What Possible Influence Did The 17th-century Shift In The Connotation Of The Word Sensibility From Its Original Latin Roots In Sensus, Emphasizing Physical Sensations, To Its Later Association With Emotional Receptivity, Have On Jane Austen's Employment Of The Term In Her Novel Sense And Sensibility, Particularly In Relation To The Characterization Of Marianne Dashwood And Her Intuitive, Emotional Nature?

The evolution of the term "sensibility" from its Latin roots in physical sensation to its 18th-century association with emotional receptivity significantly influenced Jane Austen's portrayal of Marianne Dashwood in "Sense and Sensibility." Austen leveraged this shift to explore the tension between reason and emotion, using Marianne as the embodiment of heightened emotional sensitivity.

Marianne's character exemplifies the vulnerabilities and beauty of intense emotional expression, reflecting the societal expectations placed on women to be sensitive, yet also critiquing the potential pitfalls of such traits. Austen's narrative suggests that while emotional depth is valuable, it must be balanced with rationality, as evidenced by Marianne's eventual growth towards a more balanced approach to life.

Through Marianne, Austen not only highlights the changing understanding of "sensibility" but also engages with the broader debate of her time regarding the role of emotions in personal and societal contexts. This characterization serves as a commentary on the era's ideals, advocating for a harmonious blend of sense and sensibility.