Sense and Sensibility
Sense and Sensibility quotes
Memorable lines from Sense and Sensibility, word for word as they are lettered in the graphic novel. Page numbers refer to the graphic novel.
Key lines, in story order
“He was not an ill-disposed young man, unless to be rather cold hearted and rather selfish is to be ill-disposed.”
Page 3 · Henry Dashwood extracts a deathbed promise from John Dashwood to support Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret. “He was not handsome, and his manners required intimacy to make them pleasing.”
Page 6 · Edward Ferrars enters the story, displaying gentle manners and forming an immediate bond with Elinor. “Lady Middleton was reserved, cold, and had nothing to say for herself beyond the most common-place inquiry.”
Page 13 · Introduction to the bustling social circle of Barton Park. “He is as good a sort of fellow, I believe, as ever lived.”
Page 19 · Sir John provides background on Willoughby's charms and high spirits. “Mrs. Smith has this morning exercised the privilege of riches and given me business in London.”
Page 28 · Willoughby abruptly announces his forced, indefinite departure for London. “Lucy was certainly clever; her manner was engaging, and her figure was neat and pleasing.”
Page 34 · The Steele sisters arrive at Barton Park. “To London! Marianne could hardly believe her senses—London, where Willoughby was!”
Page 40 · Mrs. Jennings invites the sisters to London; Marianne accepts ecstatically. “My affections have been long engaged elsewhere... I have enclosed the letters with which you have honored me.”
Page 48 · Willoughby's cruel rejection letter arrives, shattering Marianne's world. “He had left the girl seduced, pregnant, and without a shilling in the world.”
Page 53 · Brandon reveals Willoughby's ruinous seduction of young Eliza. “Fanny fell into violent hysterics, and the Miss Steeles were turned out of the house into the street!”
Page 60 · The secret engagement of Edward and Lucy is revealed to his furious mother. “She walked in the damp grass of the twilight gardens, indulging every sorrowful remembrance.”
Page 66 · Marianne exposes herself to severe wet weather at Cleveland in her despair. “Marianne could never love by halves; and her whole heart became, in time, as much devoted to her husband.”
Page 81 · Marianne discovers true love with Colonel Brandon.
Quotes by character
“I was bound by a promise of secrecy, Marianne. Do not weep for me; my duty gave me strength.”
Elinor Dashwood, page 62 
“Seven years would be insufficient to make some people acquainted with each other, and seven days are more than enough for others.”
Marianne Dashwood, page 21 
“I have loved you, Elinor, from the very first hour I knew you at Norland, and I am free to offer you my heart.”
Edward Ferrars, page 79 
“I will bring your mother to you, Miss Dashwood, or perish in the attempt.”
Colonel Brandon, page 68 
“Marianne was the only woman I ever loved... I am a miserable dog, but my affection was real.”
John Willoughby, page 70 
“I have been engaged to him these four years, and nobody in the world knows it but his mother and Anne.”
Lucy Steele, page 37 
“We shall be completely happy here, my dears, in our peaceful quiet valley.”
Mrs. Dashwood, page 11 
“I am sure they will be married soon! I saw Willoughby beg for a lock of Marianne's hair, and with his own scissors, he cut it off and kissed it!”
Margaret Dashwood, page 27 
“Indeed, Fanny, you are quite right. An occasional present of fifty pounds will be far more thoughtful and useful!”
John Dashwood, page 4 
“Three thousand pounds! You must consider our own dear boy! What right have they to rob your little Harry of such a fortune?”
Fanny Dashwood, page 4 
“Break this shameful engagement at once, or you will not receive one single shilling of my fortune!”
Mrs. Ferrars, page 61 
“And which of the fine young men in Sussex did you leave your heart with, my dear?”
Mrs. Jennings, page 13 
“Welcome to Barton! I insist you come dine at the Park every day until your cook is settled!”
Sir John Middleton, page 12 
“Quite so, Mother! It took me three full hours at Gray's to choose this toothpick case. True taste cannot be rushed!”
Robert Ferrars, page 57 
“Oh, my sister Lucy and Edward have been secretly engaged these four whole years!”
Anne Steele, page 60 
“I hope you find the cottage tolerably comfortable, Miss Dashwood.”
Lady Middleton, page 13
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