GR: charitable works
Written by Barbara
(10/19/2003 2:43 p.m.)
in consequence of the missive, GR - Mrs. Elton in the intro?, penned by LaurieC
In Emma, there is the scene in Ch. 10 where Emma and Harriet visit a poor cottage and Emma is happy to bring some relief to those in sickness and poverty. Just before they arrive, Emma has been telling Harriet how she means never to marry, and Harriet, all amazement, asks "Dear me! but what shall you do? how shall you employ yourself when you grow old?"--as if there were no way to lead a useful existence if unmarried. In S&S, Marianne, upon her marriage to Colonel Brandon, becomes the "patroness of the village"--which I take to mean putting the family's wealth towards charitable works of various types. With Elinor being married to the vicar of the same village, I can imagine the two of them being in on it together. Even Lady Catherine takes it upon herself to visit the cottagers near Rosings in order to "scold them into harmony and plenty!"
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