] I've argued before on L&T that there is a difference between the early, somewhat lackadaisical JA of `Northanger Abbey' and the later, more earnest JA of `Mansfield Park'. There's a fair amount of material in the archives on L&T: here's just one link among many.

In an effort to understand this novel and why there is such an easy going attitude by JA towards the codes, obligations, etc. in this book as opposed to others, this makes a lot of sense. I actually wondered if this might be the case but as my knowledge of JA's life is rather deficient and since this never came up as a possibility, I decided I was on the wrong track with this. I can't tell you how much this helps. I next read of this book will be with an entirely new perspective. I also read your link with interest. Thanks, thanks and more thanks. B.