Three activities comprise an eight-page packet designed for use with Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility.  First, readers explore how the title is a metaphor for the sisters, Elinor (sense) and Marianne (sensibility). Next, groups create an open-mind diagram of the three major male characters to determine if they tend more toward sense or sensibility. For the last activity, learners compare the 19th-century view of marriage with current ones. 

Concepts

jane austen, sense and sensibility, literary analysis, character traits, identity, literary themes

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Instructional Ideas

• Have groups compare the financial settlements of 19th-century marriage contracts with prenuptial agreements of today

Classroom Considerations

• Page numbers are for the Enriched Classics edition of the novel
• Requires copies

Pros

• The exercises are designed to lead readers to the conclusion that a combination of sense and sensibility usually produces the best results.
• All activities include step-by-step directions

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.9-10.1 RL.11-12.1