I'm finding myself getting really irritated with James' blindness, both to the Thorpe family's vagaries, inconsistencies, and irritations, and his failure to provide any kind of guidance to Catherine. He goes so far as to admitting that John Thorpe is a rattle, but then proclaims that he's sure that will recommend him to all women. Does he think that ill of his sister? And does it never occur to him that she is so persuadable and inexperienced as she is, and might need a more realistic perspective than he's providing?