What Happens in Chapters 21-22 of Sense and Sensibility?

TL;DR

In chapters 21 and 22 of 'Sense and Sensibility,' the Steele sisters create tension at Barton Park by revealing their secret engagement to Elinor. Lucy's unexpected confession about her long-term engagement to Edward Ferrars leaves Elinor shocked, forcing her to maintain composure while navigating the complexities of their social interactions.

Transcript

in chapter 21 of jane austen's Sense and Sensibility an and Lucy Steele sisters to whom the Middletons are distantly related visit Barton park Sir John promptly invites the Dashwood's to come meet them lady Middleton objects to her husband's tendency to invite guests she doesn't know to her home but since she's well-bred the narrator remarks she sc... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ False politeness and hidden engagements stir up tension.
• ❓ Lady Middleton's obliviousness highlights her superficiality.
• ❓ Lucy's shocking revelation challenges Elinor's composure and forces her to navigate a delicate situation.
• ❓ Sir John's attempts to foster friendship inadvertently create conflicts.
• ❓ Elinor's judgmental nature clashes with Lucy's forwardness.
• ❓ The Steele sisters's behavior reveals their cunning intentions.
• 🫢 Elinor's silent shock at Lucy's revelation showcases her internal turmoil.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do the Steele sisters's behavior at Barton park create tension?

The Steele sisters's false politeness and hidden engagements with Edward and Robert create tension by revealing secrets and putting Elinor in an awkward position.

Q: How does Lady Middleton handle her children's misbehavior?

Lady Middleton gushes over her children's 'good behavior,' oblivious to their mischievous antics and tantrums, which contrasts with her scolding Sir John for inviting unfamiliar guests.

Q: How does Lucy's revelation of her secret engagement shock Elinor?

Lucy's confession of a secret engagement with Edward for four years, symbolized by a miniature and a lock of hair, shocks Elinor, challenging her composure and creating further tension in the story.

Q: How does Elinor respond to Lucy's revelation of her engagement?

Elinor, shocked by Lucy's revelation, maintains her composure, refuses to counsel Lucy, and hides her distress at the news, showing her ability to conceal her emotions amidst turmoil.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Steele sisters visit Barton park, where their false politeness and hidden engagements stir up tension.

• Lady Middleton's obliviousness to her children's misbehavior contrasts with her gushing over their 'good behavior.'

• Lucy shocks Elinor with a revelation of her secret engagement, testing Elinor's composure.