Fanny the wheedler: how methodical and assertive is she really?

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Fanny the wheedler: how methodical and assertive is she really? Written by Tom P2 (9/7/2009 8:24 p.m.) in consequence of the missive, At auction in Chapter 2 (long--sorry!), penned by Ivonne

I second Robbin's praise of 'eroding' as an apt word!

I'm not at all sure that Fanny is an expert manipulator or authoritarian, though.

As Kathleen pointed out, there are several inconsistencies between her statements. If Fanny had been an intellectual giant in her own way, she'd have kept her story straighter. Her side of the conversation sounds like she's snatching immediately at any fresh angles, as soon as they occur to her.

Ivonne> But why have Fanny go through all this rather than put her foot down from the start?

Because direct assertiveness isn't her way? Setting aside the self-assured manners we see from her in screen adaptations (except maybe S+S0), we're left with impressions like her treating Mrs Dashwood and her daughters with quiet civility (ch2). Even if she'd ideally like to asset-strip them and send them on their way, she puts on a civilised veneer to their faces.

Fanny's success is adequately explained by her situation. She has a dopey indulgent husband, who acts upon her wishful thinking. The narrator labels her as narrow-minded (ch1), so perhaps her Plan B (when ad lib wheedling doesn't work) is just to curl up into a tight little ball of resentment.

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Is Ch.2 for real? Anselm (9/6/2009 1:51 p.m.)

At auction in Chapter 2 (long--sorry!) Ivonne (9/7/2009 2:01 p.m.)
- I always thought the foot wasn't hers to put down. Anselm (9/9/2009 4:54 a.m.)
  - Missing something...? Rachel G (9/9/2009 8:37 a.m.)
    - Yes, but... Anselm (9/9/2009 11:42 a.m.)
      - Addictive cycle of self indulgence and pride   Karen G (9/9/2009 1:59 p.m.)
        
        Good analysis!   Rachel G (9/9/2009 3:01 p.m.)
        
        A tongue-in-cheek response   Anselm (9/10/2009 11:06 a.m.)
        
        Watch closely...   Rachel G (9/10/2009 2:28 p.m.)
- Subtle Manipulation? Caroline (9/7/2009 10:43 p.m.)
  - thanks, everyone, for the helpful input! (nfm) Ivonne (9/8/2009 6:21 p.m.)
- Fanny the wheedler: how methodical and assertive is she really? Tom P2 (9/7/2009 8:24 p.m.)
- Delicious Chapter 2 RobinJ (9/7/2009 7:15 p.m.)
- Domestic Tranquility Robbin (9/7/2009 5:55 p.m.)
  - I am guilty of this Gina Marie (9/9/2009 7:19 a.m.)
- Helpful analysis Suzanne K (9/7/2009 5:45 p.m.)
Something I noticed in Chapter 2... Melissa K. (9/7/2009 12:07 p.m.)
Fanny amazes me; I thought I was queen of the rationalizers! Cathy Allen (9/6/2009 11:03 p.m.)
- Exaggerations & contradictions kathleen (elder) (9/7/2009 7:31 a.m.)
  - John is worse than Fanny IMHO Anselm (9/7/2009 9:51 a.m.)
    - John's promise Carol J. (9/7/2009 11:40 a.m.)
      - But did it prompt him to act? Barb JA (9/7/2009 12:09 p.m.)
        
        True BarbaraB (9/7/2009 12:58 p.m.)
    - Hear, hear! Barb JA (9/7/2009 10:49 a.m.)
      - Awesome comparison! CarolTS (9/7/2009 1:30 p.m.)
However it came about . . . Mary Anne (9/6/2009 5:51 p.m.)
John's change of heart Carol J. (9/6/2009 4:54 p.m.)
- And the truth was told when Mrs Dashwood was about to leave... janelt (9/7/2009 11:31 p.m.)
  - The Promise BarbaraB (9/8/2009 11:24 a.m.)
    - Given John Dashwood's nan duval (9/8/2009 8:41 p.m.)
      - ROFL!!! (NFM) janelt (9/8/2009 9:48 p.m.)
      - That's a good one too! nfm BarbaraB (9/8/2009 9:26 p.m.)
- I agree Nina RG (9/7/2009 8:02 a.m.)
John's sensibility and Fanny's sense... janelt (9/6/2009 4:06 p.m.)

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