this book....

[Shahana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow paced but a quality read.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Josefiina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is good book, but I think Pride and Prejudice is so much better book. I like this, but... I don't know. That's not one of the best books I have read.