The Characters and Behaviour of Edward Ferrars and John Willoughby in Sense and Sensibility

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The Characters and Behaviour of Edward Ferrars and John Willoughby in Sense and Sensibility In the novel "Sense and Sensibility" the two characters Edward Ferrars and John Willoughby are foils. Jane Austen gives each three options in marriage - a previous attachment, Eliza Williams and Lucy Steele financially advantageous offer, Miss Grey and Miss Morton, and a genuine attachment, Marianne and Elinor. Jane Austen depicts their characters through their behaviour in this situation and others. Elinor's views of the characters Edward Ferrars and John Willoughby change a lot throughout the novel. At first Willoughby or "Marianne's preserver" as Margaret names he seems like a handsome charming young man: "his person, which was uncommonly handsome, received additional charms from his voice and expression. Edward, on the other hand, is not handsome and is not an archetypal knight in shining armour. He is quite and unobtrusive which leads the family, particularly Mrs. Dashwood to like him as they are in mooning "he did not disturb the wretchedness of her mind by ill-timed conversation." The family's liking towards Willoughbyincreases, Marianne in particular as they are so alike: "their taste was strikingly alike. The same books the same passages were idolized by each." Elinor likes Willoughby but is a little uncomfortable as she feels he is rash and she doubts his veracity: "I love Willoughby, sincerely love him; and suspicion of his integrity cannot be more painful to yourself than to me.", and throughout the book Jane Austen leads the reader to trust Elinor's judgement. However when Elinor hears Willoughby call Marianne by her fi... ... middle of paper ... ...e will of Miss Smith. Both Mrs Ferrars and Miss Smith try to use money to control the behaviour of Edward and Willoughby. Mrs Ferrars wants Edward to marry Miss Morton and break his engagement with Lucy Steele, Miss Smith however is trying to make Willoughby behave honourably and marry Eliza Williams but to no avail. At first the reader is given very different first impressions of Willoughby an Edward. Willoughby is the romantic hero, he is handsome has an infectious enthusiasm. Edward however is reserved, not handsome and is not a hero. We are taught by this not to judge on first impressions. Edward and Willoughby are both gentlemen in the same social class anticipating their independence. However through their characters and behaviour Jane Austen depicts Edward and Willoughby as tow very different people.

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