..though it is presented humorously, I believe Mr. Woodhouse is serious, otherwise it wouldn't have been such a chore getting him to agree with his daughter getting married. If it wasn't for the poultry thief they may be waiting yet. :) Don't you just love it! I don't see that because people can get around someone's selfishness that it is negated. Also, JA considers him selfish though she does qualify it with the word 'gentle'.

I do agree that in most cases he is harmless but not where Emma is concerned. He has abdicated his role as a responsible parent and left Emma to do the parenting of him instead, which is quite selfish I feel. I don't think that because Emma is willing to step up to the plate lessens his selfishness either. If Emma had had responsible guidance from her father, she would have been more responsible herself with her imaginings, duties and behavior and far less vain, imho. :)