The Pattern of Older Siblings
Being Overshadowed by Younger Ones
Jane Austen frequently explores the dynamic of
older siblings being overshadowed by younger ones, using it to reveal deeper
insights into family dynamics, societal expectations, and individual character
development.
Sense and Sensibility
·
Elinor vs.
Marianne Dashwood
Elinor, the elder Dashwood sister, embodies sense, rationality, and emotional
restraint. In contrast, Marianne’s passionate, dramatic personality often takes
centre stage, overshadowing Elinor’s personality. Despite Elinor’s reliability
and wisdom, she is forced to give way to Marianne’s impetuous actions that
drive much of the narrative and attract the most attention. Their mother's
insistence that Elinor not try to correct her younger sister turns her into
an enabler for her sister's poor behaviour.
·
Anne vs. Lucy
Steele
Anne Steele, though older, is overshadowed by her younger sister Lucy, whose
cunning and manipulative nature gives her a calculated charm, a semblance of
good manners, and the appearance of intelligence when compared with Anne’s
silliness and inappropriate conversation. Anne's reliance on Lucy's
stubbornness and cunning to be accepted into other's company also makes her
and enabler to her sister's ways.
·
Lady Middleton
vs. Charlotte Palmer
Lady Middleton’s composed and decorous demeanour is overshadowed by her younger
sister Charlotte Palmer’s lively, talkative personality. While Lady Middleton
adheres to social propriety, Charlotte’s vivacious nature draws more notice
from the characters and readers alike. Charlotte's friendliness only adds to
the image of her sister's coldness.
·
Edward vs.
Robert Ferrars
Edward Ferrars, the elder brother, is well-mannered and reserved, while Robert
Ferrars is superficial and self-absorbed. Despite Edward being the more
principled sibling, Robert’s arrogance and superficial charm often garner
attention especially from their mother and sister.
Emma
- Isabella vs. Emma Woodhouse
Isabella, the elder Woodhouse sister, is overshadowed by Emma’s confident and headstrong personality. "At ten years old, she had the misfortune of being able to answer questions which puzzled her sister at seventeen. She was always quick and assured: Isabella slow and diffident. And ever since she was twelve, Emma has been mistress of the house and of you all." Isabella (28) and John Knightley (31) have only been married for seven years, which means they married when Emma was fourteen, yet she is said to have "been mistress of the house" since she was twelve implying that her assertiveness and control overpowered not only her governess but also her sister's authority in their family.
Persuasion
·
Anne vs. Mary
Elliot
Anne, the middle daughter, is overshadowed by her younger sister Mary, whose self-centred
and dramatic tendencies draw more attention. Despite Anne’s thoughtfulness and
intelligence, Mary’s constant craving for attention and need for validation
often places her at the forefront of social interactions. Anne's tendency to
allow herself to fade into the background also makes her an enabler for
Mary's stronger personality.
·
Henrietta vs.
Louisa Musgrave
Henrietta Musgrave, though older, is overshadowed by her livelier sister
Louisa. Louisa’s flirtatious and spirited nature makes her more noticeable,
while Henrietta’s quieter disposition places her in the background of the
narrative.
Pride and Prejudice
·
Jane vs.
Elizabeth Bennet
Jane, the eldest Bennet sister, is often overshadowed by Elizabeth’s wit and
liveliness. Elizabeth’s outspoken and confident nature positions her as the
protagonist, while Jane’s reserved and gentle demeanour makes her less
prominent despite her beauty. She may the first sister noticed, but her single
state shows that her suitors don't stay long enough to follow through. It's
possible that her insistence on seeing only the good in people and the world is
what enables Elizabeth to justify her quick, and often
negative, opinions of people.
·
Catherine vs.
Lydia Bennet
Catherine ("Kitty") is often overshadowed by her younger sister
Lydia, whose bold and reckless behaviour disrupts the family. Kitty’s more
subdued personality is overshadowed by Lydia’s dramatic actions. The neglect
and abuse Catherine receives from her family causes her to fade into the
background and—with her mother's favouritism towards Lydia—turns Kitty into
an enabler.
·
Caroline vs.
Louisa Bingley
Though it is never explicitly stated, Austen's patterns and the fact that
Louisa is already married imply that Caroline Bingley is the younger sister.
Caroline’s sharp tongue and competitive nature draw more attention than
Louisa’s quieter, more reserved presence. At the same time, Louisa is also a
proactive enabler for her sister's poor behaviour.
·
Mrs. Bennet
vs. Mrs. Philips
While, like the above siblings, it is never explicitly stated that Mrs. Bennet
is younger than her sister Mrs. Philips, her more prominent and memorable
character—due to her excitable and dramatic personality—show that they have
been meant as a parallel to the above and would also mean that Mrs. Bennet's favouritism
may have been a learned behaviour.
·
Lady Catherine
vs. Lady Anne
Again, it is never explicitly stated that Lady Catherine is the younger sister
of Lady Anne (Darcy’s mother). However, Lady Catherine’s domineering nature and
absurd arrogance, making her a more noticeable figure in the story, could fit
this pattern. If we assume Fitzwilliam's reserve and/or Georgiana's timidity to
be reflections of their parent's natures, then Lady Anne would likely have been
overshadowed by Lady Catherine. This would mean that Lady Anne's part in the
plan to have Darcy marry Anne might have been nothing more than her being
subdued by her sister's strength of character.
The
Pattern of Older Siblings with Eccentricities that Highlight the Younger
Siblings’ Normalcy
Jane Austen also explores another sibling dynamic where older siblings with
strong or eccentric personalities serve to highlight the more composed or
responsible nature of their younger siblings. This dynamic, while less
prevalent, provides further insight into Austen's nuanced portrayal of family
relationships and individual growth. Some of these pairings overlap with those
above as the younger siblings are not only of a stronger character, but the
older siblings are made to look foolish to benefit the image of the younger.
Sense
and Sensibility
- John and Elinor Dashwood
Despite being younger, Elinor’s maturity, selflessness, and sense of duty consistently overshadow her older half-brother John’s selfishness. His agreement with his wife to refuse financial support to his stepmother and stepsisters and to expect that those ladies should rather do something for him highlights his lack of sense, further emphasizing Elinor’s wisdom and compassion. - Anne and Lucy Steele
Anne Steele’s silliness and lack of sophistication emphasize Lucy’s relative composure and sense. While Lucy’s conduct and manner of speaking are far from proper, Anne’s absurd behaviour and unacceptable conversation topics make her seem more acceptable.
Northanger
Abbey
- James and Catherine Morland
James Morland’s naivety and susceptibility to Isabella Thorpe’s manipulations highlight Catherine’s growing discernment. Catherine manages to see through John Thorpe’s inconsistencies and avoids falling for his schemes, showing her increasing independence and maturity. - Frederick and Henry Tilney
Frederick Tilney’s flirtatious and unprincipled behaviour contrasts with Henry’s kindness, wit, and integrity. Frederick’s actions make Henry’s virtues even more apparent, casting him as the respectable sibling. While Frederick had relations with Isabella which left her reputation in ruins, he refused to take responsibility and marry her. This strongly contrasts with Henry’s proposal to Catherine due to the perceived damage to her reputation because of his father’s manner of sending her off unaccompanied in the middle of the night. He took responsibility not only for his flirtation with her but also for his father’s mistreatment of her which strongly contrasts with his brother’s behaviour. - Henry and Elinor Tilney
Henry’s charm and wit make him a compelling character, but when compared to his sister Elinor, his playfulness borders on irresponsibility. He admits in his proposal to Catherine that he had originally known that she liked him and was humouring her for his own vanity. Meanwhile, Elinor has been steadfast in her feelings for her secret lover while her level-headedness, kindness, and emotional depth position her as the true moral centre of the Tilney family.
Persuasion
- Elizabeth and Anne Elliot
Elizabeth Elliot’s vanity and shallow nature contrast sharply with Anne’s thoughtfulness, composed demeanour, and inner strength of character. While Elizabeth clings to social status and appearances, Anne quietly embodies grace and maturity, standing out as the more admirable sibling.
Mansfield
Park
·
Tom and Edmund Bertram
Tom Bertram’s reckless, indulgent lifestyle serves to highlight Edmund’s more steady
and responsible behaviour. Tom’s irresponsibility positions Edmund as the more
admirable and reliable brother.
·
Maria and Julia Bertram
Maria’s entitlement and ambition overshadow Julia’s relatively milder flaws.
Julia’s less dramatic nature positions her as the more tolerable of the two
sisters, even though both lack morals. Julia’s elopement with John Yates is
only overlooked as the repercussions of her poor decision pale in comparison
with her sister’s.
Emma
- Isabella and Emma Woodhouse
Isabella, like her father, constantly fears illness and injury—similar to a hypochondriac. Meanwhile, Emma calmly stands by and acts as the more rational sister. Emma’s assertiveness and self-assurance make her the more compelling sister.
Pride
and Prejudice
- Lady Catherine and Lady Anne
While it’s unclear who was older, Lady Catherine’s arrogance and domineering personality contrast with the implied grace and refinement of her sister Lady Anne (Mr. Darcy’s mother). Lady Anne’s legacy highlights Lady Catherine’s absurdity and lack of self-awareness. - Fitzwilliam Darcy and George Wickham
Although not blood siblings, Darcy and Wickham were raised closely together, making their differences more striking. Darcy’s reserved and stoic nature contrasts with Wickham’s charm and ease in social situations, making Wickham initially appear more trustworthy and amiable. However, Wickham’s true character ultimately proves Darcy’s moral superiority. - Elizabeth and Mary Bennet
Though subtle, Mary Bennet’s adherence to propriety, her seemingly moralizing nature, and her quiet existence serve as a foil to Elizabeth’s wit, liveliness, and frequent disregard for social norms. Mary’s traits remind readers that Elizabeth, while engaging and intelligent, is not without faults, particularly in her lack of care for her younger siblings’ emotions as well as her refusal to act with propriety as she believes that, since her behaviour is better than that of her younger siblings, she is doing nothing wrong.
Conclusion
Through these sibling dynamics, Austen reveals her keen insight into familial relationships and individual character development. The recurring patterns—whether a younger sibling overshadows an elder or an elder sibling’s eccentricities highlight a younger one’s virtues—encourage readers to explore the complexities of sibling roles, societal expectations, and personal growth within her novels. These patterns also prompt reflection on Austen’s own life, particularly her relationship with her sister Cassandra. While their surviving letters provide glimpses into their bond, it remains unclear whether their closeness stemmed from a deep mutual understanding and affection for each other’s nature or simply from the circumstances of familial duty and shared proximity.
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