feat_summary_path: finished_summaries/pinkmonkey/Sense and Sensibility/section_33_part_0.txt
feat_book_id: Sense and Sensibility.chapter 34
feat_summary_id: chapter 34
feat_summary: {"name": "Chapter  34", "url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20180820034609/http://www.pinkmonkey.com/booknotes/monkeynotes/pmSenseSensibility48.asp", "summary": "Elinor tells the Colonel's story to Marianne, who believes it, but feels miserable on hearing this information. Her attitude towards Colonel Brandon improves. A letter arrives from Mrs. Dashwood, expressing concern for Marianne. She advises them to prolong their stay in London. The Middletons and the Palmers sympathize with Marianne and curse Willoughby for his deceit. Mrs. Palmer informs Elinor of Willoughby's wedding. Elinor conveys the news to her sister a few days later. Marianne breaks down after this. At about this time, the Steeles pay them a visit. They indulge in frivolous talk and insist on meeting Marianne.", "analysis": "Notes Marianne gradually comes to terms with her situation. First she hears about Willoughby's deceptive nature and his shameless behavior towards Miss Williams, followed by the news of his wedding. Her hopes are dashed and she is miserable. Everyone shows concern for Marianne, but their words of consolation only hurt the sensitive girl. In such circumstances, Lady Middleton's indifference proves to be a blessing in disguise. Her non-committal attitude neither hurts nor soothes Marianne's feelings. Mrs. Jennings is busy matchmaking, even during an unhappy period, such as the present one. When she observes Colonel Brandon talking to Elinor, she presumes that they are in love. Matchmaking is her favorite pursuit. The Steele sisters arrive and irritate Elinor with their frivolous behavior. Miss Steele talks coquettishly about Dr. Davies, while Lucy makes a show of her affection for Elinor. They feign concern for Marianne and insist on meeting with her. They are downright indiscreet in their behavior; the Steele sisters offer a complete contrast to the heroines of the novel. CHAPTER 33 Summary One day while they are out shopping, Elinor and Marianne have a chance encounter with their brother. He is apologetic for not having contacted them earlier but promises to pay them a visit the next day. True to his word, he keeps his appointment. He is introduced to Mrs. Jennings and Colonel Brandon, both of whom he treats respectfully. He considers Colonel Brandon an eligible match for Elinor and astonishes his sister with his congratulations on her impending marriage. He also meets the Middletons and is impressed by their wealth and status. Notes Jane Austen here portrays John Dashwood as a hen-pecked husband who is governed by nothing but money. He is impressed by Mrs. Jennings because she lives in elegance. He wants Elinor to marry Colonel Brandon because he possesses considerable property in Dorsetshire. He commends the abilities of Mrs. Ferrars in finding a good match for Edward in Miss Morton, who is to inherit thirty thousand pounds. Finally, he is impressed by the Middletons because \"they are people of large fortune.\" John Dashwood approves of just about anyone who is wealthy. John Dashwood is a humorous character, who never fails to amuse the readers through his talk and behavior. His conversation with Elinor is comical. He presumes that Colonel Brandon is in love with Elinor, and so he congratulates her on her good fortune in getting married to a man of status. In order to cover up his guilt for not helping his sisters financially, he paints a sorry picture of himself and exaggerates his own financial obligations. He then expresses the hope that Mrs. Jennings will bestow her wealth on Elinor and Marianne. He meets the Middletons and is impressed by their style of living, and he decides to introduce his wife to them because she would surely approve of such people. Elinor is embarrassed by his outlook and attitude. He is obsessed with money and entirely governed by his wife. CHAPTER 34 Summary Fanny Dashwood makes the acquaintance of Lady Middleton and is impressed by her. She also meets the Steele sisters and takes a liking to them. She thus invites all of them, including the Dashwood sisters, to a party at her house. Lucy Steele is eager to attend the party, as it will give her an opportunity to meet with Edward and Mrs. Ferrars. Elinor is apprehensive about the visit. At the party they meet Mrs. Ferrars, who is cold and snobbish. She looks down on Elinor, and in order to slight her, pays attention to Lucy. John Dashwood tries to impress Colonel Brandon by boasting about Elinor's talent. Marianne feels offended when Mrs. Ferrars tries to insult Elinor and answers her back, much to Fanny's dismay. To rectify the situation, John informs the Colonel of Marianne's delicate health and her loss of beauty, which he says is the cause of her anxiety. Notes This chapter focuses on Fanny and John Dashwood and Mrs. Ferrars. Both Mrs. Ferrars and her daughter, Fanny Dashwood, are molded in a similar fashion. They are haughty, snobbish and cold. They are obsessed with money and fascinated by the wealthy. Fanny Dashwood is in awe of Lady Middleton because she resembles herself in her tastes, temperament and status. \"There was a kind of cold-hearted selfishness on both sides, which mutually attracted them; and they sympathised with each other in an insipid propriety of demeanour, and a general want of understanding.\" Jane Austen is rather sarcastic about the relationship between the two snobbish ladies. Austen continues the same tone of harsh critique while describing Mrs. Ferrars: \"Mrs. Ferrars was a little, thin woman, upright, even to formality, in her figure, and serious, even to sourness, in her aspect. Her complexion was sallow; and her features small, without beauty, and naturally without expression: but a lucky contraction of the brow had rescued her countenance from the disgrace of insipidity, by giving it the strong characters of pride and ill-nature.\" But Austen chooses only such characters as Lady Middleton, Fanny Dashwood and Mrs. Ferrars to present as caricatures. Lucy and Elinor, who are both in love with Edward, get the opportunity to meet Mrs. Ferrars, and each responds differently to the situation. Lucy is excited about meeting her and tries her best to impress her, while Elinor is merely curious about Mrs. Ferrars. She acts normally and presents her true self before the old lady. Elinor is always composed and handles even an unfavorable situation to the best of her ability. Marianne, on the other hand, is easily excited by criticism or unjust remarks. When Mrs. Ferrars and Fanny Dashwood try to hurt Elinor by praising the talent of Miss Morton, Marianne rebukes them. She then becomes emotional and bursts into tears, thereby embarrassing the guests. The chapter also presents humorous situations. Marianne's defending her sister and offending Mrs. Ferrars, creates a furor at the party. When she finally breaks down after consoling her sister, her distress affects all the other characters. Jane Austen describes the scene thus: \"She could say no more; her spirits were quite overcome, and hiding her face on Elinor's shoulder, she burst into tears. Everybody's attention was called, and almost everybody was concerned. Colonel Brandon rose up and went to them without knowing what he did. Mrs. Jennings, with a very intelligent, 'Ah! poor dear,' immediately gave her salts; and Sir John felt so desperately enraged against the author of this nervous distress, that he instantly changed his seat to one close by Lucy Steele, and gave her, in a whisper, a brief account of the whole shocking affair.\" No one but Jane Austen could describe the confusion so effectively and amusingly."}
text: 
  
  Mrs. John Dashwood had so much confidence in her husband's judgment,
  that she waited the very next day both on Mrs. Jennings and her
  daughter; and her confidence was rewarded by finding even the former,
  even the woman with whom her sisters were staying, by no means unworthy
  her notice; and as for Lady Middleton, she found her one of the most
  charming women in the world!
  
  Lady Middleton was equally pleased with Mrs. Dashwood.  There was a
  kind of cold hearted selfishness on both sides, which mutually
  attracted them; and they sympathised with each other in an insipid
  propriety of demeanor, and a general want of understanding.
  
  The same manners, however, which recommended Mrs. John Dashwood to the
  good opinion of Lady Middleton did not suit the fancy of Mrs. Jennings,
  and to HER she appeared nothing more than a little proud-looking woman
  of uncordial address, who met her husband's sisters without any
  affection, and almost without having anything to say to them; for of
  the quarter of an hour bestowed on Berkeley Street, she sat at least
  seven minutes and a half in silence.
  
  Elinor wanted very much to know, though she did not chuse to ask,
  whether Edward was then in town; but nothing would have induced Fanny
  voluntarily to mention his name before her, till able to tell her that
  his marriage with Miss Morton was resolved on, or till her husband's
  expectations on Colonel Brandon were answered; because she believed
  them still so very much attached to each other, that they could not be
  too sedulously divided in word and deed on every occasion.  The
  intelligence however, which SHE would not give, soon flowed from
  another quarter.  Lucy came very shortly to claim Elinor's compassion
  on being unable to see Edward, though he had arrived in town with Mr.
  and Mrs. Dashwood.  He dared not come to Bartlett's Buildings for fear
  of detection, and though their mutual impatience to meet, was not to be
  told, they could do nothing at present but write.
  
  Edward assured them himself of his being in town, within a very short
  time, by twice calling in Berkeley Street.  Twice was his card found on
  the table, when they returned from their morning's engagements.  Elinor
  was pleased that he had called; and still more pleased that she had
  missed him.
  
  The Dashwoods were so prodigiously delighted with the Middletons, that,
  though not much in the habit of giving anything, they determined to
  give them--a dinner; and soon after their acquaintance began, invited
  them to dine in Harley Street, where they had taken a very good house
  for three months.  Their sisters and Mrs. Jennings were invited
  likewise, and John Dashwood was careful to secure Colonel Brandon, who,
  always glad to be where the Miss Dashwoods were, received his eager
  civilities with some surprise, but much more pleasure.  They were to
  meet Mrs. Ferrars; but Elinor could not learn whether her sons were to
  be of the party.  The expectation of seeing HER, however, was enough to
  make her interested in the engagement; for though she could now meet
  Edward's mother without that strong anxiety which had once promised to
  attend such an introduction, though she could now see her with perfect
  indifference as to her opinion of herself, her desire of being in
  company with Mrs. Ferrars, her curiosity to know what she was like, was
  as lively as ever.
  
  The interest with which she thus anticipated the party, was soon
  afterwards increased, more powerfully than pleasantly, by her hearing
  that the Miss Steeles were also to be at it.
  
  So well had they recommended themselves to Lady Middleton, so agreeable
  had their assiduities made them to her, that though Lucy was certainly
  not so elegant, and her sister not even genteel, she was as ready as
  Sir John to ask them to spend a week or two in Conduit Street; and it
  happened to be particularly convenient to the Miss Steeles, as soon as
  the Dashwoods' invitation was known, that their visit should begin a
  few days before the party took place.
  
  Their claims to the notice of Mrs. John Dashwood, as the nieces of the
  gentleman who for many years had had the care of her brother, might not
  have done much, however, towards procuring them seats at her table; but
  as Lady Middleton's guests they must be welcome; and Lucy, who had long
  wanted to be personally known to the family, to have a nearer view of
  their characters and her own difficulties, and to have an opportunity
  of endeavouring to please them, had seldom been happier in her life,
  than she was on receiving Mrs. John Dashwood's card.
  
  On Elinor its effect was very different.  She began immediately to
  determine, that Edward who lived with his mother, must be asked as his
  mother was, to a party given by his sister; and to see him for the
  first time, after all that passed, in the company of Lucy!--she hardly
  knew how she could bear it!
  
  These apprehensions, perhaps, were not founded entirely on reason, and
  certainly not at all on truth.  They were relieved however, not by her
  own recollection, but by the good will of Lucy, who believed herself to
  be inflicting a severe disappointment when she told her that Edward
  certainly would not be in Harley Street on Tuesday, and even hoped to
  be carrying the pain still farther by persuading her that he was kept
  away by the extreme affection for herself, which he could not conceal
  when they were together.
  
  The important Tuesday came that was to introduce the two young ladies
  to this formidable mother-in-law.
  
  "Pity me, dear Miss Dashwood!" said Lucy, as they walked up the stairs
  together--for the Middletons arrived so directly after Mrs. Jennings,
  that they all followed the servant at the same time--"There is nobody
  here but you, that can feel for me.--I declare I can hardly stand.
  Good gracious!--In a moment I shall see the person that all my
  happiness depends on--that is to be my mother!"--
  
  Elinor could have given her immediate relief by suggesting the
  possibility of its being Miss Morton's mother, rather than her own,
  whom they were about to behold; but instead of doing that, she assured
  her, and with great sincerity, that she did pity her--to the utter
  amazement of Lucy, who, though really uncomfortable herself, hoped at
  least to be an object of irrepressible envy to Elinor.
  
  Mrs. Ferrars was a little, thin woman, upright, even to formality, in
  her figure, and serious, even to sourness, in her aspect.  Her
  complexion was sallow; and her features small, without beauty, and
  naturally without expression; but a lucky contraction of the brow had
  rescued her countenance from the disgrace of insipidity, by giving it
  the strong characters of pride and ill nature.  She was not a woman of
  many words; for, unlike people in general, she proportioned them to the
  number of her ideas; and of the few syllables that did escape her, not
  one fell to the share of Miss Dashwood, whom she eyed with the spirited
  determination of disliking her at all events.
  
  Elinor could not NOW be made unhappy by this behaviour.-- A few months
  ago it would have hurt her exceedingly; but it was not in Mrs. Ferrars'
  power to distress her by it now;--and the difference of her manners to
  the Miss Steeles, a difference which seemed purposely made to humble
  her more, only amused her.  She could not but smile to see the
  graciousness of both mother and daughter towards the very person-- for
  Lucy was particularly distinguished--whom of all others, had they known
  as much as she did, they would have been most anxious to mortify; while
  she herself, who had comparatively no power to wound them, sat
  pointedly slighted by both.  But while she smiled at a graciousness so
  misapplied, she could not reflect on the mean-spirited folly from which
  it sprung, nor observe the studied attentions with which the Miss
  Steeles courted its continuance, without thoroughly despising them all
  four.
  
  Lucy was all exultation on being so honorably distinguished; and Miss
  Steele wanted only to be teazed about Dr. Davies to be perfectly happy.
  
  The dinner was a grand one, the servants were numerous, and every thing
  bespoke the Mistress's inclination for show, and the Master's ability
  to support it.  In spite of the improvements and additions which were
  making to the Norland estate, and in spite of its owner having once
  been within some thousand pounds of being obliged to sell out at a
  loss, nothing gave any symptom of that indigence which he had tried to
  infer from it;--no poverty of any kind, except of conversation,
  appeared--but there, the deficiency was considerable.  John Dashwood
  had not much to say for himself that was worth hearing, and his wife
  had still less.  But there was no peculiar disgrace in this; for it was
  very much the case with the chief of their visitors, who almost all
  laboured under one or other of these disqualifications for being
  agreeable--Want of sense, either natural or improved--want of
  elegance--want of spirits--or want of temper.
  
  When the ladies withdrew to the drawing-room after dinner, this poverty
  was particularly evident, for the gentlemen HAD supplied the discourse
  with some variety--the variety of politics, inclosing land, and
  breaking horses--but then it was all over; and one subject only engaged
  the ladies till coffee came in, which was the comparative heights of
  Harry Dashwood, and Lady Middleton's second son William, who were
  nearly of the same age.
  
  Had both the children been there, the affair might have been determined
  too easily by measuring them at once; but as Harry only was present, it
  was all conjectural assertion on both sides; and every body had a right
  to be equally positive in their opinion, and to repeat it over and over
  again as often as they liked.
  
  The parties stood thus:
  
  The two mothers, though each really convinced that her own son was the
  tallest, politely decided in favour of the other.
  
  The two grandmothers, with not less partiality, but more sincerity,
  were equally earnest in support of their own descendant.
  
  Lucy, who was hardly less anxious to please one parent than the other,
  thought the boys were both remarkably tall for their age, and could not
  conceive that there could be the smallest difference in the world
  between them; and Miss Steele, with yet greater address gave it, as
  fast as she could, in favour of each.
  
  Elinor, having once delivered her opinion on William's side, by which
  she offended Mrs. Ferrars and Fanny still more, did not see the
  necessity of enforcing it by any farther assertion; and Marianne, when
  called on for hers, offended them all, by declaring that she had no
  opinion to give, as she had never thought about it.
  
  Before her removing from Norland, Elinor had painted a very pretty pair
  of screens for her sister-in-law, which being now just mounted and
  brought home, ornamented her present drawing room; and these screens,
  catching the eye of John Dashwood on his following the other gentlemen
  into the room, were officiously handed by him to Colonel Brandon for
  his admiration.
  
  "These are done by my eldest sister," said he; "and you, as a man of
  taste, will, I dare say, be pleased with them.  I do not know whether
  you have ever happened to see any of her performances before, but she
  is in general reckoned to draw extremely well."
  
  The Colonel, though disclaiming all pretensions to connoisseurship,
  warmly admired the screens, as he would have done any thing painted by
  Miss Dashwood; and on the curiosity of the others being of course
  excited, they were handed round for general inspection.  Mrs. Ferrars,
  not aware of their being Elinor's work, particularly requested to look
  at them; and after they had received gratifying testimony of Lady
  Middletons's approbation, Fanny presented them to her mother,
  considerately informing her, at the same time, that they were done by
  Miss Dashwood.
  
  "Hum"--said Mrs. Ferrars--"very pretty,"--and without regarding them at
  all, returned them to her daughter.
  
  Perhaps Fanny thought for a moment that her mother had been quite rude
  enough,--for, colouring a little, she immediately said,
  
  "They are very pretty, ma'am--an't they?" But then again, the dread of
  having been too civil, too encouraging herself, probably came over her,
  for she presently added,
  
  "Do you not think they are something in Miss Morton's style of
  painting, Ma'am?--She DOES paint most delightfully!--How beautifully
  her last landscape is done!"
  
  "Beautifully indeed!  But SHE does every thing well."
  
  Marianne could not bear this.--She was already greatly displeased with
  Mrs. Ferrars; and such ill-timed praise of another, at Elinor's
  expense, though she had not any notion of what was principally meant by
  it, provoked her immediately to say with warmth,
  
  "This is admiration of a very particular kind!--what is Miss Morton to
  us?--who knows, or who cares, for her?--it is Elinor of whom WE think
  and speak."
  
  And so saying, she took the screens out of her sister-in-law's hands,
  to admire them herself as they ought to be admired.
  
  Mrs. Ferrars looked exceedingly angry, and drawing herself up more
  stiffly than ever, pronounced in retort this bitter philippic, "Miss
  Morton is Lord Morton's daughter."
  
  Fanny looked very angry too, and her husband was all in a fright at his
  sister's audacity.  Elinor was much more hurt by Marianne's warmth than
  she had been by what produced it; but Colonel Brandon's eyes, as they
  were fixed on Marianne, declared that he noticed only what was amiable
  in it, the affectionate heart which could not bear to see a sister
  slighted in the smallest point.
  
  Marianne's feelings did not stop here.  The cold insolence of Mrs.
  Ferrars's general behaviour to her sister, seemed, to her, to foretell
  such difficulties and distresses to Elinor, as her own wounded heart
  taught her to think of with horror; and urged by a strong impulse of
  affectionate sensibility, she moved after a moment, to her sister's
  chair, and putting one arm round her neck, and one cheek close to hers,
  said in a low, but eager, voice,
  
  "Dear, dear Elinor, don't mind them.  Don't let them make YOU unhappy."
  
  She could say no more; her spirits were quite overcome, and hiding her
  face on Elinor's shoulder, she burst into tears.  Every body's
  attention was called, and almost every body was concerned.--Colonel
  Brandon rose up and went to them without knowing what he did.--Mrs.
  Jennings, with a very intelligent "Ah! poor dear," immediately gave her
  her salts; and Sir John felt so desperately enraged against the author
  of this nervous distress, that he instantly changed his seat to one
  close by Lucy Steele, and gave her, in a whisper, a brief account of
  the whole shocking affair.
  
  In a few minutes, however, Marianne was recovered enough to put an end
  to the bustle, and sit down among the rest; though her spirits retained
  the impression of what had passed, the whole evening.
  
  "Poor Marianne!" said her brother to Colonel Brandon, in a low voice,
  as soon as he could secure his attention,-- "She has not such good
  health as her sister,--she is very nervous,--she has not Elinor's
  constitution;--and one must allow that there is something very trying
  to a young woman who HAS BEEN a beauty in the loss of her personal
  attractions.  You would not think it perhaps, but Marianne WAS
  remarkably handsome a few months ago; quite as handsome as Elinor.--
  Now you see it is all gone."
  
  
  
feat_summary_name: Chapter  34
target: Elinor tells the Colonel's story to Marianne, who believes it, but feels miserable on hearing this information. Her attitude towards Colonel Brandon improves. A letter arrives from Mrs. Dashwood, expressing concern for Marianne. She advises them to prolong their stay in London. The Middletons and the Palmers sympathize with Marianne and curse Willoughby for his deceit. Mrs. Palmer informs Elinor of Willoughby's wedding. Elinor conveys the news to her sister a few days later. Marianne breaks down after this. At about this time, the Steeles pay them a visit. They indulge in frivolous talk and insist on meeting Marianne.
feat_summary_analysis: Notes Marianne gradually comes to terms with her situation. First she hears about Willoughby's deceptive nature and his shameless behavior towards Miss Williams, followed by the news of his wedding. Her hopes are dashed and she is miserable. Everyone shows concern for Marianne, but their words of consolation only hurt the sensitive girl. In such circumstances, Lady Middleton's indifference proves to be a blessing in disguise. Her non-committal attitude neither hurts nor soothes Marianne's feelings. Mrs. Jennings is busy matchmaking, even during an unhappy period, such as the present one. When she observes Colonel Brandon talking to Elinor, she presumes that they are in love. Matchmaking is her favorite pursuit. The Steele sisters arrive and irritate Elinor with their frivolous behavior. Miss Steele talks coquettishly about Dr. Davies, while Lucy makes a show of her affection for Elinor. They feign concern for Marianne and insist on meeting with her. They are downright indiscreet in their behavior; the Steele sisters offer a complete contrast to the heroines of the novel. CHAPTER 33 Summary One day while they are out shopping, Elinor and Marianne have a chance encounter with their brother. He is apologetic for not having contacted them earlier but promises to pay them a visit the next day. True to his word, he keeps his appointment. He is introduced to Mrs. Jennings and Colonel Brandon, both of whom he treats respectfully. He considers Colonel Brandon an eligible match for Elinor and astonishes his sister with his congratulations on her impending marriage. He also meets the Middletons and is impressed by their wealth and status. Notes Jane Austen here portrays John Dashwood as a hen-pecked husband who is governed by nothing but money. He is impressed by Mrs. Jennings because she lives in elegance. He wants Elinor to marry Colonel Brandon because he possesses considerable property in Dorsetshire. He commends the abilities of Mrs. Ferrars in finding a good match for Edward in Miss Morton, who is to inherit thirty thousand pounds. Finally, he is impressed by the Middletons because "they are people of large fortune." John Dashwood approves of just about anyone who is wealthy. John Dashwood is a humorous character, who never fails to amuse the readers through his talk and behavior. His conversation with Elinor is comical. He presumes that Colonel Brandon is in love with Elinor, and so he congratulates her on her good fortune in getting married to a man of status. In order to cover up his guilt for not helping his sisters financially, he paints a sorry picture of himself and exaggerates his own financial obligations. He then expresses the hope that Mrs. Jennings will bestow her wealth on Elinor and Marianne. He meets the Middletons and is impressed by their style of living, and he decides to introduce his wife to them because she would surely approve of such people. Elinor is embarrassed by his outlook and attitude. He is obsessed with money and entirely governed by his wife. CHAPTER 34 Summary Fanny Dashwood makes the acquaintance of Lady Middleton and is impressed by her. She also meets the Steele sisters and takes a liking to them. She thus invites all of them, including the Dashwood sisters, to a party at her house. Lucy Steele is eager to attend the party, as it will give her an opportunity to meet with Edward and Mrs. Ferrars. Elinor is apprehensive about the visit. At the party they meet Mrs. Ferrars, who is cold and snobbish. She looks down on Elinor, and in order to slight her, pays attention to Lucy. John Dashwood tries to impress Colonel Brandon by boasting about Elinor's talent. Marianne feels offended when Mrs. Ferrars tries to insult Elinor and answers her back, much to Fanny's dismay. To rectify the situation, John informs the Colonel of Marianne's delicate health and her loss of beauty, which he says is the cause of her anxiety. Notes This chapter focuses on Fanny and John Dashwood and Mrs. Ferrars. Both Mrs. Ferrars and her daughter, Fanny Dashwood, are molded in a similar fashion. They are haughty, snobbish and cold. They are obsessed with money and fascinated by the wealthy. Fanny Dashwood is in awe of Lady Middleton because she resembles herself in her tastes, temperament and status. "There was a kind of cold-hearted selfishness on both sides, which mutually attracted them; and they sympathised with each other in an insipid propriety of demeanour, and a general want of understanding." Jane Austen is rather sarcastic about the relationship between the two snobbish ladies. Austen continues the same tone of harsh critique while describing Mrs. Ferrars: "Mrs. Ferrars was a little, thin woman, upright, even to formality, in her figure, and serious, even to sourness, in her aspect. Her complexion was sallow; and her features small, without beauty, and naturally without expression: but a lucky contraction of the brow had rescued her countenance from the disgrace of insipidity, by giving it the strong characters of pride and ill-nature." But Austen chooses only such characters as Lady Middleton, Fanny Dashwood and Mrs. Ferrars to present as caricatures. Lucy and Elinor, who are both in love with Edward, get the opportunity to meet Mrs. Ferrars, and each responds differently to the situation. Lucy is excited about meeting her and tries her best to impress her, while Elinor is merely curious about Mrs. Ferrars. She acts normally and presents her true self before the old lady. Elinor is always composed and handles even an unfavorable situation to the best of her ability. Marianne, on the other hand, is easily excited by criticism or unjust remarks. When Mrs. Ferrars and Fanny Dashwood try to hurt Elinor by praising the talent of Miss Morton, Marianne rebukes them. She then becomes emotional and bursts into tears, thereby embarrassing the guests. The chapter also presents humorous situations. Marianne's defending her sister and offending Mrs. Ferrars, creates a furor at the party. When she finally breaks down after consoling her sister, her distress affects all the other characters. Jane Austen describes the scene thus: "She could say no more; her spirits were quite overcome, and hiding her face on Elinor's shoulder, she burst into tears. Everybody's attention was called, and almost everybody was concerned. Colonel Brandon rose up and went to them without knowing what he did. Mrs. Jennings, with a very intelligent, 'Ah! poor dear,' immediately gave her salts; and Sir John felt so desperately enraged against the author of this nervous distress, that he instantly changed his seat to one close by Lucy Steele, and gave her, in a whisper, a brief account of the whole shocking affair." No one but Jane Austen could describe the confusion so effectively and amusingly.