Sense and Sensibility: Chapter 16 Summary & Analysis

Marianne stayed up all night, troubled over Willoughby’s sudden departure. The next day, she was still clearly upset and would talk to no one, indulging in her extreme feelings of sadness. Within a few days, Marianne’s attitude “sunk. . . into a calmer melancholy.”

Elinor was uneasy, as no letters came from Willoughby. She asked her mother to ask Marianne whether or not she was engaged to Willoughby, so that they could know for sure. But Mrs. Dashwood felt that this would be insensitive, and refused. Elinor argued, but her “common sense, common care, common prudence” were all for naught against her mother’s “romantic delicacy.”

One day, Elinor and Marianne went out for a walk. They saw a man approaching on a horse and Marianne excitedly exclaimed that it had to be Willoughby. But, when the man came closer, they saw that he was actually Edward Ferrars. He, Elinor, and Marianne walked back to the cottage, where Edward was welcomed gladly.

To the surprise of Marianne, Edward did not seem particularly excited or joyous to see everyone. She was further perturbed when she learned that he had been in the area for two weeks without coming to see Elinor. Marianne asked how Norland was, and sentimentally described the house and its land.

Edward asked how the Dashwoods were enjoying Barton, and Marianne said that the Middletons were unpleasant. Elinor chastised her for her impoliteness, and said that the Middletons had been very nice to them. Elinor continued to talk with Edward, somewhat annoyed by his cold demeanor, but restraining herself from displaying any “resentment or displeasure.”