An Entailed Estate - Chapter 7 Discussion

MR. BENNET'S property consisted almost entirely in an estate of two thousand a year, which, unfortunately for his daughters, was entailed, in default of heirs male, on a distant relation; and their mother's fortune, though ample for her situation in life, could but ill supply the deficiency of his. Her father had been an attorney in Meryton, and had left her four thousand pounds. - Ch. 7 pt 1

A similar problem besets the main family in Sense and Sensibility, where the husband, by his second marriage, has only produced daughters. His decease takes place early in the novel, and his estate quickly passes along to his son, born of a previous marriage. This son is more or less talked completely out of helping his father's widow and her daughters. The women must survive on the good graces of other relatives, hoping and praying for wealthy spouses who might relieve them of their poverty.

While Mr. Bennet's decease does not at all seem imminent, the thought is no doubt prominent that the Bennet women will be pressed into a situation similar to that of Sense and Sensibility when the unfortunate event should finally take place.

Out of curiosity, would anyone be able to shed light on what this somewhat morbid beginning has to do with the rest of the chapter?

Emma by Jane Austen -- Vol. 1 Ch. 6 pt 12

"What a precious deposit!" said he with a tender sigh, as he received it.

"This man is almost too gallant to be in love," thought Emma. "I should say so, but that I suppose there may be a hundred different ways of being in love. He is an excellent young man, and will suit Harriet exactly; it will be an `Exactly so,' as he says himself; but he does sigh and languish, and study for compliments rather more than I could endure as a principal. I come in for a pretty good share as a second. But it is his gratitude on Harriet's account."

Back: Vol. 1 Ch. 6 pt 11

Table of Contents

Next: Vol. 1 Ch. 7 pt 1

Emma by Jane Austen -- Vol. 1 Ch. 6 pt 11

The next thing wanted was to get the picture framed; and here were a few difficulties. It must be done directly; it must be done in London; the order must go through the hands of some intelligent person whose taste could be depended on; and Isabella, the usual doer of all commissions, must not be applied to, because it was December, and Mr. Woodhouse could not bear the idea of her stirring out of her house in the fogs of December. But no sooner was the distress known to Mr. Elton, than it was removed. His gallantry was always on the alert. "Might he be trusted with the commission, what infinite pleasure should he have in executing it! he could ride to London at any time. It was impossible to say how much he should be gratified by being employed on such an errand."

"He was too good!--she could not endure the thought!--she would not give him such a troublesome office for the world,"--brought on the desired repetition of entreaties and assurances,--and a very few minutes settled the business.

Mr. Elton was to take the drawing to London, chuse the frame, and give the directions; and Emma thought she could so pack it as to ensure its safety without much incommoding him, while he seemed mostly fearful of not being incommoded enough.

Back: Vol. 1 Ch. 6 pt 10

Table of Contents

Next: Vol. 1 Ch. 6 pt 12

Emma by Jane Austen -- Vol. 1 Ch. 6 pt 10

"It is very pretty," said Mr. Woodhouse. "So prettily done! Just as your drawings always are, my dear. I do not know any body who draws so well as you do. The only thing I do not thoroughly like is, that she seems to be sitting out of doors, with only a little shawl over her shoulders--and it makes one think she must catch cold."

"But, my dear papa, it is supposed to be summer; a warm day in summer. Look at the tree."

"But it is never safe to sit out of doors, my dear."

"You, sir, may say any thing," cried Mr. Elton, "but I must confess that I regard it as a most happy thought, the placing of Miss Smith out of doors; and the tree is touched with such inimitable spirit! Any other situation would have been much less in character. The naivete of Miss Smith's manners--and altogether--Oh, it is most admirable! I cannot keep my eyes from it. I never saw such a likeness."

Back: Vol. 1 Ch. 6 pt 9

Table of Contents

Next: Vol. 1 Ch. 6 pt 11