The fact that Mr. Parker feels comfortable enough to pass such strong judgment on the intellect of a woman who outranks him in both title and wealth is quite a contrast to Mr. Collins' constant flattery of and deference to Lady Catherine in Pride and Prejudice. See the beginning of Chapter 14 of Pride and Prejudice for Mr. Collins' opinion of Lady Catherine.

Lady Denham's status as the great lady of Sanditon is reminiscent of Lady Catherine de Bourgh's status as the great lady of Rosings in Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Both women are widows who yield a significant amount of power over the neighborhood in which they live.

The characterization of Miss. Lambe as a young and sickly heiress mirrors Austen's characterization of Anne de Bourgh in Pride and Prejudice, who was also an heiress suffering from an illness.

The idea that Clara Brereton would improve Lady Denham in a certain manner diverges from the theme of improvement in Mansfield Park and Northanger Abbey. In those novels, it is the young girl, either Fanny or Catherine, whose mind is improved by the older individuals around her.

Lady Denham appears to have a savior complex that is similar to Emma's desire to improve Harriet's status in life. Lady Denham's taking in of a "helpless" girl is also similar to the Bertram's decision to take Fanny in and improve her.

Austen's description of Sir Edward as a poor man relative to his peers of the same rank highlights the divergence between title and money in England towards the end of Austen's life--a prominent theme in both Persuasion and Northanger Abbey.

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