Sense and Sensibility (World's...

Sense and Sensibility (World's...

Publisher
Oxford Paperbacks
Published
1990
Pages
343
ISBN-13
9780192827616
Format
print
Language
English
Book Summary
Jane Austen's first published novel, Sense and Sensibility, follows the Dashwood sisters—practical Elinor and passionate Marianne—as they navigate love, loss, and societal expectations after their father's death leaves them financially vulnerable. This Oxford World's Classics edition offers a reliable text with scholarly notes, making it ideal for students and general readers seeking a deeper understanding of Austen's witty critique of Regency-era sensibility and social conduct.
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About Sense and Sensibility (World's...

Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen's first published novel (1811), tells the story of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, whose lives are upended when their father dies and their half-brother inherits the family estate. Forced to move to a modest cottage, the sisters confront the challenges of reduced circumstances, romantic disappointment, and the rigid social codes of Regency England. Elinor, the embodiment of sense, conceals her feelings for the reserved Edward Ferrars, while Marianne, representing sensibility, indulges in passionate emotion for the dashing John Willoughby. Through their contrasting temperaments and experiences, Austen explores themes of love, money, class, and the necessity of balancing reason with emotion. This Oxford World's Classics edition provides an authoritative text, informative introduction, explanatory notes, and a chronology, making it an excellent resource for students and readers seeking a deeper appreciation of Austen's enduring wit and social commentary.

Who should read Sense and Sensibility (World's...?

This edition is ideal for students of English literature, especially those studying Austen or the Regency novel, who need a reliable scholarly text with helpful annotations. General readers who enjoy classic romance and social satire will appreciate the accessible yet thorough presentation. Book club members seeking rich discussion material will find much to analyze in the sisters' contrasting personalities and Austen's ironic narrative voice. Teachers and librarians looking for a standard classroom edition will also value the supplementary materials.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • ✓ Authoritative Oxford World's Classics text with scholarly editing
  • ✓ Helpful introduction and explanatory notes for deeper understanding
  • ✓ Compact and affordable edition suitable for students
  • ✓ Includes chronology and bibliography for academic use
  • ✓ Timeless themes and witty social commentary that remain relevant
Cons
  • ✗ Some readers may find the Regency-era language and pacing slow
  • ✗ The novel's focus on domestic life and social manners may not appeal to all
  • ✗ Lack of a detailed critical apparatus compared to some academic editions
  • ✗ Physical format may be less durable for heavy classroom use
  • ✗ Not an illustrated or annotated edition for casual readers
Frequently asked questions
Is this edition suitable for academic study?
Yes, the Oxford World's Classics edition is widely used in schools and universities. It includes an authoritative text, a scholarly introduction, explanatory notes, and a chronology, all of which support academic analysis.
What is the main theme of Sense and Sensibility?
The novel explores the tension between reason (sense) and emotion (sensibility) through the contrasting characters of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, while also critiquing the social and economic pressures of Regency England.
Is this book part of a series?
Yes, it is part of the Oxford World's Classics series, which publishes affordable, scholarly editions of classic literature with helpful supplementary materials.
Does this edition include annotations?
Yes, it includes explanatory notes that clarify historical, cultural, and literary references, making the text more accessible to modern readers.
Is Sense and Sensibility a good starting point for Austen?
It can be, as it was Austen's first published novel. However, some readers find Pride and Prejudice more immediately engaging. Sense and Sensibility offers a rich introduction to her wit and social observation.

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