Frances "Fanny" Dashwood (née Ferrars) is the wife of John Dashwood. She is the only sister of Edward and Robert Ferrars. She is the sister-in-law of Elinor Dashwood, Marianne Dashwood, and Margaret Dashwood. She has one son, Harry Dashwood, whom she spoils. Her mother, Mrs. Ferrars is still living, although her father is not.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Fanny was born to the wealthy Ferrars family, which was of more wealth than good breeding, hence her rudeness to anyone she considers below her. She married John Dashwood, the eldest child and heir of Henry Dashwood and his first wife[1].
Death of Henry Dashwood[]
The moment Henry Dashwood's funeral was over, Fanny descended onto Norland Park, without sending her mother-in-law, Mrs. Dashwood, any sort of note. This angered and disgusted Mrs. Dashwood[1]. Immediately, Fanny designated herself as the mistress of Norland, degrading her husband's family to mere visitors[2].
When she heard that her husband intended to take his father's wishes to heart and give his stepmother and half sisters £3,000, Fanny did not approve, as she possessed avarice enough to rival her husband's. She disguised this as concern for her son, which she was, of course, but mostly it was for herself.
- "Mrs. John Dashwood did not at all approve of what her husband intended to do for his sisters. To take three thousand pounds from the fortune of their dear little boy, would be impoverishing him to the most dreadful degree. She begged him to think again on the subject. How could he answer it to himself to rob his child, and his only child too, of so large a sum? And what possible claim could the Miss Dashwoods, who were related to him only by half blood, which she considered as no relationship at all, have on his generosity to so large an amount? It was very well known that no affection was ever supposed to exist between the children of any man by different marriages; and why was he to ruin himself, and their poor little Harry, by giving away all his money to his half sisters?""
- —Sense and Sensibility[2]
She convinced him that his father didn't mean that his son should give them monetary gifts instead of occasional good will. John readily agreed with her, but allowed his family to live at Norland until they found a suitable home[2]. Fanny invited her brother, Edward Ferrars, to stay at Norland[3], and he formed an attachment with Elinor, the eldest Miss Dashwood. Fanny and John were surprised when informed that Mrs. Dashwood had been offered Barton Cottage, on an estate owned by Sir John Middleton, Mrs. Dashwood's relative[4].
She couldn't help be a little bit of a gloat when she watched the women's small number of packages of furniture leave Norland, because their income would be so much less than hers[4].
Personality and traits[]
Fanny is described as a strong caricature of her husband - more narrow-minded and selfish.[4] She is also vain and snobby. When her husband means to help his stepmother and half-sisters, she convinces him to let them live in poverty, using manipulation. She went out of her way to separate Edward from Elinor, knowing that they shared mutual affection.
Relationships[]
John Dashwood
He is her husband of whom she is manipulative than loving.
Mrs. Ferrars
Her mother whom she is the younger version of in vain and snobbish attitude.
Elinor Dashwood
They are sister-in-laws. They are cordial to each other while not outright showing dislike for each other. Elinor is polite and better at hiding her dislike for Fanny. Fanny went out of her way to separate her brother, Edward, and her knowing they shared a mutual affections for each other.
Marianne Dashwood
They are sister-in-laws whom she doesn’t get along with, however, Fanny attempts to keep it cordial while Marianne is often bold with passive aggressive comments (or overtures in her speech) and doesn’t hide her dislike from her. Her dislike is seen more when Fanny acts very entitled to Norwood with no concern of them as their extended family perspectively.
Margaret Dashwood
They are sister-in-laws, and Margaret is her youngest one. Fanny hardly notices her, however, Margaret hides away from her knowing she does mean them good will. Her youth has her able to say things boldly to Fanny that the others sisters cannot say without repercussions to the amusement of her older sisters.
Financial Details[]
Fanny marries John Dashwood and is given by her mother, Mrs. Ferrars, a fortune of £10,000.[5] At the standard interest rate of the time, 5%, would bring around £500 a year. John then inherits the property of Norland Park, this increases their finances by £4,000 a year.