That apricot tree

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That apricot tree Written by Louise H (9/15/2010 11:13 a.m.)

I've been pondering what JA was telling us in that dialog in chapter 6 between Dr. Grant and Mrs. Norris about the apricot tree. Why did JA write this particular dialog?

Superficially, it's another instance where we see Dr. Grant focused on the goodness of his food, and Mrs. Norris sponging off Sir Thomas and focused on the price of everything. (It's interesting how JA always portrays having an interest in good food as sinful -- as if virtuous people must be indifferent to what they eat.)

But what are we to make of that apricot tree? I believe both Dr. Grant and Mrs. Norris are telling the truth: the tree really does bear poor quality apricots, despite good soil, yet it was bought as an expensive tree intended to produce superior fruit. It seems that Sir Thomas has the means and intention to produce good fruit, but somehow the fruit ends up bad. A foreshadowing of his childrearing efforts? Is there anything else here?

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That apricot tree Louise H (9/15/2010 11:13 a.m.)

MP as Political Satire: Charged as a Moor Park Tarn (9/21/2010 9:30 a.m.)
- Amazing! Thank you! nfm Ramya (9/23/2010 11:34 a.m.)
- Terrific! Thanks so much! (:D) nfm Robbin (9/21/2010 11:52 p.m.)
- Amazing..Thank you Tarn Carol (9/21/2010 10:13 p.m.)
- Incredible! Lenora (9/21/2010 9:44 p.m.)
- Wow!! Rachel G (9/21/2010 1:22 p.m.)
Could it be greg (9/17/2010 6:41 a.m.)
What is the point of the Apricot? Rachel G (9/16/2010 2:25 p.m.)
- I agree! Lenora (9/20/2010 5:34 p.m.)
- Good Summation, Rachel G, thank you! nfm Carol (9/17/2010 11:03 p.m.)
- after seeing the picture Sofia L (9/17/2010 4:07 a.m.)
Agree with your analysis Nicki (9/15/2010 5:42 p.m.)
- What are their judgments based on? LauraMarie (9/17/2010 1:35 a.m.)
  - Maybe I'll switch focus... Nicki (9/17/2010 12:33 p.m.)
- Good point about Mrs. Norris's role in both! (nfm) Louise H (9/15/2010 10:08 p.m.)
- Then Mrs. Grant enters the conversation. Stephanie (9/15/2010 7:30 p.m.)
It's another example.. Lisa Dalrymple (9/15/2010 12:41 p.m.)
Dr. Grant doubts the apricot tree's pedigree. Patricia AA (9/15/2010 12:03 p.m.)
- Very enlightening! Isabelle M (9/15/2010 2:53 p.m.)
- Thanks very interesting! (:D) nfm Robbin (9/15/2010 12:43 p.m.)

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