poor relations
Posted by Sarah P on March 20, 1998 at 05:12:41:
In response to JA - money and heroines, written by Linden on March 19, 1998 at 21:43:14
]and I don't think the Collinses would literally have thrown the Bennets out when Mr Bennet died. But it wouldn't be comfortable for any of them.
I'd be inclined to disagree with this point, although not with the rest of your comments. I think Mr. Collins would make it very clear that in proposing to Lizzie he had done all he could for the Bennets, and was rejected. Anyway, by the time Mr. B. died, the Collins had already a family, and Longbourn would not be a big enough place for two families. I think Mr. Gardiner would have to support his sister and unmarried nieces, or else live with the Phillips.
Fanny Dashwood made it very clear that her in-laws had to get out of Norwood on Mr. Dashwood senior's death, even though they had nowhere to go, and it was only Sir John's kindness that gave them a home.
Incidently, I think Fanny Price could have been ejected, depending on whom Tom later married. After all, her Aunt and Uncle were quite prepared to kick her out of Mansfield, which had been her real home for years and send her to Mrs. Norris, and to send her back to Portsmouth. Even if she stayed, she would have been little better than an unpaid servant / governess to her nephews and nieces. Some life!
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