"Jane Austen's Families" focuses on family dynamics in Jane Austen's six novels. After a general introduction, which places its approach in the context of ethical criticism, it divides into two sections. The first, "Family Dynamics," consists of three chapters - "The Function of the Dysfunctional Family," "Spoilt Children" and "Usefulness and Exertion." The three chapters of section two, "Fathers and Daughters," look at father-daughter relationships in "Mansfield Park," "Emma" and "Persuasion."
Acknowledgements; References and Abbreviations; General Introduction; PART I: FAMILY DYNAMICS: Introduction; Chapter One: The Functions of the Dysfunctional Family: "Northanger Abbey," "Sense and Sensibility," "Pride and Prejudice"; Chapter Two: Spoilt Children: "Pride and Prejudice," "Mansfield Park" and "Emma"; Chapter Three: "Usefulness and Exertion": Mothers and Sisters in "Sense and Sensibility," "Mansfield Park," "Emma" and "Persuasion"; PART II: FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS: Introduction; Chapter Four: Money, Morals and "Mansfield Park"; Chapter Five: Speech and Silence in "Emma"; Chapter Six: Dandies and Beauties: The Issue of Good Looks in "Persuasion"; Conclusion: "Creative Attention"; Notes; Select Bibliography; Index
