Jane Austen is a master of delicate romanticism. She writes about her heroines' repressed feelings, the discomfort and obstacles of their situation, their lack of self-awareness, and a slow progression towards a romantic, happy ending. The honest and strong Marianne Dashwood, in Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, goes completely against the mold of more conventional Austen heroines, such as Elinor Dashwood or Anne Elliott. Marianne comes under scrutiny for her selfishness, lack of fairness and immaturity, but these accusations only look at the surface. Upon deeper analysis of Marianne's character, she is revealed to be a modern young woman with a strict but evolving code, guiding her actions through sensitivity, intellect, and independence of spirit. To simply accuse her of being an immature, overzealous teenager is to fall prey to the same errors in judgment that affect Marianne. The narrator introduces Marianne to the novel with an affable description, an immediate comparison with Elinor, and a slight nod to her lack of mature judgment. “Marianne's abilities were, in many ways, quite the same as Elinor's. He was sensitive and intelligent; but eager for everything; his sorrows, his joys, could not have moderation. She was generous, amiable, interesting: she was anything but prudent.”(1.V) This is a good introduction because it encompasses much of what is valued about Marianne throughout the novel. First, the two sisters are compared and contrasted for similarities and differences in their behavior, values, self-control, and interactions in society and various relationships. Then, only in Marianne, there is a clear lack of balance between the meaning and sensitivity of her actions and feelings. Finally, his opinion... in the center of the sheet... ves; and in time her whole heart became as devoted to her husband as it had once been to Willoughby. (203.III. XIV)Marianne is not a perfect character, but her emotions and spirit add a depth and reality that jumps off the page. Her ethical code of values ​​allows her to find balance and save her from tragedy. It is Marianne's conversion in Sense and Sensibility that holds the novel together and where the lesson lies. Marianne's romantic appeal as a heroine is strong; readers must ascertain a balance of sense and sensitivity together with Marianne. Marianne's critics are too harsh and, in their opinion, lack a coming-of-age character who undergoes a philosophical progression. In the end, Marianne overcomes her obstacles and becomes a beloved and timeless heroine. Works Cited Austen, Jane. Reason and sensitivity. New York. Penguin Group Inc. 2006.