Indifference in
Sense and Sensibility
327
issue of indifference. But Steiner does not perceive that
unconcern and reserve lurk behind the façade of sympathetic
conversation and that behind the appearance of indifference
there lie powerful emotions. In other words, the assumed
absence of feeling in
Sense and Sensibility
is never a
straightforward lack. The boundary between absence and
presence blurs as we pay attention to the affective core of
indifference in Austen’s novel.
The interaction between Elinor and Lucy exemplifies this
point. Ever since their acquaintance began, Lucy “missed no
opportunity of engaging [Elinor] in conversation, or of striving
to improve their acquaintance by an easy and frank
communication of her sentiments” (Austen, 2006: 146). Elinor,
however, resists such familiar gestures with her “[caution in]
giving her real opinion,” her “civil reply” and even her
“silence” (147). Although fully aware of Lucy’s “want of
delicacy, of rectitude, and integrity of mind,” Elinor withholds
her genuine feeling and does not openly condemns her (146).
Her reserve preserves the veneer of sympathetic friendship and
underscores its shallowness. The superficiality of their
friendship becomes most apparent when Lucy communicates
to Elinor her secret engagement with Edward. It is a
conversation where sympathy is in crisis. Acting a sentimental
heroine, Lucy laments:
“I only wonder that I am alive after what I have
suffered for Edward’s sake these last four years.
Every thing in such suspense and uncertainty; and
seeing him so seldom
—
we can hardly meet above
twice a-year. I am sure I wonder my heart is not quite
broke.”
Here she took out her handkerchief; but Elinor
did not feel very compassionate.
“Sometimes,” continued Lucy, after wiping her
eyes, “I think whether it would be better for us both,
to break off the matter entirely.” As she said this, she
