# Sense and Sensibility

> 1811 novel by Jane Austen

**Wikidata**: [Q274744](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q274744)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sense_and_Sensibility)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sense-and-sensibility-q274744

## Summary
*Sense and Sensibility* is an 1811 novel by Jane Austen, a foundational work of English literature that explores themes of love, class, and societal expectations through the lives of the Dashwood sisters. Published anonymously, it is celebrated for its wit, social satire, and psychological depth, establishing Austen as a pioneering voice in the novel of manners genre.

## Key Facts
- **Author**: Jane Austen (1775–1817)
- **Publication Date**: 1811
- **Genre**: Novel of manners, romance, bildungsroman
- **Country of Origin**: England (Kingdom of Great Britain)
- **Literary Work Classification**:
  - Instance of: type of work of art
  - Subclass of: work of art, written work
  - Different from: version, edition or translation, fiction, written work
  - Has part: text
  - Fabrication method: writing
  - Has characteristic: type of literary work
- **Identifiers**:
  - psh_id: 6918
  - yso_id: 1150
  - ne.se_id: litterärt-verk
  - kbpedia_id: LiteraryWork
  - open_library_id: OL32245191W
  - google_knowledge_graph_id: /g/1234t710, /g/11c71cnldv
- **Maintained by**: WikiProject Books
- **Wikipedia Category**: Category: Literary works
- **Follows**: None (first published novel by Jane Austen)
- **Followed by**: *Pride and Prejudice* (1813)
- **Influenced by**: Samuel Richardson, Henry Fielding, Ann Radcliffe
- **Sitelink Count**: 54
- **Aliases**: *Elinor and Marianne* (early title)
- **Publisher**: Thomas Egerton (original publication)
- **Original Title Page Image**: SenseAndSensibilityTitlePage.jpg
- **Wikidata Description**: 1811 novel by Jane Austen

## FAQs
**What is *Sense and Sensibility* about?**
*Sense and Sensibility* follows the lives of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, as they navigate love, loss, and societal expectations in early 19th-century England. The novel contrasts Elinor’s rationality ("sense") with Marianne’s emotionalism ("sensibility"), exploring themes of class, marriage, and personal growth.

**Who wrote *Sense and Sensibility*?**
The novel was written by Jane Austen, an English novelist known for her social satires and contributions to the novel of manners genre. Austen published the work anonymously in 1811, marking her debut as a novelist.

**What genre does *Sense and Sensibility* belong to?**
The novel is classified as a novel of manners, romance, and bildungsroman (coming-of-age story). It blends social critique with romantic storytelling, focusing on the moral and psychological development of its protagonists.

**How does *Sense and Sensibility* relate to Jane Austen’s other works?**
It is Austen’s first published novel, preceding *Pride and Prejudice* (1813) and *Mansfield Park* (1814). Like her later works, it explores themes of marriage, class, and societal norms, establishing her signature style of wit and social observation.

**What is the significance of *Sense and Sensibility* in literature?**
The novel is celebrated for its psychological depth, wit, and enduring relevance to gender dynamics and romantic relationships. It standardized the novel of manners genre and influenced later authors, including George Eliot and Virginia Woolf.

**Why did Jane Austen publish *Sense and Sensibility* anonymously?**
Austen published anonymously to avoid societal judgment and maintain her privacy. This anonymity added to the mystique of her literary genius and allowed her works to be judged on their merit rather than her gender or social standing.

**What are the main themes of *Sense and Sensibility*?**
The novel explores themes of love, class, societal expectations, and the contrast between rationality ("sense") and emotionalism ("sensibility"). It critiques the limitations placed on women in early 19th-century society and the importance of personal growth.

**How is *Sense and Sensibility* structured?**
The novel is divided into three volumes, following the lives of the Dashwood sisters as they move from their family home to a cottage in Devon. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Elinor and Marianne, highlighting their distinct approaches to life and love.

**What is the historical context of *Sense and Sensibility*?**
The novel was written during the Regency era in England, a period marked by significant social and political changes. Austen’s exploration of class and marriage reflects the evolving dynamics of British society at the time.

**How has *Sense and Sensibility* been adapted?**
The novel has been adapted into numerous films, television series, and stage productions, showcasing its enduring cultural impact. Notable adaptations include the 1995 film directed by Ang Lee and the 2008 BBC miniseries.

## Why It Matters
*Sense and Sensibility* is a foundational work in English literature, shaping modern storytelling and gender dynamics. Its exploration of class, marriage, and societal norms remains relevant, influencing discussions on feminism and personal growth. Austen’s ability to blend humor with deep social commentary set a standard for literary excellence that endures. The novel’s themes of rationality versus emotionalism, as well as its critique of societal expectations, make it a timeless exploration of human nature and relationships.

## Notable For
- **Literary Innovation**: Pioneered the novel of manners and social satire, influencing later authors like George Eliot and Virginia Woolf.
- **Enduring Relevance**: Themes of class, marriage, and societal norms remain relevant, making it a classic of English literature.
- **Adaptations**: Frequently adapted into films, television series, and stage productions, showcasing its cultural impact.
- **Anonymity**: Published anonymously, adding to the mystique of Austen’s legacy and literary genius.
- **Standardization**: Standardized the structure and themes of the novel of manners, shaping modern literary conventions.
- **Psychological Depth**: Explores the contrast between rationality ("sense") and emotionalism ("sensibility") through the lives of the Dashwood sisters.
- **Social Critique**: Critiques the limitations placed on women in early 19th-century society, influencing discussions on gender dynamics.

## Body
### Definition and Nature
*Sense and Sensibility* is a novel of manners and romance written by Jane Austen, published in 1811. It is a literary work composed of text and created through the process of writing, classified as a type of work of art and a subclass of written work. The novel is distinct from other textual forms such as manuals or reports, which are not considered literary.

### Classification and Relationships
*Sense and Sensibility* is a manifestation of literature and is part of the broader field of literature. It is linked to the following identifiers and classifications:
- psh_id: 6918
- yso_id: 1150
- ne.se_id: litterärt-verk
- kbpedia_id: LiteraryWork
- open_library_id: OL32245191W
- google_knowledge_graph_id: /g/1234t710, /g/11c71cnldv
- model_item: literature, comics, prose, diary
- subclass_of: work of art, written work
- instance_of: type of work of art
- has_characteristic: type of literary work
- has_part: text
- fabrication_method: writing
- different_from: version, edition or translation, fiction, written work

### Properties and Identifiers
*Sense and Sensibility* is associated with a wide range of properties for this type, including:
- P50, P407, P136, P921, P373, P214, P8189, P747, P577, P495, P2408, P840, P166, P7937, P1274, P8383, P1085, P10319, P5331, P123, P1922, P3132, P144, P941, P1036, P244, P291, P953, P6216, P648, P674, P7150

### Cultural and Academic Context
*Sense and Sensibility* is foundational to the field of literature and is studied and preserved in academic and cultural contexts. It is linked to:
- University of Barcelona authority ID: 981060927480506706
- Dictionary of Archives Terminology ID: literary-works
- Encyclopedia of China (third edition) ID: 223088
- Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging ID: 13535
- Thesaurus Linguae Aegyptiae ID: R5CMB55TONDPPKYZCQSNGMQASA

### Maintenance and Curation
*Sense and Sensibility* is maintained by WikiProject Books, which ensures its accurate documentation and categorization. It is also part of the "Category: Literary works" and is associated with the "Template: Infobox literary work" for structured representation.

### Distinction from Other Concepts
*Sense and Sensibility* is distinct from the general term "Werk" and has a separate descriptive page to ensure clarity in classification. It is also different from "version, edition or translation" and "fiction," which are considered separate entities.

### Role in Digital and Cultural Archives
*Sense and Sensibility* is cataloged and preserved in digital and cultural archives using specific identifiers and classification systems, ensuring its long-term accessibility and scholarly engagement.

### Historical Context
The novel was written during the Regency era in England, a period marked by significant social and political changes. Austen’s exploration of class, marriage, and societal norms reflects the evolving dynamics of British society at the time. The novel was published anonymously, allowing Austen to avoid societal judgment and maintain her privacy.

### Literary Style
Austen’s writing style is characterized by wit, social observation, and psychological depth. Her novels often feature strong-willed heroines navigating the complexities of love and society. She used irony and satire to critique societal norms, making her works both entertaining and thought-provoking.

### Plot and Structure
*Sense and Sensibility* is divided into three volumes, following the lives of the Dashwood sisters as they move from their family home to a cottage in Devon. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Elinor and Marianne, highlighting their distinct approaches to life and love. Elinor represents rationality ("sense"), while Marianne embodies emotionalism ("sensibility").

### Characters
- **Elinor Dashwood**: The eldest sister, known for her rationality and self-control.
- **Marianne Dashwood**: The younger sister, known for her emotionalism and romanticism.
- **Edward Ferrars**: Elinor’s love interest, who is initially engaged to another woman.
- **John Willoughby**: Marianne’s love interest, who ultimately abandons her.
- **Colonel Brandon**: A older, more stable suitor for Marianne, who ultimately wins her affection.

### Adaptations and Influence
*Sense and Sensibility* has been adapted into numerous films, television series, and stage productions. Its influence extends to modern literature, with authors like George Eliot and Virginia Woolf citing it as a major inspiration. The novel continues to be studied and celebrated for its timeless themes and literary brilliance.

### Related Works
*Sense and Sensibility* is the first published novel by Jane Austen, preceding *Pride and Prejudice* (1813) and *Mansfield Park* (1814). It is part of a broader body of work that includes *Emma* (1815), *Northanger Abbey* (1817), and *Persuasion* (1817).

### Authorial Background
Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775, in Steventon, Hampshire, England. She was the seventh and youngest surviving child of Reverend George Austen and Cassandra Leigh. Her family was wealthy, which allowed her to live a sheltered life. Austen had no formal education but was well-read, influenced by her father’s extensive library.

### Publication History
Austen began writing novels in her early 20s, publishing anonymously to avoid societal judgment. Her first novel, *Sense and Sensibility* (1811), was a critical and commercial success. She published a total of six novels, all within a decade.

### Legacy and Impact
*Sense and Sensibility* remains a foundational work in English literature, shaping modern storytelling and gender dynamics. Its social critiques of marriage and class continue to resonate, influencing discussions on feminism and societal norms. Austen’s ability to blend humor with deep social commentary set a standard for literary excellence that endures.

### Personal Life
Austen lived a private life, rarely leaving her family home. She died on July 18, 1817, at the age of 41. Her legacy was preserved by her sister Cassandra, who published her works posthumously. Austen’s anonymity added to the mystique of her literary genius.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
*Sense and Sensibility* is associated with the following technical identifiers and standards:
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- P244: no2009127349
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- P953: https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/jane-austen/sense-and-sensibility
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- P1417: topic/Sense-and-Sensibility
- P1476: Sense and Sensibility, Raison et Sentiments, Le Cœur et la raison
- P1617: b41f8607-e221-4af4-a449-d4c5f307ea0a
- P1922: The family of Dashwood had been long settled in Sussex.
- P2034: 161
- P3132: Between Barton and Delaford, there was that constant communication which strong family affection would naturally dictate;— and among the merits and the happiness of Elinor and Marianne, let it not be ranked as the least considerable, that though sisters, and living almost within sight of each other, they could live without disagreement between themselves, or producing coolness between their husbands.
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- P8419: Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
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- genre: Q223945, Q19765983
- P10565: 458614
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- P11932: 2122
- P12086: Sense_and_Sensibility
- P14225: 981005797958609366
- publisher: Q16968755
- followed_by: Q170583
- instance_of: Q7725634
- sitelink_count: 54
- wikipedia_title: Sense and Sensibility
- publication_date: +1811-00-00T00:00:00Z
- country_of_origin: Q145
- wikidata_description: 1811 novel by Jane Austen

## References

1. MusicBrainz
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. BBC Things
5. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Sense_and_Sensibility-5K8RG)
6. Goodreads
7. [Sense and Sensibility MBTI Personality Type - Literature](https://www.personality-database.com/profile?pid=2&cid=3&sub_cat_id=596)