Teaching Sense and Sensibility

1. What specific promises did John Dashwood make to his dying father, and how did those promises change by the end of his conversation with his wife?

2. How does Fanny Dashwood convince her husband to reduce his help to his stepfamily without directly attacking his good intentions?

3. Where have you seen this pattern of someone starting with good intentions but gradually finding reasons to do less and less?

4. If you were Mrs. Dashwood, knowing your stepson's personality, how would you approach asking for help to maximize your chances of actually receiving it?

5. What does this chapter reveal about how people maintain their self-image as good people while abandoning their responsibilities?

6. What promise did John Dashwood make to his dying father, and how did his intentions change throughout his conversations with Fanny?

7. What specific techniques did Fanny use to talk John out of helping his stepfamily, and why were they so effective?

8. Where have you seen this pattern of good intentions being gradually eroded in your own workplace, family, or community?

9. If you were John's friend and noticed this happening, what would you say or do to help him stay true to his original promise?

10. What does this chapter reveal about how people rationalize selfish behavior, and how can recognizing this pattern protect you from manipulation?

11. What specific changes does Mrs. Dashwood face after her husband's death, and why can't she simply stay in her home?

12. How does the inheritance law create a power shift between Mrs. Dashwood and her stepson John, and what does this reveal about women's legal position?

13. Where do you see this same pattern of sudden dependency today - people who thought they were secure but lost everything when circumstances changed?

14. If you were advising Mrs. Dashwood years earlier, what steps could she have taken to protect her family's future security?

15. What does John Dashwood's promise to his dying father reveal about how people justify doing the minimum when they hold all the power?

16. What specific behaviors show that Edward is struggling with something beyond his relationship with Elinor?

17. Why does Edward's distraction create distance even though his feelings for Elinor seem genuine?

18. Where have you seen someone become emotionally unavailable because they're stressed about meeting other people's expectations?

19. If you were Elinor's friend, how would you advise her to handle Edward's mixed signals?

20. What does Edward's situation reveal about how external pressures can sabotage our most important relationships?