Posted by Serena on April 28, 1997 at 06:47:33:
In reply to Henry Crawford posted by Oregon Andrea on April 27, 1997 at 15:19:36
This is what I think..
But why did he waste his time on Fanny? >>
He was always on the look out for someone to charm into being in love with him - since Maria & sister had left the scene (besides, he already succeeded with both of them), the only one left was Fanny - And he realised how hard it was to impress her and so he took it upon himself (telling Mary that he wanted to make Fanny fall a little for him- to give him smiles etc..) It's an ego thing.
He went to great lengths and great expense to impress her>>
Unfortunately, HC began to realise that Fanny was indeed worth more than his vain attempts to 'flirt' a little, he began to want to impress her with his growing appreciation of her finer qualities, her simple pleasures...these were qualities he wanted in a wife.. (yet another selfish thought)..
then leaves and destroys Maria's life.>>
He was disheartened by his slow progress with Fanny, (remember, he never had to try this hard with anyone else..)
He sacrificed his future happiness by one foolish short-term fling.. one can only think it was to satisfy himself that he had not lost his touch with women.
.
Would he have abandoned her if he had succeeded?>>
I really think Fanny would not have had him anyhow, she was sold on Edmund from too long ago.
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