Margaret Dashwood Sense And Sensibility

Margaret Dashwood: The Unsung Heroine of Sense and Sensibility

Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility often focuses on the contrasting personalities of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, leaving Margaret, the youngest sister, somewhat in the shadows. However, a closer examination reveals Margaret to be a far more complex and nuanced character than initially perceived. This article delves into Margaret's development throughout the novel, analyzing her flaws, her growth, and her ultimate contribution to the overall narrative. Understanding Margaret provides a richer appreciation for the complexities of family dynamics, social expectations, and the coming-of-age experience within the Regency era.

Introduction: The Youngest Dashwood and Her Challenges

Margaret Dashwood, at the tender age of thirteen at the novel's beginning, represents the naivete and vulnerability of youth navigating a world governed by strict social codes and economic realities. Unlike her sisters, Margaret lacks the emotional maturity and intellectual sophistication of Elinor and Marianne. This immaturity is initially presented as a source of frustration for her older siblings, but it also allows for a unique perspective on the events unfolding within the Dashwood family. Her limited understanding of social nuances and her tendency towards gossip and impulsive judgments offer a counterpoint to the more refined sensibilities of her sisters and ultimately contribute to the novel’s comedic and social commentary. The keywords associated with Margaret are youth, naivety, development, family dynamics, and social observation.

Margaret's Immaturity and Early Misjudgments

Margaret's youth is immediately apparent in her actions and opinions. She's prone to superficial judgments, readily influenced by appearances and societal gossip. Her initial dislike of Lucy Steele stems from Lucy's plain appearance and perceived lower social standing, demonstrating a lack of understanding regarding character and genuine worth. She readily believes and spreads rumors, showcasing her immaturity and susceptibility to misinformation. For instance, her belief in Willoughby's supposed wealth and goodness, mirroring Marianne's initial infatuation but with a shallower understanding of human nature. This lack of judgment is highlighted through comical situations, providing comedic relief within the often serious narrative.

• Prejudices: Margaret exhibits clear prejudices based on social class and appearance. This is perhaps best illustrated by her initial unfavorable opinion of Lucy Steele, before Lucy's true character is revealed. This demonstrates the influence of societal pressures on even the youngest members of society.
• Gossip and Misinformation: Margaret's participation in the spread of gossip and rumors highlights the dangers of unchecked information and the importance of critical thinking – a lesson she gradually learns throughout the novel.
• Emotional Volatility: While not as dramatic as Marianne, Margaret's emotions are equally volatile, though less refined. She is easily swayed by others’ opinions and prone to changing her mind based on superficial observations.

Growth and Development Throughout the Narrative

Despite her initial flaws, Margaret undergoes a significant transformation throughout the novel. This evolution is subtle yet crucial to her character arc and the overall message of personal growth within the story. Her experiences expose her to the consequences of her actions and judgments, compelling her to develop a more refined sense of observation and judgment.

• Exposure to Reality: The hardships faced by the Dashwood family, particularly their financial struggles and social displacement, serve as a harsh reality check for Margaret. She witnesses firsthand the consequences of poor choices and the importance of prudence.
• Learning from Observation: While not explicitly stated, Margaret learns from observing her sisters' experiences, especially Elinor's composure and Marianne's mistakes. This vicarious learning contributes to her gradual maturation.
• Developing Self-Awareness: The novel hints at a burgeoning self-awareness in Margaret, as she becomes less prone to impulsive judgments and begins to question her own biases. This is demonstrated through her evolving opinions on characters such as Lucy Steele. She starts to observe the complexities of human nature and the limitations of superficial judgments.

Margaret's Contribution to the Narrative: A Unique Perspective

While often overlooked, Margaret's role is essential to the narrative's success. Her presence provides several important contributions:

• Comic Relief: Margaret's naivety and occasional awkwardness contribute significantly to the novel's comedic elements, offering a lighter counterpoint to the often serious emotional turmoil experienced by her sisters.
• Social Commentary: Margaret's initial judgments and prejudices act as a mirror reflecting the prevalent social biases of the time, highlighting the influence of societal norms on even the youngest members of society. Her development serves as a testament to the possibility of personal growth and overcoming prejudice.
• Family Dynamics: Margaret's interactions with her sisters and the rest of the family offer valuable insight into the dynamics of the Dashwood household, revealing both the tensions and the underlying affection between the siblings.
• Plot Development: While not a central figure in the major plot points, Margaret’s observations and reactions often foreshadow or highlight crucial developments in the lives of her sisters, providing a subtle yet effective way to progress the narrative.

Comparison with Elinor and Marianne

Comparing Margaret to her sisters provides a clearer understanding of her character. While Elinor embodies "sense" through her practicality and emotional restraint, and Marianne embodies "sensibility" with her passionate nature, Margaret embodies a stage of development in between, gradually shifting from immaturity towards a more mature perspective. Her journey is not as clearly defined as her sisters', but this lack of clear definition makes her growth all the more realistic and relatable. She is not the epitome of either "sense" or "sensibility," but rather a representation of the transitional phase towards emotional intelligence and social awareness.

Conclusion: Margaret's Unsung Significance

Margaret Dashwood, although often considered a minor character, plays a significant role in Sense and Sensibility. Her initial immaturity, her gradual growth, and her contribution to both the comedic and thematic aspects of the novel offer a valuable perspective on the complexities of youth, family, and social dynamics within the Regency era. By analyzing Margaret's development, we gain a deeper appreciation for the novel’s broader themes and the subtle yet profound message of personal growth and the overcoming of societal pressures. Her journey from naivete to a more nuanced understanding of the world provides a relatable and ultimately hopeful message about the potential for self-improvement and emotional maturity. Her character, though less prominent than Elinor and Marianne, holds a vital place in understanding the novel's overall message and enduring appeal. Margaret serves as a reminder that even the seemingly minor characters contribute significantly to the rich tapestry of Jane Austen's storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q: Is Margaret Dashwood a well-developed character? A: While not as fully explored as Elinor and Marianne, Margaret's character arc demonstrates significant growth and development, making her a well-rounded character within the context of the novel. Her development is subtle but meaningful.

• Q: What is the significance of Margaret's age in the novel? A: Margaret's age (thirteen) is crucial. It explains her naivety and justifies her eventual growth and development. It allows Austen to explore the challenges of adolescence and the transition to adulthood within the context of Regency society.

• Q: How does Margaret contribute to the overall themes of the novel? A: Margaret contributes to the themes of social class, prejudice, and the importance of personal growth. Her initial judgments reflect societal biases, while her development showcases the possibility of overcoming those biases through experience and self-reflection.

• Q: Is Margaret a likable character? A: Margaret’s likability is subjective. While her immaturity can be frustrating, her genuine nature and eventual growth make her a relatable and ultimately sympathetic character.

• Q: How does Margaret's character compare to other young female characters in Austen's works? A: Margaret shares some similarities with other young female characters in Austen's works, such as Catherine Morland in Northanger Abbey, in terms of naivety and initial susceptibility to influence. However, Margaret's development is arguably more pronounced and her integration within the family dynamic more complex.

This expanded analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Margaret Dashwood, highlighting her significance beyond her often-overlooked role in Sense and Sensibility. Her journey, while less dramatic than her sisters', is equally important in understanding the novel’s complexities and enduring appeal.