In the novel Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen, the Dashwood family is left with much less money after the death of their father. When their cousin takes them in, they move to a new house and start a new life. In this period, money and social rank were the most important things. For the most part marriage has nothing to do with love, it is about acquiring property, money or rank. This is why Elinor and Marianne, two Dashwood sisters, answer the question: “what do wealth and greatness have to do with happiness?” (122) are so important. Elinor, Dashwood's older sister, has all the hallmarks of common sense and responds: “Greatness has very little. . . but wealth has a lot to do with it” (122). You are implying that to be happy in life you have to have money. Marianne seems to be the opposite of Elinor and embodies sensitivity; she disagrees and argues that money "gives no real satisfaction" (122). This theme is seen throughout the novels with many characters, especially with the characters of the two Dashwood sisters, Edward, Mr. Willoughby, and Colonel Brandon. These ideas influence the characters' decisions and have many consequences. Elinor is said to be the character who has the most common sense. She is a stark contrast to her mother and other sisters who are much more open with their feelings. Elinor is said to follow all the rules of society. Her beliefs and attitude are what makes her decision to marry a man like Edward so surprising. Edward's fortune depends entirely on his mother and he must remain in her good graces to inherit any money. Elinor's belief that money has a lot to do with happiness makes sense at first. She has feelings for Edward who is the eldest son and therefore should inherit all the money. I have...... middle of paper ...... free wealth shows that consequences are not always foreseen. Wealth and happiness were the common debate for most people at the time, and wealth usually won out over happiness. Women, and men too, have always wanted to “get married” and move up the social ladder. Austen seems to convey the idea that one should marry someone for love, but places importance on money. Although most of her main characters marry for love, she makes sure they have an income. Even characters who say happiness is the most important thing, like Marianne, have an unconscious desire for rich men; and sensitive characters like Elinor balk at the idea of ​​a marriage that would be made impossible by lack of luck. In the end love and happiness triumph over wealth and greatness as Willoughby and Lucy lose the people they love and Marianne, Edward and Elinor live happily ever after...