] On my first reading of S&S, I felt that I had completely misjudged Sir John. My initial impression of him as a perfect gentleman in his letter and first visit to the cottage was overthrown once I saw him in his own environs.

I know. It is rather a jolt when you see him in his home after so winning an intro. On this read, though, I found myself thinking: Thank Goodness for a Sir John in the lives of the lady Dashwoods. He seems to materialize like a fairy Godfather to save them from the Dastardly John-Dashwoods. His kind invitation puts a decent roof over their heads and immediately provides them with access to whatever extras they might need in the way of food and transportation, and provides them with instant acceptance and society in the Middleton's circle with all the entertainments and interesting diversions that come with it. Without his generosity, the Dashwoods would most likely have ended up somewhere amongst strangers starting at zero with meager provisions and no help. Put them on a scale: the John Dashwoods and Lady Middleton, all three, with their so-called good breeding on one side and Sir John, somewhat uncouth, on the other side by himself. Whoa! Sir John's side drops with the excessive weight of goodness, generosity and genuineness.

] At his worst in chapter 7, “Sir John was loud in his admiration… of every song, and as loud in his conversation… while every song lasted.” Still, overall he is all kindness and good nature. There’s a bit of oblivious insensitivity to him, but nothing worse.

I can't play the piano but if I could, being a person who is easily distracted when trying to concentrate, I would find his loud yacking thoughout my playing annoying but, hey, who's perfect?