Sense and Sensibility Quotes 1-4

1. "'At first sight, his address is certainly not striking; and his person can hardly be called handsome, till the expression of his eyes, which are uncommonly good, and the general sweetness of his countenance is perceived. At present, I know him so well, that I think him really handsome; or, at least, almost so.'" (Austen 16)
Spoken by Elinor, the eldest Dashwood sister, this quote is a true window into her character. Elinor does not idealise anyone much, not even her love, which provides a contrast to Marianne who thinks that Willoughby is perfect in every manner. The ongoing crusade of Elinor's love for Edward starts with this passage, and leads the reader through the entire book, so this is also an important quote in terms of plot.

2. "'What! -while attending me in all my misery, has this been on your heart? -and I have reproached you for being happy!-'
'It was not fit that you should then know how much I was the reverse.'" (Austen 219)
Many times Elinor is so good at masking her feelings that no one knows what she is really going through, even her closest confidants. As Marianne was letting herself run wild over her drama with Willoughby, Elinor was helping her feel better and tending to her in any way possible. Now, when Marianne found out that Elinor had, in fact, been experiencing a near-heartbreak the entire time, she was shocked. This event marks the turning point in the story when finally both sisters have confided in each other and their problems begin to slowly turn around.

3. "He was the only person in the world who could at that moment be forgiven for not being Willoughby; the only one who could have gained a smile from her; but she dispersed her tears to smile on him, and in her sister's happiness forgot for a time her own disappointment." (Austen 72)
Even though Marianne was grieving for the flight of Willoughby from their cottage, she still feels happy for her sister's happiness which shows their close relationship. Also, the character of Edward is shows as so generally pleasing and likeable that he could pull some happy emotions even out of someone in deep despair like Marianne.

4."What felt Elinor at that moment? Astonishment, that would have been as painful as it was strong, had not an immedeate disbelief of the assertion attended it. She turned towards Lucy in silent amazement, unable to divine the reasone or object of such a declaration, and though her complexion varied, she stood firm in incredulity, and felt in no danger of an hysterical fit, or a swoon." (Austen 109)
This marks a low point in the book - not only has Willoughby left Marianne alone with no promise, but now it turns out that the wonderful Edward has been secretly engaged for four years! Obviously this would make anyone in Elinor's position want to cry aloud, but being so talented at controlling herself, Elinor doesn't show her true emotions to Lucy Steele, which turns out to be a good thing because the Steele's end up bringing Elinor closer to Edward, and with his fiancee and his love on the doorstep, Edward is forced to make a decision. (He makes the right one, of course!)