This situation intrigues me...

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This situation intrigues me... Written by Moni (9/16/2006 12:59 p.m.) in consequence of the missive, John and his step-mother, penned by Barbara

and I think from what I read, it seems that John is "cold-hearted" and "rather selfish" as described, but that he was in general well respected. He seems to be very different from the father. It's strange because within the first three pages (CH.1) we get a lot of information, but none of it seems conclusive. First John agrees and intends to honour his promise to his father and even meditated on giving more.

If the father loved his second wife and children more than John, would this support the case for the text in CH.1 "Mrs John Dashwood had never been a favourite with any of her husband's family."? Did this mean they didn't like John so it followed they weren't fond of his choice of wife? The text says "But Mrs John Dashwood was a strong caricature of himself; more narrow-minded and selfish."

I am confused mostly by the legal, I think. "It was secured, in such a way, as to leave to himself (Henry Dashwood) no power of providing for those who were most dear to him" - the handling of the first wife's fortunes seems strange, IMO. I am not a legal expert, but it would be interesting to know the whys. Perhaps this is something for JulieW's knowhow?

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John and his step-mother Barbara (9/15/2006 11:58 p.m.)

John Dashwood grew up lonely IMO. Reeba (9/16/2006 4:03 p.m.)
- I agree about her likely remoteness from John Tom P2 (9/17/2006 8:06 a.m.)
  - Or else smothered him? Tina T (9/17/2006 10:07 a.m.)
    - Or,there is a possibilty that JulieW (9/17/2006 11:15 a.m.)
      - Would a boy go away to school at 7 or 8? -nfm Mary Ellen (9/17/2006 11:28 p.m.)
        
        "One's heart aches for a dejected mind of eight years old&qu JulieW (9/18/2006 9:24 a.m.)
Now that you point it out… Robbin (9/16/2006 3:32 p.m.)
This situation intrigues me... Moni (9/16/2006 12:59 p.m.)
- Think like a father-in-law Tracy W (9/17/2006 1:27 a.m.)
  - But what was his income? Tina T (9/17/2006 2:50 a.m.)
    - We are told in chapter 1 Tracy W (9/17/2006 5:02 p.m.)
      - Not a half share Barbara (9/17/2006 5:21 p.m.)
    - That's the impression I gather too,Tina JulieW (9/17/2006 8:35 a.m.)
      - So in the matter of...   Moni (9/17/2006 10:37 a.m.)
        
        I think he did have a choice,Moni   JulieW (9/17/2006 10:51 a.m.)
        
        I see. Thanks Julie;-) (nfm)   Moni (9/17/2006 11:12 a.m.)
But what about the *legal inheritor*. I'm confused. Reeba (9/16/2006 9:10 a.m.)
- "Strict settlement" Maisy (9/16/2006 12:09 p.m.)
  - CH 1 says .... Reeba (9/16/2006 12:21 p.m.)
    - Let me explain........;-) JulieW (9/17/2006 8:16 a.m.)
      - A Big Help, Indeed but...   BarbaraB (9/17/2006 9:42 a.m.)
        
        I'm sure he could have been more generous   JulieW (9/17/2006 10:45 a.m.)
        
        Thanks, Julie :) nfm   BarbaraB (9/17/2006 11:09 p.m.)
      - Yes, it does. Thank you Julie :) nfm Reeba (9/17/2006 9:29 a.m.)
        
        My pleasure! nfm. JulieW (9/17/2006 9:36 a.m.)
    - May be similar to the present situation Barbara (9/16/2006 1:40 p.m.)
      - This explanation... Reeba (9/16/2006 1:47 p.m.)
Mr. Dashwood's faith in John Yvonne (9/16/2006 3:00 a.m.)
- I'm sure that Anne L (9/17/2006 11:49 a.m.)
- On Mrs Dashwood and John's relationship. Mandy N (9/16/2006 7:13 a.m.)
  - "Your father thought only of them." Maisy (9/17/2006 9:39 a.m.)
  - Partly his wife's fault? Kim E (9/16/2006 8:40 a.m.)
    - But the 14 years before that? Barbara (9/16/2006 11:30 a.m.)
      - I think you hit the nail on the head... Elizabeth Sycamore (9/16/2006 2:19 p.m.)
    - True, and I would add that... Julianne E. (9/16/2006 9:33 a.m.)
      - I disagree; John was a waffler Mary Ellen (9/18/2006 8:20 p.m.)
        
        Yes, a mighty pig… Robbin (9/19/2006 12:44 a.m.)
      - Yes and it says... Moni (9/16/2006 1:09 p.m.)
      - John and Fanny and Goneril and Regan Barbara (9/16/2006 11:57 a.m.)
        
        Thank you - had not thought of this parallel (nfm) Tracy W (9/17/2006 1:33 a.m.)
      - Maybe John took after his grandfather, who was...   Reeba (9/16/2006 9:52 a.m.)
        
        Not his grandfather   Barbara (9/16/2006 10:19 a.m.)
        
        The Uncle   BarbaraB (9/16/2006 12:18 p.m.)
        
        Protecting Norland   Maisy (9/16/2006 12:36 p.m.)
        
        A reasonable answer...   BarbaraB (9/16/2006 1:20 p.m.)
        
        I still think a larger amount settled...   Reeba (9/17/2006 3:56 a.m.)
        
        It does seem very unfair, doesn't it? -nfm   Maisy (9/16/2006 3:30 p.m.)
        
        I'm sure JA considered it unfair.   Mandy N (9/16/2006 4:26 p.m.)
        
        In addition   Pennie (9/17/2006 11:02 p.m.)
        
        Not per annum!   Barbara (9/16/2006 4:46 p.m.)
        
        Well,   Mandy N (9/17/2006 1:25 a.m.)
        
        Chawton   Frances R (9/17/2006 2:11 a.m.)

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