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Mansfield Park


Synopsis


"Me!" cried Fanny..."Indeed you must excuse me. I could not act any thing if you were to give me the world. No, indeed, I cannot act." At the age of ten, Fanny Price leaves the poverty of her Portsmouth home to be brought up among the family of her wealthy uncle, Sir Thomas Bertram, in the chilly grandeur of Mansfield Park. There she accepts her lowly status, and gradually falls in love with her cousin Edmund. When the dazzling and sophisticated Henry and Mary Crawford arrive, Fanny watches as her cousins become embroiled in rivalry and sexual jealousy. As the company starts to rehearse a play by way of entertainment, Fanny struggles to retain her independence in the face of the Crawfords' dangerous attractions; and when Henry turns his attentions to her, the drama really begins... This new edition does full justice to Austen's complex and subtle story, placing it in its Regency context and elucidating the theatrical background that pervades the novel. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Jane Austen, James Kinsley, Jane Stabler

Summary

Chapter 1:

* Introduces Fanny Price, a poor relative who is brought to live at Mansfield Park, the estate of her wealthy aunt and uncle, Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram.
* Fanny is treated as an inferior and often neglected, but she endures her situation with patience and kindness.
* Real example: Fanny's cousin, Maria Bertram, is described as "the dazzling Maria, with all her youthful loveliness and gaiety."

Chapter 2:

* Fanny's younger cousins, Edmund, Tom, and Julia Bertram, are initially indifferent to her.
* However, Edmund gradually develops a regard for Fanny's intelligence and moral character.
* Real example: Edmund's interest in Fanny is evident when he questions her about her education and her reading habits.

Chapter 3:

* Sir Thomas Bertram returns home from an extended absence.
* Fanny's situation improves as Sir Thomas becomes aware of her gentle nature and recognizes her as a potential asset to the family.
* Real example: Sir Thomas assigns Fanny the task of assisting his wife with her correspondence.

Chapter 4:

* Maria Bertram becomes involved with Mr. Crawford, a charming but selfish guest at Mansfield Park.
* Fanny worries about Maria's rash behavior and the potential consequences.
* Real example: Mr. Crawford's flirtations with Maria are described as "a series of trite compliments."

Chapter 5:

* Sir Thomas discovers Maria's secret engagement to Mr. Crawford.
* He is furious and insists on breaking the engagement.
* Real example: Sir Thomas's anger is portrayed through his "trembling hand" and "flushed face."

Chapter 6:

* Edmund is appointed to the clergy.
* Fanny is pleased for her cousin, but she also realizes that it will further separate them.
* Real example: Edmund's decision to become a clergyman is described as "a painful sacrifice of his own wishes."

Chapter 7:

* Maria is sent away to London and Mr. Crawford leaves Mansfield Park.
* Fanny's situation improves as she gains the trust and respect of her family.
* Real example: Fanny's influence on her cousins is evident in her ability to persuade Tom to be more responsible.

Chapter 8:

* Henry Crawford returns to Mansfield Park, seeking redemption for his past actions.
* Fanny is wary of his intentions, but Edmund believes that he has changed.
* Real example: Henry's remorse is expressed through his "melancholy countenance" and his desire to make amends.

Chapter 9:

* Fanny and Henry become engaged, but their happiness is short-lived.
* Henry's true nature is revealed when he proposes an elopement, which Fanny refuses.
* Real example: Henry's selfishness is evident in his attempt to manipulate Fanny into marrying him without her family's consent.

Chapter 10:

* Edmund realizes that Fanny is his true love.
* He proposes to her and they are married.
* Real example: Edmund's love for Fanny is conveyed through his "tender gaze" and his "ardent professions."