Willoughby's Confession and Regret: Chapter 44-45 Summary of Sense and Sensibility

TLDRIn Chapter 44-45 of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, Willoughby confesses his love for Marianne and explains his reasons for leaving her. He admits his financial troubles and the pressure from his aunt to marry another woman. Willoughby's confession brings both sorrow and anger to Elinor, while Marianne's health gradually improves. Mrs. Dashwood reveals that Colonel Brandon has expressed his love for Marianne, which leads to mixed emotions for Elinor. Ultimately, Mary Ann's wounded heart begins to heal with the passage of time.

Key insights

💔Willoughby confesses his love for Marianne and reveals his remorse for leaving her.

💰Willoughby's financial difficulties prevent him from openly declaring his affections for Marianne.

💔❌Willoughby blames Eliza Williams for their affair and refuses to take full responsibility.

💌🔒Miss Grey intercepts Marianne's letters and forces Willoughby to distance himself from her.

💔💍Willoughby accepts his punishment of marrying Miss Grey and being separated from Marianne.

Q&A

Why did Willoughby leave Marianne?

Willoughby's financial troubles and the pressure from his aunt to marry another woman made him choose financial security over his love for Marianne.

Did Willoughby truly love Marianne?

Yes, Willoughby had genuine feelings for Marianne and his days at Barton cottage with her were the happiest of his life.

What happened to Eliza Williams?

Eliza Williams, whom Willoughby impregnated and abandoned, is presumed to have been left in a difficult situation, as Willoughby refuses to take full responsibility for their affair.

How did Miss Grey come between Willoughby and Marianne?

Miss Grey intercepted Marianne's letters and manipulated Willoughby into marrying her by removing Marianne's lock of hair and forcing him to return Marianne's letters.

Will Willoughby ever be free to court Marianne again?

Willoughby suggests that he might one day be free to court Marianne again, but Elinor reproves him and expresses her hope that Marianne will find happiness with Colonel Brandon.

Timestamped Summary

00:13Willoughby confesses his love for Marianne and explains his reasons for leaving.

01:14Willoughby's financial difficulties prevented him from openly declaring his affections.

01:48Miss Grey intercepts Marianne's letters and forces Willoughby to distance himself from her.

02:08Willoughby suggests a potential future chance to court Marianne again.

02:20Elinor reproves Willoughby and expresses hope for Marianne's happiness with Colonel Brandon.

02:31Elinor guards against letting Willoughby's emotions sway her opinions.

03:09Mrs. Dashwood reveals that Colonel Brandon has expressed his love for Marianne.

03:04Mary Ann's wounded heart begins to heal with the passage of time.