Chapter 3 Summary

This chapter further introduces the character of Mrs. Dashwood, who Austen tells the reader had complete confidence that John would provide her daughters with monetary assistance. She is contemptuous of Fanny, but has not yet been able to find a house that Elinor says will fit their budget. She is also happy that Elinor and Fanny's brother Edward Ferrars have become friendly and attached. Austen notes that Mrs. Dashwood should be happy because Edward might receive a large inheritance, but that she is motivated only by his apparent devotion to Elinor.

When Marianne hears that Elinor and Edward may marry, she expresses concern that he not dashing and "striking" enough for her sister. She notes that she would be heartbroken to be loved by Edward because he is not romantic enough for her tastes. Her mother chides her for being too passionate about...