Mansfield Park

About Text
 Writer- Jane Austen
 Published- 1) 1814 by Thomas Egerton 2) 1816 by John Murray
 Mansfield Park is the third published novel by the English author Jane Austen
 The novel did not receive any public review until 1821

About Writer
 16 December 1775 – 18 July 1817
 English novelist known primarily for her six novels, which implicitly interpret,
critique, and comment upon the English landed gentry at the end of the 18th century.
 Austen's plots often explore the dependence of women on marriage for the pursuit of
favourable social standing and economic security. Her works are implicit critiques of
the novels of sensibility of the second half of the 18th century and are part of the
transition to 19th-century literary realism.
 Her use of social commentary, realism, wit, and irony have earned her acclaim
amongst critics and scholars.
 The anonymously published

i) Sense and Sensibility (1811)

ii) Pride and Prejudice (1813)
iii) Mansfield Park (1814) and
iv) Emma (1816) were modest successes, but they brought her little fame in her
lifetime.

She wrote two other novels—

v) Northanger Abbey and

vi) Persuasion, both published posthumously in 1817—

began another, eventually titled

vii) Sanditon, but it was left unfinished upon her death.

She also left behind three volumes of juvenile writings in manuscript

i) the short epistolary novel Lady Susan,

j) and the unfinished novel The Watsons.

 Since her death Austen's novels have rarely been out of print.
 A significant transition in her reputation occurred in 1833, when they were
republished in Richard Bentley's Standard Novels series (illustrated by Ferdinand
 Pickering and sold as a set). They gradually gained wide acclaim and popular
readership.
 In 1869, fifty-two years after her death, her nephew's publication of A Memoir of Jane
Austen introduced a compelling version of her writing career and her supposedly
uneventful life to an eager audience. Her work has inspired a large number of critical
essays and has been included in many literary anthologies. Her novels have also
inspired many films, including 1940's Pride and Prejudice, 1995's Sense and
Sensibility, and 2016's Love & Friendship.
 Favourite author : Samuel Johnson

Characters In Chart

About Plot
 The novel tells the story of Fanny Price, starting when her overburdened family sends
her at the age of ten to live in the household of her wealthy aunt and uncle and
following her development into early adulthood. From early on critical interpretation
has been diverse, differing particularly over the character of the heroine, Austen's
views about theatrical performance and the centrality or otherwise of ordination and
 religion, and on the question of slavery. Some of these problems have been
highlighted in the several later adaptations of the story for stage and screen.
 Lady Bertram is Fanny’s aunt and her four children – Tom, Edmund, Maria and Julia
– are older than Fanny.
 All but Edmund mistreat her .
 Her other aunt, Mrs Norris, wife of the clergyman at the Mansfield parsonage, makes
herself particularly unpleasant.
 When Fanny is fifteen, Aunt Norris is widowed and her visits to Mansfield Park
increase, as does her mistreatment of Fanny.
 A year later, Sir Thomas leaves to deal with problems on his sugar plantation
in Antigua, taking with him his spendthrift eldest son Tom.
 Mrs Norris finds the rich but weak-willed Mr Rushworth, whose proposal Maria
accepts but only for his money.
 Henry Crawford and his sister Mary arrive at the parsonage to stay with their half-
sister, the wife of the new incumbent, Dr Grant.
 Edmund and Mary then start to show interest in one another.
 On a visit to Mr Rushworth's estate, Henry flirts with both Maria and Julia.
 Maria believes Henry is in love with her and so treats Mr Rushworth dismissively,
provoking his jealousy.
 while Julia struggles with jealousy and resentment towards her sister.
 Mary is disappointed to learn that Edmund will be a clergyman and tries to
undermine his vocation.
 After Tom returns to Mansfield Park ahead of his father, he encourages the young
people to begin rehearsals for an amateur performance of Elizabeth
Inchbald's play Lovers' Vows.
 Edmund objects, believing Sir Thomas would disapprove and feeling that the subject
matter is inappropriate but, after much pressure, he agrees to take on the role of the
lover of the character played by Mary.
 The play also provides further opportunity for Henry and Maria to flirt.
 When Sir Thomas arrives home unexpectedly, he is furious to find the play still in
rehearsal and it is cancelled.
 Henry departs without explanation, and in reaction Maria goes ahead with marriage to
Mr Rushworth. The couple then settle in London, taking Julia with them.
 Sir Thomas sees many improvements in Fanny and Mary Crawford initiates a closer
relationship with her.
 Fanny, led by Henry Crawford at her celebration ball
 When Henry returns to Mansfield Park, he decides to entertain himself by making
Fanny fall in love with him.
 Fanny's brother William visits, and Sir Thomas holds what is effectively a coming-out
ball for her.
 Mary dances with Edmund, she tells him it will be the last time, as she will never
dance with a clergyman.
 Edmund drops his plan to propose and leaves the next day, as do Henry and William.
 When Henry next returns, he announces to Mary his intention to marry Fanny. To
assist his plan, he has used his family's naval connections to help William achieve
promotion.
  When Henry proposes marriage, Fanny rejects him, disapproving of his past treatment
of women. Sir Thomas is astonished by her continuing refusal, but she does not
explain, afraid of compromising Maria.
 To help Fanny appreciate Henry's offer, Sir Thomas sends her to visit her parents in
Portsmouth, where she is taken aback by the contrast between their chaotic household
and the harmonious environment at Mansfield.
 Henry visits, but although she still refuses him, she begins to appreciate his good
features.
 Later, Fanny learns that Henry and Maria have had an affair and had eloped which is
reported in the newspapers.
 Mr Rushworth sues Maria for divorce and the Bertram family is devastated.
 Tom meanwhile falls gravely ill as a result of a fall from his horse.
 Edmund takes Fanny back to Mansfield Park, where she is a healing influence. Sir
Thomas realises that Fanny was right to reject Henry's proposal and now regards her
as a daughter.
 During a meeting with Mary Crawford, Edmund discovers that Mary's regret is only
that Henry's adultery was discovered. She also blames Fanny for it.
 Devastated, he breaks off the relationship and returns to Mansfield Park, where he
confides in Fanny.
 Eventually the two marry and move to Mansfield parsonage after Dr Grant secures a
post in Westminster. Meanwhile, those left at Mansfield Park have learned from their
mistakes and life becomes pleasanter there.

Key Events
1. Fanny Price's Arrival at Mansfield Park

 Fanny Price, a shy and poor girl, is sent to live with her wealthy relatives, the
Bertrams, at Mansfield Park.
 She feels out of place and is often treated as inferior, except by her cousin Edmund,
who is kind and supportive.

2. Introduction of the Crawfords

 Henry and Mary Crawford, siblings with charm and wealth, arrive in the
neighborhood.
 They bring excitement and romantic entanglements to the lives of the Bertrams and
Fanny.

3. Romantic Complications

 Mary Crawford becomes interested in Edmund, who is preparing to become a

clergyman—a career choice Mary disdains.
 Henry Crawford flirts with the Bertram sisters, Maria and Julia, even though Maria is
engaged to Mr. Rushworth.

4. The Theatrical Scandal

  The young people decide to stage a play, Lovers’ Vows, while Sir Thomas Bertram is
away.
 The play is considered inappropriate, and Fanny strongly disapproves.
 Sir Thomas returns unexpectedly, ending the project and restoring order.

5. Maria's Marriage and Henry's Pursuit

 Maria marries Mr. Rushworth despite having feelings for Henry Crawford.
 Afterward, Henry begins to show serious interest in Fanny, who is skeptical of his
intentions.

6. Fanny's Refusal

 Henry proposes to Fanny, but she refuses him, doubting his sincerity and feeling loyal
to Edmund.
 Sir Thomas is disappointed in Fanny for rejecting such a wealthy suitor.

7. Fanny's Visit to Portsmouth

 Fanny is sent back to her family in Portsmouth, partly as punishment for refusing
Henry.
 The visit highlights the contrast between her humble origins and the refined life at
Mansfield Park.

8. Scandals Unfold

 Henry runs away with Maria, leading to a scandal that disgraces the Bertram family.
 Edmund finally sees Mary Crawford’s moral shortcomings, ending their potential
relationship.

9. Fanny’s Return and Resolution

 Fanny is brought back to Mansfield Park, where her virtues are increasingly
recognized.
 Edmund realizes his love for Fanny, and they marry, finding happiness in their shared
values and companionship.

Question and Answers

Mansfield Park was published in?

1814

The ship on which William Price is lieutenant is the:

Thrush

What is the name of Henry Crawford's estate?

Everingham

Which play does the group attempt to perform?

Lover’s Vows

Fanny's sisters Susan and Betsey fight over what keepsake?

A silver knife

About how old is Fanny when she comes to Mansfield Park?

10

Sir Thomas owns a plantation in which colony?

Antigua

Fanny's father is a(n):

Sailor

What kind of dogs does Lady Bertram keep as pets?

Pugs

Fanny's preferred form of exercise is:

Horseback Riding

What gift of William's does Fanny want to wear to the ball at Mansfield?

An Amber Cross

Edmund is training to be a(n):

Clergyman

By the end of the novel, which of the following has not been a parson at Mansfield
Parsonage?

Mr. Price

Where do Fanny's parents live?

Portsmouth

What instrument does Mary Crawford play?

Harp

Which character does not go on the excursion to Sotherton?

Mrs. Grant

How does Fanny hear of Maria and Henry's elopement?

A newspaper gossip column

What is the name of Edmund's first parish?

Thornton Lacy

What poet does Fanny quote regarding Rushworth's planned destruction of the avenue
of trees on his estate?

Cowper

Whom does Mary Crawford finally marry?

No one

What book does Fanny borrow from Edmund early in the novel?

History of England by Goldsmith.

What activity does Fanny avoid during the ball at Mansfield Park?

Dancing due to shyness and self-consciousness.

Which character owns a barouche that becomes a subject of conversation?

Mr. Rushworth.

What reason does Sir Thomas give for sending Fanny to Portsmouth?

To help her better appreciate the advantages of Mansfield Park.

How does Tom Bertram fall seriously ill?

Due to his excessive drinking and reckless lifestyle.

What is Mary Crawford’s view on marriage in general?

She sees marriage as a financial and social transaction rather than an emotional connection.

Who first suggests performing a play at Mansfield Park?

Tom Bertram.

What item of clothing does Fanny receive as a gift from Edmund?

A cross for her necklace.

What argument does Mary Crawford use to defend Henry’s flirtations with Maria and
Julia?
She claims it was harmless and done in jest.

Who assists Fanny with her younger siblings during her stay in Portsmouth?

Susan Price, her sister.

What does the Sotherton outing symbolize in the novel?

The moral and emotional boundaries of the characters being tested.

What does Sir Thomas burn upon his return from Antigua?

The theatrical scripts for Lovers’ Vows.

What is Fanny’s reaction to seeing Henry Crawford improve as a person?

She remains skeptical of his sincerity.

How does Austen use nature and gardening as symbols in the novel?

They symbolize cultivation, control, and moral discipline.

Who unexpectedly visits Fanny at Portsmouth to propose again?

Henry Crawford.

What does Edmund initially believe about Mary Crawford’s character?

He believes she is morally good but influenced by her surroundings.

Which character represents the starkest contrast to Fanny in terms of morality?

Maria Bertram.

What object does Henry Crawford read aloud to impress Fanny?

Shakespeare’s sonnets.

What financial benefit does Julia gain through her elopement with Mr. Yates?

None; her elopement brings disgrace and disappointment instead.

Which character is often used as a comedic foil to highlight the absurdities of the upper
class?

Mrs. Norris.

What physical ailment does Fanny suffer from after her return to Portsmouth?

Fatigue and weakness due to poor living conditions and emotional stress.

Why does Sir Thomas initially favor Henry Crawford as a suitor for Fanny?
Because of Henry's wealth, charm, and apparent reforming intentions.

What is the name of Fanny Price’s sailor brother?

William Price.

Who delivers the news of Maria’s elopement with Henry Crawford?

Tom Bertram, through a letter.

What does the East Room symbolize for Fanny?

It symbolizes her personal refuge and space for contemplation.

Why does Mary Crawford prefer the city over the countryside?

She enjoys the sophistication, entertainment, and social opportunities of city life.

What does the chain Edmund gives Fanny represent in the novel?

It symbolizes Edmund's affection and moral guidance for Fanny.

Who assumes the role of Anhalt in the play Lovers’ Vows?

Henry Crawford.

What role does Mrs. Norris play in Fanny’s upbringing?

She consistently belittles and undermines Fanny, treating her as inferior.

What kind of trees does Fanny admire during the walk at Sotherton?

Oak trees, representing strength and endurance.

What reason does Mary Crawford give for dismissing Edmund’s decision to join the
clergy?

She believes it lacks ambition and financial reward.

Which character replaces Julia as Henry Crawford’s object of attention during the
Sotherton visit?

Maria Bertram.

What is Mrs. Norris’s justification for favoring Maria and Julia over Fanny?

She claims Fanny should be grateful for her position and not expect equal treatment.

Who is considered the most practical of Fanny’s siblings in Portsmouth?

Susan Price.

What is the significance of the horse, ‘Pug,’ in the story?

It symbolizes Fanny's dependence and Edmund's care for her.

How does Austen use Mr. Yates to critique the values of the upper class?

Mr. Yates’s frivolous behavior highlights the irresponsibility and self-indulgence of some in
the upper class.

What does Sir Thomas value most in his children?

Duty, propriety, and adherence to social norms.

What does Henry Crawford claim as his primary reason for pursuing Fanny?

Her unique morality and resistance to his charms intrigue him.

What does the chapel at Sotherton symbolize in the novel?

The neglect of genuine spirituality and moral values by its owners.

How does Tom Bertram’s illness serve as a narrative device?

It forces the family to confront their values and brings Fanny closer to the center of the
household.

What contrast does Austen establish between Mary Crawford and Fanny Price?

Mary is worldly, charming, and morally flexible, while Fanny is virtuous, reserved, and
steadfast.

Who suggests to Sir Thomas that Fanny should be sent to Portsmouth?

Mrs. Norris.

What is the role of letters in Mansfield Park?

They reveal personal emotions, advance the plot, and expose characters’ true motives.

What does Fanny criticize about Maria and Julia’s conduct during the Sotherton visit?

Their flirtatious behavior with Henry Crawford.

What reason does Edmund give for initially admiring Mary Crawford?

Her wit, charm, and liveliness captivate him despite their differing values.