Posted by Anna on May 17, 1997 at 23:44:12:
In reply to Gratitude counts for too much? posted by Amy on May 17, 1997 at 21:11:38
] I think that Mary's situation as a newly taken-in relative obliged her to be circumspect. If she dissed the Admiral, on might understandably wonder what she might she be saying about the Grants after quitting the parsonage, probably in a year or two.
________
I can't quote the passage, but I have the feeling that while criticising the clergy, Mary mentions those who are more interested in their dinner, and also husbands who after a disappointment at dinner are bad tempered with their wives for some time; Mary at least had the courage of her convictions, she didn't wait 'till she was out of Mr Grants reach.
The reason I object to the view that allowing obligation to silence one can perpetuate the 'bad' behaviour; even now, as in some cases of child abuse, and when drug or alcohol abuse in one member of a group is covered for by the others rather than 'make waves' and risk discrediting the whole group. ( I realise I'm getting a long way from Mary Crawford and her relatives, but I'm not convinced the case is any different)
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