An heir

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An heir Written by Frances G (1/29/2011 12:47 p.m.) in consequence of the missive, Mr. Woodhouse and his fear of marriage...., penned by jeffrey

You say "Mr. Woodhouse... probably felt it his duty to marry and produce an heir to his family, property". But he had 2 daughters, so he didn't produce an heir, since the women's property would go their husbands as I understand it [unless there were some special legal arrangements we do not hear about]. There's no mention of an entail so far, so we can assume that the Hartfield estate will go to John & Isabella on Mr. Woodhouse's death.

It's interesting to contrast Mr. Woodhouse with Sir William in Persuasion. There is a lot of speculation on whether Sir William will remarry and have a son. So far in Emma, there has been no hint that Mr. Woodhouse would remarry, and it seems unlikely that he will do so. But, when it comes to doing his duty, it seems like his marriage was a half-hearted attempt, since he never produced a male heir.

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Matrimony, as the origin of change, was always disagreeable Stephanie (1/27/2011 10:00 a.m.)

Mr. Woodhouse and his fear of marriage.... jeffrey (1/27/2011 11:09 a.m.)
- I would say "Poor Mrs Woodhouse!" I cannot AnnetteJ (1/30/2011 5:02 p.m.)
- An heir Frances G (1/29/2011 12:47 p.m.)

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