“A Femme Fatale, translating to “Deadly Woman” in french, is an alluring, seductive woman whose charms ensnare her lovers in bonds of irresistible desire. Often this leads them into compromising, dangerous, and deadly situations.” ~ Wikipedia
I first discovered this class of women from 1930s and 40s film noir several years ago and was seduced by their charm and cunning minds. I then began to see them popping up in novels I read, even my favorites like Gone with the Wind and Wuthering Heights. This weekly post is to highlight/celebrate/condemn these sultry and conniving ladies in literature.
“Well, then, let something be done for them; but that something need not be three thousand pounds. Consider, she added, that when the money is once parted with, it can never be returned. Your sisters will marry, and it will be gone for ever. If indeed, it could be restored to our little boy…”
“Yes; and the set of breakfast china is twice as handsome as what belongs in this house. A great deal too handsome, in my opinion, for any place they could ever afford to live in. But, however, so it is. Your father thought only of them. And I must say this: that you owe no particular gratitude to him, nor attention to his wishes, for we very well know that if he could, he would have left almost everything in the world to them.”
These are just a few examples of her manipulation. There is also that nasty business about her brother Edward basicly being too good for most women in the area. Although, I won’t touch on that as I find myself tuning into Mrs. Dashwood when concerning my brother.
I really must read this soon!
I hate her so much! She's so incredibly disgusting and I'd shudder to meet someone like her. I do keep wondering how Lizzie Bennet would have handled her though 🙂
Juju– It's delightful!
Kals– Lizzie would have whipped her to pieces with her clever remarks.
I hate her! I agree with both Kals and Whitney, Lizzie Bennet and her going at it would be so funny!
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One of my favorite scenes in the book is the one you quoted from Chapter 2, where Fanny keeps reducing John's "generosity" until there's nothing left. Hilarious!
Oh, yes. I hate her so much my teeth gnash. Gna gna gna!
– Rebecca
We can't have you turning into Fanny Dashwood! Although I admit my sister's boyfriend brings her out in me too. 🙂
Kailia– It would make for a great show down!
Christina– This chapter sets the tone for the novel perfectly.
Rebecca– Most certainly!
Jen– I really try not to, his girlfriend is very nice, I'm just overprotective…
Fanny Dashwood is despicable but I had a riot reading about her because as such, there are many Fanny Dashwoods walking about among us 🙂 Hers is a character that is a fine example of how some characteristics seldom change even two hundred years hence…
You're right, there are a plethora of Fannys walking among us. Only the fashions change.