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

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...

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...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.