ANKLES come up 8 times in Sanditon - why? A few articles note that ankles were only considered scandalous in the Victorian era, not Regency era, because ankle boots only became in vogue during the Victorian era. Perhaps the overfixation of ankles is not due to it being scandalous, but just poking fun at how OCD the characters of the novel were for Mr. Parker’s (minorly injured) sprained ankle.

In a world where a “much mended” appetite is equal to “never eating”, I think they have read too many dieting pamphlets for their own good. It is especially funny that this comes from Mr. Parker, because usually women are associated with “silly” little eating habits.

The absurdity of “asses’ milk” as a love potion says it all. Austen constantly references medical remedies of the day for three purposes. One, to make fun of rich people for labeling themselves as an “invalid” when they only have minor body problems as “invalid”. Two, making fun of their ignorance for believing in these supposed “remedies”. And three, to make fun of the producers who create these “remedies”.

Lady Denham doubts the use of having a doctor or a surgeon in the area. The fact that she blames her husband’s death on doctors apparently shows her ignorance; and the way she delivers it shows her being too full of herself.

The contrast between physical weakness and verbal dexterity is amusing.

The use of “ankle” is inappropriate as 1) the scene itself is absurd and 2) ankle has sexual connotations, as well as the action of “rubbing.”

Diana Parker has an elaborate style of communicating. Readers better off not to take her words literally.