Don't think so.

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Don't think so. Written by MandyN (4/17/2006 12:39 p.m.) in consequence of the missive, Sour Grapes, penned by Phil

...If the 'sister author' JA refers to is Fanny Burney- She was not only a contempory but one of JA's favourite authors.

I think JA is applauding women who wish to improve their knowledge and self improvement- which may explain why JA has Henry launch into a lecture on the picturesque for Catherine's benefit.
JA maybe laughing here not only at unreal expectations of women by male authors on women's behaviour but even the notions of some women in society.

Maryanne K's post provides an example of an essay by a
Dr Gregory for his daughers to follow which advises among other things,
'Be even cautious in displaying your good sense.'
I doubt JA could take this seriously !

My Broadview ed. of NA mentions the letter of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu on the education of her granddauger cautioning it will 'be necessary to conceal what learning she attains.'

I doubt JA approved such views or found them sensible. Yet from her own experience she probably symphasized with women who were not apreciated for their intellect.
If JA was really sour on being an intelligent, unmarried woman, I wonder she used Henry to give Catherine the lecture when she could have used Eleanor.
Although JA's sister-in-law, Elizabeth Bridges thought of Jane as 'too clever', her intelligence did not prevent her from receiving a proposal of marriage, apparently. JA was briefly engaged to a wealthy family friend, Harris Biggs-Wither.
It was JA's own decision to break off this materially advantageous engagement.

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ignorant vs well-informed women Katy B (4/14/2006 12:34 a.m.)

Sour Grapes Phil (4/17/2006 10:37 a.m.)
- Don't think so. MandyN (4/17/2006 12:39 p.m.)
  - Good Response Phil (4/17/2006 6:23 p.m.)
Making fun MaryAnn K. (4/14/2006 2:07 p.m.)
- Thanks, MaryAnn! Katy B (4/15/2006 12:29 a.m.)
  - It's my pleasure! MaryAnn K. (4/17/2006 6:30 p.m.)
- Fortunately our Catherine does not show this Pennie (4/14/2006 6:42 p.m.)
  - Yes =-) MaryAnn K. (4/15/2006 3:02 a.m.)
'sister author' Emmeline (4/14/2006 6:32 a.m.)
- Indeed! You must read it! Maisy (4/14/2006 2:55 p.m.)
  - link Bettina (4/16/2006 8:05 a.m.)
  - Thanks for the reference Katy B (4/15/2006 12:43 a.m.)

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