ABSTRACT
John Ruskin's scholars have viewed the cousins' relationship in seemingly contradictory ways. She has been cast in the role of gold-digging manipulator of Ruskin, but also in the role of self-sacrificing, self-effacing saviour of Ruskin. Some of Ruskin's letters partially corroborate the view of Joan Severn as a grasping, avaricious woman who manipulated her cousin for her own socio-economic ends, offering love in exchange for financial stability. Joan may have manipulated Ruskin to achieve her own and her family's socio -economic ends, but it is clear in these letters that she cared deeply for him, and, although sometimes perhaps misguided in her attempts to protect him, she felt a real affection for her cousin. Ruskin gave his blessing to Joan's marriage, but was not entirely pleased with her choice. While one must take Arthur Severn's account of the courtship with grain of salt, his memoir of Ruskin contains transcripts of letters sent by the older guardian to the younger suitor.
