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What grilling?   Written by Tracy W (4/17/2008 11:36 a.m.) in consequence of the missive, Emma’s grilling of Jane Fairfax, penned by Robbin
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Where does JA say what questions Emma asked? The only passage I can see is:


If any thing could be more, where all was most, she was more reserved on the subject of Weymouth and the Dixons than any thing. She seemed bent on giving no real insight into Mr. Dixon's character, or her own value for his company, or opinion of the suitableness of the match. It was all general approbation and smoothness; nothing delineated or distinguished.

Have I missed something? Can you please quote the section where Emma asked "how do you value the company of your friend’s husband and do you think the match is suitable?" Do you really think Emma would be that blatant?

And Jane does not merely not discuss her suspicions, judging by Emma's later comments, she doesn't say anything in particular at all about Mr Dixon. In chapter 24, Emma says:
"Proof, indeed!" said Emma, highly amused. "Mr. Dixon is very musical, is he? We shall know more about them all, in half an hour, from you, than Miss Fairfax would have vouchsafed in half a year."
What's intrusive about saying that Mr Dixon admired music?

Jane I agree did contribute to the evening's entertainment by playing and singing, and in that respect took on her fair share of the entertainment. What I am criticising her for is not doing her share when it came to conversation. For someone who takes such a rigorous attitude on Emma's failure to visit the Bateses more often, I am surprised that you are so relaxed about Jane's duties as a guest. Jane does not have to be a witty conversationalist, but she should do *something* towards conversation. If she couldn't be witty, at least she could offer an opinion, even if it is as impersonal as the idea that the Romantic tradition in poetry is, like, totally played out. Giving thanks isn't enough, that doesn't spark off a conversation unless you are talking to someone who is totally self-absorbed and will take that as an excuse to praise themselves for two hours.


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