Posted by Kathy F. on August 03, 1997 at 10:29:09:
In reply to Re: Mrs. Johnson = Harriet Smith? posted by Ann on July 28, 1997 at 01:35:14
] ] 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
]
] ________
] 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.
Exactly! LS is her sole guide. One cannot be better than one's leaders. Emma improved Harriet, even if it was just a little bit (schoolgirl giggle); but LS kept Mrs. J. down in the mud/muck with her.
] 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.
Mrs. J did whatever LS wanted her to do. Perhaps HS was not smart enough to be devious, but I would still wager that given the wrong associations, HS could learn to be Mrs. J.
Kathy
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