JANE AUSTEN'S SENSE & SENSIBILITY
by
Paula K. Parker
Published by WordCrafts Theatrical Press at Smashwords
Copyright © 2011 Paula K. Parker
Cover art - Courtship by Edmund Blair Leighton - Public Domain
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SPECIAL NOTE
Anyone receiving permission to produce Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility is required to give credit to the Author as the sole and exclusive Author of the Play on the title page of all programs distributed in connection with performances of the Play and in all instances in which the title of the Play appears for purposes of advertising, publicizing or otherwise exploiting the Play. The name of the Author must appear on a separate line, in which no other name appears, immediately beneath the title and in size of type equal to 50% of the size of the largest, most prominent letter used for the title of the Play. No person, firm or entity may receive credit larger or more prominent than that accorded the Author.
Playwright's Notes
on Staging
Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility
Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility is wonderful character-driven story that may be played with understated nuance on a minimalistic set. But it is also a marvelous period piece that lends itself to gorgeous costumes and magnificent sets. I've attempted to write the play so that it can be produced on a variety of stages by theatres with either large or small budgets.
I believe it is the responsibility of the playwright to write the play, and that it is the responsibility of the director to direct the play. As such, I have refrained from inserting many stage directions, and grant the director the freedom and license to direct the show as he or she sees fit.
One note I thought important to include regards the significant prop - the pianoforte. Theatre companies who have access to a piano and wish to use it may certainly do so. The pianoforte, however, was not a piano; it was a precursor of the modern day piano. It was much smaller and lighter, and in many cases resembled a rectangular desk. A simulated pianoforte, faced away from the audience, would be quite suitable for this production and would certainly be easier for scene changes.
Blessings,
Paula K. Parker
SCENES
Scene 1 - The parlor at Norland
Scene 2 - The parlor at Norland, a month later
Scene 3 - The parlor at Norland, several weeks later
Scene 4 - The parlor at Barton Cottage, several weeks later
Scene 5 - The parlor at Barton Park, that evening
Scene 6 - The parlor at Barton Cottage the next day
Scene 7 - The parlor at Barton Cottage, the next day
Scene 8 - The parlor at Barton Cottage, several weeks later
Scene 9 - Outside Delaford the next day
Scene 10 - The parlor at Barton Cottage the next day
Scene 11 - The parlor at Barton Park that evening
Scene 1 - Mrs. Jennings’ London townhouse, two weeks later
Scene 2 - A London townhouse, that evening
Scene 3 - Mrs. Jennings’ townhouse, the next morning
Scene 4 - Mrs. Jennings’ townhouse, the next morning
Scene 5 - Mrs. Jennings’ townhouse, the next morning
Scene 6 - Mrs. Jennings’ townhouse, several days later
Scene 7 - Mrs. Jennings’ townhouse, several days later
Scene 8 - The parlor at Cleveland, several days later
Scene 9 - The bedroom and hall at Cleveland, one week later
Scene 10 - The bedroom and hall at Cleveland, several days later
Scene 11 - Outside Barton Cottage
Thomas - the butler at Norland
John Dashwood
Fanny Dashwood - John’s wife
Mrs. Dashwood
Margaret Dashwood
Marianne Dashwood
Elinor Dashwood
Edward Ferrars
Cook
Sir John Middleton
Mrs. Jennings
Butler - at Barton Hall
Colonel Brandon
Mr. Willoughby
Butler - at Delaford
Mrs. (Charlotte) Palmer
Mr. Palmer
Lucy Steele
Express Rider
Johnson - Mrs. Jennings’ Butler
Miss Grey – this character has no lines
Mr. Robert Ferrars
The Doctor
SETTING: A parlor at Norland.
AT RISE: THOMAS ushers JOHN and FANNY DASHWOOD into the room.
THOMAS
If you would be so good as to wait in here, Mrs. Dashwood, Mr. Dashwood, I will inform Mrs. Dashwood of your arrival.
JOHN
And you say that my stepmother has not yet left her rooms? What of my sisters?
THOMAS
No, Sir, Mrs. Dashwood has not yet left her rooms. As for the young ladies, I understand that Miss Dashwood is visiting someone in the village who is sick; she informed Cook not to expect her for luncheon. Miss Marianne and Miss Margaret had Cook prepare them a picnic meal and are spending the morning on the far side of Norland, sketching.
FANNY
Really?
JOHN
Thank you, Thomas.
(THOMAS bows and exits.)
FANNY
Still in her rooms? At this hour? John, what must your stepmother be thinking? And your sisters to be absent from the house when we were expected?
JOHN
My dear Fanny, it has not even been a week since my father died. My stepmother’s grief is understandable. As for my sisters, we cannot fault them that fine traveling weather allowed us to arrive earlier than expected.
(JOHN sits while FANNY wanders around the room, picking up items to inspect them.)
FANNY
I would think they would be waiting since dawn to greet you with open arms. After all, you plan to be more than generous with them. I still do not understand this most unusual situation, John; what must have your father been thinking in his request of you?
JOHN
My dear, I’ve explained it before. Norland belonged to my father’s uncle. My mother died when I was quite young. My father remarried and he and his new wife had three daughters. As his uncle had no heirs, the old gentleman invited Father and his new family to live at Norland. After his uncle’s death, Father learned that - while the will allowed for he and his family to continue living at Norland throughout his lifetime - upon Father’s death, the entire estate would pass to me. Nothing in Uncle’s will allowed for Father to provide for his wife and daughters. It was my father’s last request to me that I should assist his widow and daughters.
FANNY
He did not know what he was talking of, I dare say. Ten to one he was light headed at the time, my dear John, to suggest that you give away half of your fortune. What will we live upon? We barely have enough now to support Norland and our house in town and my brother Edward will be arriving here in less than a fortnight.
JOHN
Fanny, we are not as bad as all that. Father did not stipulate for any particular sum; he only requested me, in general terms, to assist them. As he required the promise, I could not do less than give it. I was thinking three thousand pounds. Something must be done for them whenever they leave Norland.
FANNY
Well, then, let something be done for them. But consider that when the money is once parted with, it never can return. Your sisters will marry and it will be gone forever.
JOHN
Well…perhaps, it would be better if the sum were halved…five hundred pounds apiece would be a prodigious increase to their fortunes.
FANNY
What brother would do half so much for his real sisters?
JOHN
I would not wish to do anything mean. One had rather, on such occasions, do too much than too little. No one, at least, can think I have not done enough for them; even they can hardly expect more.
FANNY
There is no knowing what they may expect; but the question is, what can you afford to do?
JOHN
I think I may afford to give them five hundred pounds apiece. As it is, the girls will each have above three thousand pounds on their mother’s death – a very comfortable fortune.
FANNY
To be sure it is. If they marry, they will be sure of doing well; and if they do not, they may all live very comfortably together on the interest of the ten thousand pounds.
(THOMAS enters, carrying a tea tray. He places it on a table and bows.)
THOMAS
Ma’am, Sir, Mrs. Dashwood’s maid informed me that Mrs. Dashwood is lying down with a prodigious head ache and cannot arise from her bed. Mrs. Dashwood desired me to convey her apologies over not being able to greet you and to assure you that she looks forward to seeing you at supper. She instructed me to have your things taken to your rooms. I brought in some refreshment while your rooms are readied.
JOHN
Thank you, Thomas.
(THOMAS bows and exits. FANNY crosses to pour out tea for her and JOHN.)
JOHN
As I think upon it, I believe you are right, my dear. The girls will surely be well provided for in marriage. I do not know whether it would not be more advisable to do something for my stepmother while she lives rather than for the girls. Something of an annuity; my sisters would benefit from it as well. A hundred a year would make them all perfectly comfortable.
FANNY
To be sure, it is better than parting with fifteen hundred all at once. But then, if Mrs. Dashwood should live fifteen years, we shall completely be taken in. If you observe, my dear, people always live forever when there is an annuity to be paid them.
JOHN
I believe you are right, my love…it would be better if I occasionally give them assistance. A gift of fifty pounds now and then will prevent their ever being distressed for money and will, I think, amply discharge my promise to my father.
FANNY
To be sure it will. Indeed, to say the truth, I am convinced within myself that your father had no idea of your giving them any money at all. I daresay the assistance your father thought of would involve you looking for a comfortable house, helping them move their things, and sending them presents of fish and vegetables when they are in season. Altogether they will have five hundred a year amongst them and what on earth can four women want for more than that? They will have no carriage, no horses and hardly any servants; they will keep no company and can have no expenses of any kind. Only consider how comfortable they will be. They will be much more able to give you something.
JOHN
Fish and vegetables, you say? Hmmmm….upon my word, my dear Fanny, I believe you are perfectly right. Fish and vegetables…yes, I believe you are right.
(BLACK OUT)
ACT I
SETTING: The same parlor at Norland, a month later.
AT RISE: MRS. DASHWOOD, MARIANNE and MARGARET are sitting. MRS. DASHWOOD is doing needlework while MARGARET reads aloud to MARIANNE.
MARGARET
(Stumbles through the reading without much feeling. MARIANNE grows agitated as MARGARET reads.)
Harp of the North, farewell! The hills grow dark,
On purple peaks a deeper shade descending;
In twilight copse the glow-worm lights her spark,
The deer, half-seen, are to the covert wending.
Resume thy wizard elm!
MARIANNE
No, no, no! Do not read it thus. There is no feeling, no passion.
MARGARET
I care not. They are merely words.
MARIANNE
(Grows angrier as she speaks.)
Merely words? Merely words? How can you say that? This is Sir Walter Scott, not one of your travel guide books.
MRS. DASHWOOD
Girls, please. Marianne, lower your voice. Margaret, please do as your sister asks.
MARGARET
But, Mama, I cannot read as Marianne desires.
MARIANNE
Read it thus;
(Reads fluently, with great emotion.)
Harp of the North, farewell! The hills grow dark,
On purple peaks a deeper shade descending;
In twilight copse the glow-worm lights her spark,
The deer, half-seen, are to the covert wending.
Resume thy wizard elm!
Now please try again.
MARGARET
Harp of the North, farewell! The hills grow dark,
On purple peaks a deeper shade descending;
MARIANNE
That was much better.
(ELINOR and EDWARD FERRARS enter. They are dressed for a walk.)
MRS. DASHWOOD
There you are, Elinor. Oh, good morning, Mr. Ferrars.
ELINOR
Hello, Mama
EDWARD
(Bows to ladies.)
Good morning, Mrs. Dashwood. Miss Marianne. Miss Margaret.
MARGARET
Good morning Edward. You look pretty, Elinor.
ELINOR
Thank you, Margaret. I am walking to the village to arrange the altar flowers at the church and Edward has offered to escort me. He has expressed a desire to speak with Reverend Taylor.
EDWARD
I would like to discuss the Church with him. I have often thought I would enjoy the life of a clergyman.
MRS. DASHWOOD
I’m sure you would make an excellent minister, Mr. Ferrars.
EDWARD
Thank you.
ELINOR
We will be back in time for luncheon, Mama.
MRS. DASHWOOD
That’s fine. Have a wonderful time and pray convey my regards to Reverend Taylor.
(Ad lib, good byes and bows. ELINOR and EDWARD exit and begin walking across the stage. The remaining Dashwood ladies chat while ELINOR and EDWARD talk.)
EDWARD
Ah…what a beautiful morning. Norland is a beautiful estate, Miss Dashwood. I could easily make my visit an extended one.
ELINOR
Thank you, Mr. Ferrars. I have always loved it here. I hope Fanny and John will come to love it as well.
EDWARD
I cannot imagine how they could not. A handsome and comfortable home, well-tended gardens. And the people I have met thus far are quite pleasant; what more can they ask for?
ELINOR
Living here is all I have ever wanted. I do not think I would enjoy living in London.
EDWARD
If I could find a home in the country, I would be most content.
ELINOR
Perhaps you could ask Reverend Taylor; he might know of a living that is available.
EDWARD
I do appreciate your offer to introduce me to Reverend Taylor, Miss Dashwood.
ELINOR
You are more than welcome, Mr. Ferrars. I think you will like him. He is a kind-hearted man who cares about the people in his church. What is more, he makes the stories from scripture come alive. When he tells the story of the Garden of Eden or David standing against Goliath, I can almost see it.
EDWARD
You are fortunate, indeed. My experience with clergyman is quite the opposite; very stodgy, with much doom and gloom in their sermons. Always pronouncing more ‘don’ts’ than ‘dos’ upon their parishioners. I dreaded attended services as a young boy.
ELINOR
With such exposure, I am surprised you wish to enter the Church.
EDWARD
But it is for that very reason I wish to become a clergyman. Attending services should be a lightness and joy into people’s week and giving them hope and strength for the coming days.
ELINOR
That is exactly how I feel about attending services.
EDWARD
I confess I am not surprised, Miss Dashwood. The more I get to know you, the more I find a kindred spirit, which is a rare find. Few in my family understand my desires in this area.
ELINOR
I know what you mean, Mr. Ferrars. My mother and sisters comment frequently on my desire to arrange flowers for the altar or visiting the sick in the village. In fact, if Reverend Taylor were not already married, and over twice my age, I am certain some construe my actions as an attempt to woo him.
(laughs)
EDWARD
I could understand their reasoning, Miss Dashwood. I confess I think you would be the perfect choice of a clergyman’s wife.
(She pauses and looks at him. He smiles. They exit the stage. The dialogue among the remaining Dashwood ladies resumes.)
MARIANNE
Edward wants to be a minister!? Could anything more be needed to render him a complete bore?
MRS. DASHWOOD
Marianne Dashwood! What a thing to say! Mr. Ferrars is a gentleman.
MARIANNE
I did not imply that Edward was ungentlemanly. I said he was a complete bore.
MARGARET
Edward is not a complete bore. He spent a whole morning telling me about his travels to Spain and Italy.
MARIANNE
Edward might be everything that is desired in a gentleman, Mama, but he has no passion. I do not understand him at all. I know he has talked to you about his travels, Margaret, but I do not understand how Elinor can consent to spend time with him. They have been together almost continually since his arrival a fortnight ago.
MRS. DASHWOOD
You exaggerate, Marianne; although Elinor and Edward have spent time in each other’s company, it has not been continual. As for understanding him, it is enough for me that he is unlike his sister, Fanny. To me, that implies everything amiable. In fact, after observing Elinor and Edward together these past weeks, I am convinced that in a few months time, Elinor will in all probability be settled for life.
MARIANNE
What? Do you mean…married?! Elinor and Edward?
MRS. DASHWOOD
Do you disapprove of your sister’s choice?
MARIANNE
Edward is very amiable, I agree…but yet…there is something wanting. His figure is not striking, his eyes want that spirit, that fire, and I’m afraid he has no real artistic taste. Music seems scarcely to attract him, he does not appear to understand paintings and as for poetry…how spiritless, how tame was Edward’s manner in reading to us last night. Your reading was vastly superior to his, Margaret.
MRS. DASHWOOD
Elinor has not your feelings, Marianne. I’m sure she would be happy with him.
MARIANNE
Happy. The more I know of the world, the more am I convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love.
(FANNY enters.)
FANNY
Good morning, Mrs. Dashwood. Marianne. Margaret.
(MRS. DASHWOOD, MARIANNE, and MARGARET stand. All curtsies)
MRS. DASHWOOD
Good morning, Fanny. Will you sit with us?
FANNY
Thank you, but I cannot. I am writing my mother and must consult with Edward on a particular question. Thomas thought perhaps he was in here, telling Miss Margaret about yet another of his trips.
(MRS. DASHWOOD, MARIANNE and MARGARET look at each other.)
MARIANNE
If you will excuse us, Fanny; Margaret and I were just about to walk to the woods.
MARGARET
We were?
(MARIANNE takes MARGARET’S hand.)
MARIANNE
Yes, we were. Goodbye Mama, Fanny. We will be back by luncheon, Mama.
(They curtsey and exit.)
MRS. DASHWOOD
You must forgive Marianne’s sudden departure. I’m certain she wanted to grant us private conversation…about your brother Edward.
FANNY
Indeed? And what would we have to discuss about Edward that warrants privacy? Is something amiss?
MRS. DASHWOOD
No, indeed. Truth to tell, he was here several minutes ago; but he has left to escort Elinor to the church in the village. I understand he wishes to enter the Church…If my husband were still alive, he would speak with Edward…I wish to assure you…my girls and I have been quite happy since Edward arrived…we are…quite fond of him.
(FANNY stares at MRS. DASHWOOD for a moment and then gives a light, yet sarcastic laugh.)
FANNY
My dear, Mrs. Dashwood, Edward may wish as he chooses; but our mother has great expectations of both he and our younger brother, Robert, distinguishing themselves. She is resolved that they enter politics or become connected with some great man…As for marriage, Mother is equally resolved that they marry well…It can be difficult for young men like Edward and Robert…there are so many…undeserving…young women who try to draw them in.
(The two women stare at each other for several moments.)
MRS. DASHWOOD
I completely understand you.
(MRS. DASHWOOD curtsies and exits. FANNY watches her leave and turns towards the audience with an evil smile.)
(BLACKOUT)
ACT I
SETTING: The same parlor at Norland, several weeks later.
AT RISE: ELINOR and MARIANNE enter, with THOMAS behind, carrying a tea tray. He sets the tray on a side table.
THOMAS
Will there be anything else, Miss Dashwood? Shall I pour out for you?
ELINOR
No, thank you, Thomas. The others will be here soon; we shall wait for them. Please let Cook know that she has once again outdone herself.
THOMAS
Yes, Miss.
(THOMAS bows and exits.)
(ELINOR crosses to adjust an arrangement of flowers. MARIANNE follows.)
MARIANNE
Edward is a…very amiable gentleman.
ELINOR
He is indeed.
MARIANNE
You have spent considerable time with him since he arrived at Norland.
ELINOR
Yes, he and I have been thrown together a good deal.
MARIANNE
I think he is…everything that is worthy and amiable.
ELINOR
I’m sure his dearest friends could not be dissatisfied with such a commendation…I have enjoyed our time together. I find his mind is well formed, the expressions of his eyes uncommonly good, and the general expression of his countenance to be sweet.
MARIANNE
Well formed? Uncommonly good? A sweet countenance? With such praise, I shall very soon think him handsome. When you tell me to love him as a brother, I shall consider him perfect. Oh, Elinor, how shall I do without you?
ELINOR
Do without me? What can you mean? I do not attempt to deny that I think very highly of him…that I greatly esteem…that I like him…
MARIANNE
Esteem him! Like him! Oh, cold-hearted, Elinor! Use those words again and I will leave this room.
ELINOR
I mean no offense in speaking of my feelings. Believe them to be stronger than I have declared, that there is hope of his affection for me, but further than this you must not believe.
(MRS. DASHWOOD, MARGARET, JOHN, FANNY, and EDWARD enter. General ad-lib greetings. FANNY sits behind the tea table to pour out. ELINOR hands around teacups, while MARGARET offers a plate of tea biscuits.)
MRS. DASHWOOD
I received a correspondence from Sir John Middleton today.
JOHN
Sir John Middleton?
MRS. DASHWOOD
He is a relative of mine. He wrote to say that he understood that we were in need of a dwelling and has offered to let us have the cottage on his estate, Barton Park.
JOHN
Where is Barton Park located? I hope it is not far from Norland.
MRS. DASHWOOD
It’s in Devonshire.
(General exclamations.)
EDWARD
Devonshire? So far? Surely you do not mean to accept his offer?
MRS. DASHWOOD
I’m afraid we must, Edward. We cannot continue to impose on John and Fanny’s generosity.
JOHN
When do you mean to move to Devonshire?
MRS. DASHWOOD
As soon as arrangements may be made.
FANNY
A cottage? How quaint. If we didn’t have Norland and our house in town, I should love to live in a cottage. I’m sure it will be quite tidy and snug.
MARGARET
You will come to visit us, will you not, Edward?
MRS. DASHWOOD
Although it is but a cottage, I hope to see many of my friends there. Indeed, Edward, you would be most welcome at any time.
EDWARD
Thank you, Mrs. Dashwood; I will indeed plan on a visit. Soon.
FANNY
Edward, did I mention the correspondence I received from Mother? She writes that she needs you in town immediately for some business that requires your presence. She believes you will be in town for an indeterminate time.
MRS. DASHWOOD
Whenever you are free, then, Edward…Sir John insists that we not concern ourselves over furniture, as the cottage is completely furnished. However, there are certain pieces of sentimental attachment here at Norland.
MARIANNE
The pianoforte…
FANNY
My dear Miss Marianne, that pianoforte belongs…
(MRS. DASHWOOD interrupts her.)
MRS. DASHWOOD
…to Marianne. It was a gift from my mother to me when I was a girl and I gave it to Marianne when she showed proficiency on it.
(FANNY is speechless.)
MRS. DASHWOOD
After I wrote Sir John, I spoke with the servants. Thomas and Cook have indicated their desire to go with us to Devonshire.
JOHN
Thomas? And Cook?
MRS. DASHWOOD
Yes.
FANNY
But we cannot manage without a butler or cook.
MRS. DASHWOOD
I’m sure you’ll soon find someone to replace them. In the meantime, Cook assures me that the scullery maid Betty shows promise in the kitchen and that she makes a sumptuous dish of fish and vegetables.
JOHN
Fish?
FANNY
And vegetables?
(BLACKOUT)
ACT I
SETTING: Several weeks later. The parlor in Barton Cottage.