Sense and Sensibility

Edward’s manner towards Elinor is confusing, as he appears to distinguish her one moment and be indifferent to her the next.

When Edward returns from a walk, he and Marianne discuss their favorite types of landscape. Edward claims that he has “no knowledge in the picturesque” (111), the current fashion for shabby, romantic beauties, and prefers a flourishing, harmonious landscape to a wind-tortured one (111). Elinor observes that in order to avoid being thought flamboyant, Edward over-emphasizes his modesty.

Marianne notices that Edward wears a ring with a braid of hair in the center. She asks whether it is his sister Fanny’s hair, knowing full well that the hair is too light to be Fanny’s and that it matches Elinor’s. Elinor is also assured that the hair is her own and “must have been procured by some theft or contrivance unknown to herself” (113).

Sir John and Mrs. Jennings visit, eagerly recognizing Edward as Elinor’s "Mr. F".

Edward stays with the Dashwoods a week and seems to be leaving just as he is beginning to enjoy himself. Mrs. Dashwood boldly proposes that he might be happier if he settles into a profession. He confesses that his primary choice of profession, the church, is not glamorous enough for his mother and sister.