Characters as Symbols:
* Elinor Dashwood: Represents reason, self-control, and social decorum. She embodies the "sense" of the title.
* Marianne Dashwood: Represents passion, impulsiveness, and romantic idealism. She embodies the "sensibility" of the title.
* Edward Ferrars: Represents social constraints, duty, and suppressed love. His engagement to Lucy Steele represents the limitations imposed by society.
* Colonel Brandon: Represents maturity, loyalty, and enduring love. His connection with Marianne symbolizes the power of enduring love despite societal obstacles.
* John Willoughby: Represents false promises, deception, and superficial charm. His treatment of Marianne highlights the dangers of judging solely by appearances.
Objects as Symbols:
* The piano: Represents Marianne's artistic talent and emotional expression. Her playing reflects her passionate nature.
* The carriage: Represents social mobility and status. The Dashwoods' lack of a carriage highlights their financial insecurity and social vulnerability.
* The jewelry: Represents love, commitment, and material wealth. The engagement rings, for example, symbolize the social expectations surrounding marriage.
Nature as a Symbol:
* The storm: Represents the turmoil and upheaval of emotions. The storm that parallels Marianne's illness reflects her emotional state.
* The garden: Represents the potential for growth and renewal. The flourishing gardens symbolize the hope for happiness and a brighter future.
* The landscape: Represents the varied nature of life. The beauty of the countryside contrasts with the challenges faced by the characters.
Additional Symbols:
* Money: Represents social status, security, and power. The Dashwoods' financial struggles shape their choices and relationships.
* Letters: Represent communication, secrets, and hidden truths. The letters exchanged between characters reveal their true feelings and intentions.
* Marriages: Represent social expectations, power dynamics, and the complexities of love. The different marriages in the novel highlight the various ways love and duty intersect.
It's important to remember that symbols can have different meanings depending on the context. For example, the piano can symbolize both Marianne's artistic talent and the constraints imposed by societal expectations. Analyzing these symbols can offer a deeper understanding of the characters, plot, and themes of "Sense and Sensibility."