] Before we are even given a name for this vile creature, we are told that John Dashwood's wife is not amiable, and she's a bad influence upon her husband. Unlike with some characters, Fanny isn't even given a chance of being thought of kindly.

Ch 5--"Mrs. John Dashwood saw the packages depart with a sigh: she could not help feeling it hard that as Mrs. Dashwood's income would be so trifling in comparison with their own, she should have any handsome article of furniture." That's what I call being nasty to the very last drop. (Hmmmm, must be a mixed metaphor or some such thing) Their meager belongings must have been a rather sad sight and yet she begrudges Marianne the possession of a pianoforte. Quick, somebody, hand this lady a blue ribbon for best 'nasty' performance! How does JA do it? Another one of those sad situations and yet I can't stop my mouth from turning upward at the hilarity of it all. :-)