] I think Mrs. Morland is probably the best parent I've come across in the four novels I've read of JA (P&P, Persuasion, Emma, & NA), but still she isn't perfect. She recognizes that her daughter is "shatter-brained" but traveling alone put her to the test of keeping her wits about her. If she recognizes that, then she should have helped her develop such life skills earlier. But you've gotta love her for looking the other way at Catherine's clandestine correspondence. She's certainly no parental tyrant.

seems so infinitely practical! her comments going to the Allens, and then her reproofs using "Richard's cravats" as an example. =) And, I think someone below mentioned this, but when Catherine lights up after the entrance of HT, what does her mother think? "Catherine meanwhile,--the anxious, agitated, happy, feverish Catherine,--said not a word; but her glowing cheek and brightened eye made her mother trust that this good-natured visit would at least set her heart at ease for a time, and gladly therefore did she lay aside the first volume of the Mirror for a future hour." I think it's funny that she totally seems to miss Catherine's love for HT! =)

I agree that she's a great parent too and I can see her real love for Catherine.