] Or rather, the lack thereof!

It seems to be very much in character with Mrs. Dashwood, who seems to have very little common sense. If she were a modern day parent she would probably be pushing her daughter into early dating or child beauty contests or Brittany Spears-like attire. I had friends who had mothers like Mrs. D. - re-living their youth through their daughters. Elinor is much more of a mother to Marianne than is Mrs. D. I find her behavior totally consistant with her character. JA didn't seem to have a very high opionion of mothers,if her portrayal of them in her works is any guide!