Chapter 43 Summary

Marianne becomes very ill, as her cold deepens into a serious influenza. A doctor comes and confirms that she has an infection, and Mrs. Palmer quickly leaves the house and stays with friends so that her baby will not get sick. Mr. Palmer soon leaves to join her, and Colonel Brandon considers doing likewise until the doctor comes back and says that Marianne is getting better. Instead, Marianne starts getting sicker again, and Brandon leaves with his coach to go to Barton and bring Mrs. Dashwood. Elinor and Mrs. Jennings are very worried, until Marianne makes a sudden and miraculous recovery. After this Elinor is surprised when Willoughby appears in the drawing room.

Chapter 43 Analysis

The way each character reacts to Marianne's illness shows once again the value Austen places on calm and rational thinking. While Elinor and Brandon react calmly and do...