Question

read the passage.
elinor, this eldest daughter, whose advice was so effectual, possessed a strength of understanding, and coolness of judgment, which qualified her, though only nineteen, to be the counsellor of her mother, and enabled her frequently to counteract, to the advantage of them all, that eagerness of mind in mrs. dashwood which must generally have led to imprudence. she had an excellent heart - her disposition was affectionate, and her feelings were strong; but she knew how to govern them: it was a knowledge which her mother had yet to learn, and which one of her sisters had resolved never to be taught.
mariannes abilities were, in many respects, quite equal to elinors. she was sensible and clever; but eager in everything; her sorrows, her joys, could have no moderation. she was generous, amiable, interesting: she was everything but prudent. the resemblance between her and her mother was strikingly great.
elinor saw, with concern, the excess of her sisters sensibility; but by mrs. dashwood it was valued and cherished. they encouraged each other now in the violence of their affliction. the agony of grief which overpowered them at first, was voluntarily renewed, was sought for, was created again and again. they gave themselves up wholly to their sorrow, seeking increase of wretchedness in every reflection that could afford it, and resolved against ever admitting consolation in future.
(from sense and sensibility by jane austen)
which is the major contrast made between elinor and marianne?

1. elinor is uncaring and unemotional, whereas marianne is warm - hearted and kind.
2. elinor is hotheaded and impetuous, whereas marianne is calm and clear - headed.
3. elinor is strong and graceful, whereas marianne is awkward and unfit.
4. elinor is reasonable and restrained, whereas marianne is melodramatic and ardent.

Explanation:

The passage describes Elinor as having strength of understanding and calmness of judgment, knowing how to govern her feelings. Marianne, on the other hand, is eager in everything, has no moderation in her joys and sorrows, and is melodramatic in her affliction. So the contrast is between Elinor's reason and restraint and Marianne's melodrama and ardency.

Answer:

1. Elinor is reasonable and restrained, whereas Marianne is melodramatic and ardent.