Posted by Ann on July 28, 1997 at 01:35:14:
In reply to Mrs. Johnson = Harriet Smith? posted by Kathy F. on July 27, 1997 at 15:04:42
] This discussion brings to mind Emma's Harriet Smith. If Emma were truly evil, as opposed to being merely selfish, spoiled, and childish, it's possible that Harriet, under Emma's influence, would become a Mrs. Johnson.
] Kathy
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I don't think Harriet is smart enough to be a Mrs. Johnson.
I don't see how people read so much into Mrs. Johnson's character. From what I read, there is no reason to believe she behaves, or has beliefs, either better or worse than Lady Susan. Her character is not well formed in the letters, and she is constrained in her actions, not by her own conscience, but by the fact that she is married and lives under the authority of her husband. From her letters I saw her and Lady Susan as partners in crime.
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