A hurried answer with random thoughts
Posted by Constanza on June 18, 1998 at 08:46:04:
In response to Sir T and Austen admitting he was wrong(Long!), written by Bonny on June 17, 1998 at 21:15:52
] -he decides its not just his education at fault w/ his daughters, but something wanting within - "principle, active principle had been wanting". In contrast, Fanny does have active principle and I think thats what we've been getting at, Constanza. He talks about theory & practice in religion, which Lea has foregrounded in her post.
Might it be that "intent" is twofold, one part aimed at acquiring and accepting God's principles and the other at letting them be your guide? If you remain in that first stage you are in danger of letting your whole life be guided by appearances. There is a dynamic in the intent that makes all the difference. This would be Sir Thomas' fault and Edmund's danger.
The father is a sort of "warning" to Edmund. Sir Thomas, judging by appearances, had married Lady Bertram; Edmund is about to do so in relation to Mary. So, if he had married Mary, he would in time had become another Sir T. . By the end of the novel, both realize their mistakes (they become self-aware) and change for good.
The turning point for change is self-awareness; that is why neither Mary nor Henry can change. In order to do so, they must acknowledge their errors (sort of conscience examination).
Sorry if it looks like a telegram; I am in a hurry! :-)
- Don't apologize... Bonny 08:36:59 6/19/98
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