Summary
Mansfield Park, Jane Austen's third published novel, is widely considered her most morally complex work. Published in 1814, it tells the story of Fanny Price, a young woman sent to live with her wealthy relatives at the titular estate. The novel explores themes of social class, morality, and the corrupting influence of wealth against the backdrop of Regency-era England. While not as popular as Austen's other works during her lifetime, Mansfield Park has since become the subject of extensive critical analysis and debate. The 1999 film adaptation directed by Patricia Rozema brought renewed attention to the novel's subtle commentary on slavery and British colonialism.
Plot
Fanny Price is sent at age 10 to live with her wealthy relatives, the Bertrams, at their estate, Mansfield Park. Growing up, Fanny is treated as inferior by everyone except her cousin Edmund, who becomes her closest friend. When Fanny is 18, the lively siblings Henry and Mary Crawford arrive in the neighborhood and shake up the household. Mary flirts with Edmund, while Henry pursues Fanny's cousins, Maria and Julia.
Sir Thomas Bertram goes away to his plantation in Antigua, and in his absence the young people decide to put on a play, which Fanny disapproves of. When Sir Thomas unexpectedly returns, he shuts down the play. Henry then decides to make Fanny fall in love with him, but ends up falling for her himself. However, Fanny rejects his proposal, disappointing her uncle. Fanny is sent to visit her impoverished family in Portsmouth, where Henry continues to pursue her.
Meanwhile, Maria has married Mr. Rushworth but then runs away with Henry, causing a scandal. Julia elopes as well. Edmund finally recognizes Mary Crawford's true nature and ends their relationship. He realizes his love for Fanny, and they eventually marry and move to the parsonage at Mansfield Park. The Bertram family learns from their mistakes, and life at Mansfield Park becomes happier.
Themes
Morality and social propriety
The conflict between appearance and reality
The importance of education and upbringing
The role of the church and clergy in society
Marriage and courtship
The effects of absent parenting
The contrast between city and country life
Setting
Mansfield Park is set in early 19th-century England. The story takes place primarily at the estate of Mansfield Park in rural Northamptonshire, owned by Sir Thomas Bertram. This grand country house and its surrounding parkland serve as the main backdrop for much of the novel's action and social interactions.
Beyond Mansfield Park itself, other key locations include Sotherton Court, the nearby estate of Mr. Rushworth, and the city of Portsmouth on the southern coast of England. Portions of the novel are set in Portsmouth, where the protagonist Fanny Price was born and where her impoverished family still resides. The contrast between the refined country estate of Mansfield Park and the cramped, chaotic household in Portsmouth highlights the social and economic disparities of the time.
While most of the story unfolds in England, there are also references to Antigua in the West Indies, where Sir Thomas owns a plantation. This colonial setting, though not directly depicted, casts a shadow over the novel and alludes to issues of slavery and imperialism in the British Empire of the early 1800s. Through these varied settings, Jane Austen provides a window into the social structures, moral values, and economic realities of Regency-era England.
Character
Fanny Price: The protagonist, a shy and moral young woman sent to live with her wealthy relatives at Mansfield Park at age 10.
Edmund Bertram: Fanny's kind cousin, six years her senior, who plans to become a clergyman.
Sir Thomas Bertram: The wealthy owner of Mansfield Park and patriarch of the Bertram family.
Lady Bertram: Sir Thomas's wife and Fanny’s aunt. An indolent, apathetic, reclusive woman.
Mrs. Norris: Lady Bertram's sister and Fanny's aunt, a busybody who dislikes Fanny.
Maria Bertram: Sir Thomas's elder daughter, who marries Mr. Rushworth but later has an affair with Henry Crawford.
Julia Bertram: Sir Thomas's younger daughter.
Tom Bertram: Sir Thomas's eldest son and heir, a reckless and extravagant young man.
Henry Crawford: A charming but unprincipled visitor who initially pursues Maria and then Fanny.
Mary Crawford: Henry's equally charming but morally dubious sister who develops feelings for Edmund.
Mr. Rushworth: Maria's wealthy but dim-witted husband.
William Price: Fanny's beloved older brother who is in the navy.
Dr. Grant: The local clergyman at Mansfield.
Mrs. Grant: Dr. Grant's wife and half-sister to Henry and Mary Crawford.
Quick facts
Mansfield Park was Jane Austen's third published novel, released in 1814.
The character of Fanny Price was considered controversial and unappealing by some of Austen's contemporaries, including her own mother.
Fanny Price is Austen's only heroine who is not from the gentry class.
Mansfield Park explores themes of morality and religion more explicitly than Austen's other works.
The novel contains references to the British slave trade and Sir Thomas Bertram's plantation in Antigua, which has sparked debate about Austen's views on slavery.
The amateur theatrical production of Lovers' Vows serves as a pivotal event in the novel.
Austen drew inspiration for the theatrical scenes from her own experiences with amateur family theatricals as a child.
Mansfield Park examines various motivations for marriage and critiques hasty courtships and flirtations.
The character of Mary Crawford is considered by some scholars to represent aspects of Austen's own personality and wit.
Mansfield Park is the only one of Austen's novels to be named after a place rather than a character or theme.
The novel makes several references to real historical figures, including explorer Lord Macartney and landscape designer Humphry Repton.
Mansfield Park was the last novel Austen completed before her death, though not the last published.
About the Author
Jane Austen (1775-1817) is considered one of the most influential authors in the English language. She wrote six major novels that critique and comment on the British landed gentry at the end of the 18th century. Austen's plots often explore the dependence of women on marriage for social standing and economic security.
Austen's works were published anonymously during her lifetime. Her novels Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, and Emma achieved modest success when published, but it was not until after her death in 1817 that her reputation grew. Two additional novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, were published posthumously.
Known for her realism, biting social commentary and masterful use of free indirect speech, Austen is now widely studied and considered part of the Western canon. Her novels have inspired numerous film and television adaptations. Despite living a relatively quiet life centered on family and writing, Austen's keen observations and wit allowed her to craft compelling stories that have stood the test of time.
Austen's popularity has continued to grow since the mid-20th century. Academic interest in her work has intensified, with scholarly books and articles analyzing her novels from a variety of critical approaches. Austen has a devoted following among the general public as well, with fan clubs and festivals dedicated to celebrating her life and works. In 2017, she was featured on the Bank of England £10 note, cementing her status as a British cultural icon.
