Rodriguez 1 AP English Literature and Composition 20 December 2013 Passion opposed to Prudence: Sense and Sensibility Prior to being

a published author, Jane Austen experienced two distinct cultural movements, Classicism and Romanticism, both of which played a crucial role in the development of her distinct literary style, particularly within Sense and Sensibility and its main protagonists, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. Elinor, through her characteristic sense, personifies eighteenth-century Classicism, utilizing such attributes as reason and temperance to represent Classicism and the influence it had within Austens contemporary society. Marianne, through her characteristic sensibility, personifies late eighteenth-century Romanticism, utilizing such attributes as idealism and passion to represent Romanticism and its distinct development during the time of Austens own literary career. The personification of both protagonists can be explicitly seen through their relationships, as Elinor carefully regulates her emotions towards Edward Ferrars, while as Marianne unapologetically demonstrates her affection towards John Willoughby and proudly displays their relationship for all to see. Neither Elinor nor Marianne, however, are exclusively classical or romantic, as both develop characteristics of their converse as the plot progresses, Marianne through the self-realization of her imprudence in regards to John Willoughby, and Elinor through her public display of emotion upon hearing that Edward Ferrars was not wed to Lucy Steele. Austen does not favor one set of characteristics over the other, but rather, develops the notion that both reason and passion are essential to ones own happiness, and therefore should both be exercised in moderation, hence the title, Sense and Sensibility.