The three Ward sisters marry very different men. Maria makes the most brilliant match, marrying the wealthy baronet Sir Thomas Bertram of Mansfield Park - much to the delight of her family and neighbors. The second sister becomes the wife of Rev. Norris, a perfectly acceptable match, but the third, Mrs. Price, marries a common sailor, to the horror of the family. Lady Bertram lives a life of leisure, spending her days lounging on the couch with her dog, Pug, and "caring" for her two sons, Tom and Edmund, and two daughters, Maria and Julia. Mrs. Norris lives nearby, in the parsonage attached to Mansfield Park. With the approval of her indolent sister, Lady Bertram, she takes over much of the housekeeping and "motherly" functions at the estate. The third sister's husband, Mr. Price, returns from the navy injured, begins drinking, and fathers nine children in quick succession. Mrs. Price has not corresponded with her two better-matched sisters for years, but is finally forced to contact them for help when the birth of her ninth child is imminent, realizing that Sir Thomas can provide her sons with good jobs. Lady Bertram and Mrs. Norris decide to help, more out of shame than goodwill. With the approval of Sir Thomas, they write to their sister, inviting her nine-year-old daughter Fanny to come and live at Mansfield Park. Lord and Lady Bertram and Mrs. Norris discuss Fanny's role in the Bertram household. Mrs. Norris insists that she should be kept in a lower place than the Bertram children, and not be given the same privileges. Mrs. Norris, who is childless, maintains that Fanny would be welcome in her house were it not for her ill husband.

Upon her arrival at Mansfield Park, Fanny meets her aunt and uncle, Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram, and their children. The eldest and heir to the estate is seventeen year-old Tom, followed by sixteen-year-old Edmund, who is destined to become a clergyman, thirteen-year-old Maria, and Julia, who is twelve. She also meets her other aunt, Mrs. Norris. Fanny is awed by the grandeur and frightened of her new family. Her cousins, Maria and Julia, castigate her for her poor, unfashionable clothing, her inability to speak French, and her lack of refined manners. Mrs. Norris constantly attempts to keep Fanny down, and completely ignores the possibility that the girl might be missing her family. One day, Edmund finds young Fanny crying alone and comforts her. Fanny immediately feels better, and quickly develops a strong attachment to Edmund. To the girls' horror, Fanny does not exhibit any inclination towards musical instruction or drawing, but the adults seem pleased with her quiet, unobtrusive demeanor. Sir Thomas procures a position in the Navy for Fanny's favorite brother, William.

After five years, Mr. Norris dies. Since Edmund is not old enough to take over his position as minister, the job and the parsonage go to Mr. Grant. The widowed Mrs. Norris moves to a nearby house, and everyone expects that Fanny will go and live with her. Fanny is crestfallen at the thought of living with her miserly aunt, but Mrs. Norris convinces the Bertrams to keep Fanny at Mansfield Park.

Sir Thomas' financial difficulties continue to worsen, and he leaves for the Caribbean island of Antigua to oversee his plantation. He takes with him his son and heir, Tom Bertram, whose over-spending is at the root of his troubles. The atmosphere at Mansfield Park becomes much more relaxed in the absence of the strict Sir Thomas. Fanny feels bad because she doesn't feel sad that he is gone. During his absence, Maria Bertram becomes engaged to Mr. Rushworth, a wealthy (if boring) neighbor. In addition, Mrs. Grant's younger, wealthy half-brother Henry Crawford and her beautiful half-sister Mary Crawford arrive at the parsonage for an extended visit. While the Bertram girls make socials calls and attend balls, the shy and retiring Fanny becomes Lady Bertram's companion. Fanny's sole joy in life is her cousin Edmund, who insists that she have a horse to ride for her health.

The Bertrams and the Crawfords become fast friends. Although Mrs. Grant is intent on matching Henry with the single and available Julia Bertram, he seems to prefer Julia's sister Maria Bertram, who is engaged to the oafish Mr. Rushworth. Mary warns them that her brother "is the most horrible flirt that can be imagined. If your Miss Bertrams do not like to have their hearts broke, let them avoid Henry." Although Mary Crawford is initially not attracted to Edmund, in time she becomes used to him. While Henry and Mary Crawford talk to the Bertrams, they admit that they are puzzled by Fanny Price's social position. Mary inquires whether Fanny is "out" in society, and after many twists, turns, and tales, she concludes that Fanny is indeed "not out." Maria Bertram's fiancé, Mr. Rushworth, has taken a keen interest in improving his estate, Sotherton, through remodeling and landscaping, and the Bertrams and the Crawfords decide to visit Sotherton in hopes of helping him decide what can be done.

Analysis

Mansfield Park appears to critique the system of primogeniture, the first-born son's right to inherit the entirety of their parents' estate. The younger sons were forced to "do something" for themselves, and usually found positions in the army, the navy, the law, or the clergy. Girls were viewed as financial assets only when they "married to advantage." They became heiresses only when they had no brothers. As the oldest Bertram, Tom will become the next Sir Thomas, while Edmund is slated for the clergy. The Bertram sisters will be expected to marry within their own social strata. Austen uses the character of Tom Bertram to expound upon the problems inherent in this system. Tom's excessive spending causes his father great financial hardship - so much so that Sir Thomas himself must travel to Antigua to manage his investments instead of sending an agent. Sir Thomas cannot afford to hold the parsonage position open for Edmund, who has not yet been ordained a minister, and is forced to allow Dr. Grant to take the job. Clearly, Austen believes that this restrictive system is problematic for all parties involved.

Although the Antigua plantation does not seem important at first, it provides a great deal of income for the family, allowing them to live an aristocratic lifestyle. It should be remembered that the family's fancy silk and lace dresses, elaborate balls, ornate carriages, London houses, country mansions, servants by the dozen, chapels, lap dogs, china tea cups, expensive furnishings, and piano fortes are all paid for through the trade and transport of such commodities as sugar, coffee, and rum - all products of Caribbean Islands such as Antigua. In short, it is slave labor that pays for the family's life of leisure, contemplation, good manners, and luxury. In addition, in this era the financial worth and yearly incomes of people were common knowledge. Thus Maria Ward, "with only seven thousand pounds," is fortunate to marry Sir Thomas, and Mary Crawford, with twenty-thousand pounds to her name, would indeed be an ideal financial match for Edmund, the poor second son.

Many eighteenth-century novels utilize the dichotomy between city and country life. In Mansfield Park, Austen uses the meeting between the Country Bertrams and the City Crawfords to highlight the discrepancy between the two regions. The London lady, Mary, is out of touch with the rural needs of the farmers. They must harvest their grain at any cost, and become upset when Mary insists on using one of their wagons to transport her harp. She fails to understand that she cannot have her way if the farmers are to have enough food to last them the winter. Edmund is put off by Mary's selfish attitude, as is Fanny, but Edmund's attraction to Mary causes him to abandon his better judgment.

Like Mary, Henry Crawford demonstrates an almost total ignorance of the realities of rural life. He is heir to an estate, but fails to attend to his properties and tenants. Simply put, the arrival of the Crawfords is intended to highlight the clash between the traditional values found at Mansfield Park and the "new ways" of London life. While the patriarch, Sir Thomas, leaves the young people in the inept hands of Lady Bertram and Mrs. Norris, they become "infected" by the city dwellers' loose morals.

After a great deal of selfish haranguing, Mary Crawford finally has her harp delivered. The harp is Edmund's favorite instrument, and he falls even deeper under Mary's spell: "a young woman, pretty, lively with a harp...was enough to catch any man's heart." Fanny is taken aback by Mary's selfish attitude, but as usual she keeps her feelings to herself. Edmund arranges for Mary to ride Fanny's horse so that he can accompany her and neglects Fanny, who must ride for her health. Fanny, however, remains passive, and keeps running errands for both of her aunts. When she becomes ill, Edmund takes the older women to task and ensures that Fanny continues to ride.

While plans are being made for the excursion to Sotherton, Mr. Rushworth's estate, it is decided that Fanny should stay at home to attend Lady Bertram: "Oh no," her aunt declares, "I cannot do without Fanny." Edmund insists, however, that he will stay with his mother so Fanny can have the rare opportunity of an outing. When Mrs. Grant volunteers to stay in his place, Fanny is allowed to go along with the group. In the carriage, Maria and Julia vie for the open seat next to Henry Crawford, and Julia wins out - much to Maria's consternation. Fanny is simply delighted to be seeing something new, while Maria brags about the extent of her fiance's property. At Sotherton, the Bertrams, the Crawfords, and Fanny Price are welcomed by the well-meaning but excruciatingly boring Mrs. Rushworth, who provides them with a tour of the estate. Fanny voices her disappointment with the sparse chapel to Edmund and Mary, but they both disagree with her. Mary sneers at the idea of the whole family traipsing to chapel twice a day, having no idea that Edmund plans to become a clergyman upon his father's return from Antigua. Julia remarks that it is too bad that Edmund cannot marry Maria and Mr. Rushworth right then and there. At this point, Mary realizes Edmund's choice of vocation, and assures him that had she known she would have spoken with more respect.

Next, they go outside to view the grounds, and break into two groups: Henry Crawford, Mary Bertram, Mr. Rushworth and Fanny make up one group, and Edmund, Mary and Julia Bertram, Mrs. Norris and Mrs. Rushworth make up the other. Fanny is, as usual, generally ignored while Mary attempts to talk Edmund out of his choice of profession: "a clergyman is nothing," she declares. After a short time Fanny becomes tired, and they sit in the shade, but the lively Mary wants to continue on, and the two leave Fanny alone to rest. Just as she begins to feel abandoned, Henry Crawford, Rushworth and Maria arrive, but are stopped by a locked gate from which they view a knoll that Henry maintains would improve the approach to Sotherton. Rushworth must return to the house to get the key. While he is gone, Maria and Henry find they cannot wait and slip through the gate. Fanny is left behind once more. Julia arrives, and similarly passes through the gate after she becomes angry to learn that Maria and Henry are alone together. When Rushworth arrives with the key, he likewise becomes angry and begins to insult Henry, but Fanny calms him down. Finally, the reunited group goes back to the house. On the way home, Julia once again shares the open seat with Henry. The women are crowded and uncomfortable, surrounded with the packages of produce Mrs. Norris has managed to acquire from the Sotherton servants.

Shortly after the excursion to Sotherton, a letter arrives informing the family that Sir Thomas will return in November. Maria becomes agitated because she realizes that for her "the father [brings] a husband." She will have to marry Rushworth when her father comes home. The rest of the group realizes that their father's return will put an end to their frivolity: "November was the black month fixed for his return." When Sir Thomas returns, Edmund will take orders to become a clergyman. Mary continues to harangue Edmund about his choice of occupation, stating that clergymen are fat and lazy. She also makes disparaging remarks about her brother-in-law, Mr. Grant, in whose house she resides. Fanny and Edmund look out at the sunset and the encroaching stars, but just as they decide to go outside, Edmund is called to rejoin the party. He joins Mary and the others, who are singing. Fanny sighs, alone once more.

Tom Bertram reappears in chapter twelve. Although Mary Crawford has been hoping to make a match with Tom, the oldest son and the heir to Mansfield Park, she finds that she likes Edmund far more. Henry leaves to visit his Norfolk estate, Everingham, and is gone for two weeks - much to the dismay of the young people, who miss his lively personality and ability to entertain them. After he returns, a ball is hastily put together. It is Fanny's first ball, and she is excited and eager to dance. While waiting to be asked, Fanny overhears Mrs. Norris and Mrs. Rushworth discussing how Maria and Henry look so happy dancing together and Mrs. Norris practically announces a match between Henry and Julia Bertram. Tom Bertram walks over to Fanny and she very much hopes that he will ask her to dance, but he thinks of her merely as a sister and just plops down next to her. After a while, Tom says that if Fanny really wants to dance he will oblige her. She politely refuses. Then, when Mrs. Norris attempts to get Tom involved in a card game with some tiresome older people, he jumps up and says that he has to dance with a dismayed Fanny.

Analysis

Sotherton brings to light the "improvements" trend that was a characteristic of the era. More modern, forward-looking people want to tear down the old, or change it to suit their own tastes, while the more traditional conservatives want to maintain the status quo. The chapel scene at Sotherton brings this conflict to light. The conservative Fanny wants to see a more traditional chapel with aisles and arches, the practical Edmund maintains that such architectural elements are not necessary in a private chapel, and the city-dwelling Mary Crawford doesn't at all seem interested in aesthetics - indeed, she doesn't even see the point in having a chapel at all. The grounds at Sotherton, which Mr. Rushworth is interested in "improving", symbolize man's continual battle with nature. Although it contains a "wilderness", the area has been artificially created. This pseudo-wilderness is the setting for the action that ensues, providing the ideal locale for Edmund and Mary to be alone. It is unclear whether they purposefully abandon Fanny so that they can be alone. Similarly, breaching the locked gate in the natural setting allows Henry and Maria to enjoy some privacy. Entering this forbidden territory suggests a sexual liaison, and Julia's distress is unsurprising. The comings and goings of the couples and the running back and forth by the possibly soon-to-be-cuckolded Mr. Rushworth provide comic relief. Fanny's willingness to wait without complaining demonstrates her helpless social position, while Julia's attempts to embarrass Maria by reminding the others of her sister's engagement to Mr. Rushworth brings to light the battle erupting between the two sisters for Henry's attention. Henry appears to take pleasure in the conflict he is causing between the two.

Although they are very different types of people, Edmund is blinded by Mary's beauty. Mary is clearly an unsuitable match for Edmund: she has the audacity to denigrate the career to which he aspires, and tells him that he should go into law - an occupation he detests - instead. Mary is rude and hurtful at every opportunity, yet Edmund continues to be drawn to her. The meekly passive Fanny is distressed by Edmund's attraction to Mary. She realizes that he is the ideal man for her because they have similar sensibilities. For instance, Edmund and Fanny are the only ones who pause to look at the setting sun and the rising stars. While the others remain blind to nature, they have a mutual appreciation for its tranquility and beauty. However, to Fanny's frustration, Edmund is drawn back to Mary and the group of raucous singers. Some scholars have argued that Edmund, like Henry (who uses Julia to make Maria jealous), uses Mary to make Fanny jealous, but there is little evidence in the text itself to support this premise.

The heir to Mansfield Park, Tom Bertram, is a selfish boor who, when juxtaposed with the sensible Edmund, is revealed as severely wanting. Austen uses the character of Tom Bertram to illustrate the evils of primogeniture, the social system that designates the first-born son as the sole heir to his parents' estate. It is the oldest son who benefits, regardless of how much he may be lacking in character or morals. Austen also illustrates how the Bertrams use Fanny without consideration of her feelings. Take, for example, Edmund's concern for Fanny's health, which contrasts sharply with Tom's complete disregard for Fanny at the ball. Not once does it enter Tom's mind that Fanny might like to be asked to dance at her very first ball. He is only concerned with his own comfort, and when he realizes that he might be stuck for the evening playing cards with the older people, he uses Fanny as a prop to support his own desires.

Tom's friend Mr. Yates accompanies Tom back to Mansfield Park, where he speaks non-stop about his disappointment over not being allowed to direct a play at Ecclesford. The endeavor, it seems, was put an end to when the family's grandmother died. He never ceases talking about the disappointment, and finally Tom proposes that the young people at Mansfield Park indulge Yates by putting on a play. There is immediate jubilation about this idea, except on the part of Edmund and Fanny, who believe that Sir Thomas would be opposed to such goings-on: "I cannot agree with you," Edmund said, "I am convinced that my father would totally disprove it." However, objections are put aside and set construction on what has now come to be called "the theatre" starts. The area consists of Sir Thomas's private office. Petty arguments break out over selecting the play. The arguments go around and around, until it looks like they will never get anywhere. Even after the play Lover's Vows is selected, the young people continue to argue over who will get what part. Unsurprisingly, Maria and Julia squabble over the female lead. After reading the play, Fanny realizes that the cast members have no idea that the work is scandalous: "I think it exceedingly unfit for private representation and I hope you will give it up." Indeed, none of them have even read the play in its entirety. Maria insists that they should go ahead and put it up, and that if there is anything a "little too warm" that they should just leave it out. For some odd reason Julia refuses to participate if she doesn't get the part she wants, playing opposite Henry Crawford. When she doesn't get the female lead, she leaves the production in a snit, unwilling to take any part at all.

A great deal of confusion concerning casting arises as plans for the theatrical production proceed. Rushworth makes a big deal out of his little role, and says he is put out by having to wear the blue and pink of a fop; clearly, however, he feels very self-important. Everyone - with the exception of Fanny and Edmund - is delighted by the idea of the play: even Mrs. Norris decides to move back into Mansfield Park so that she can be of service. The part of Anhalt, the clergyman, remains uncast, and Tom insists that they must look outside of their intimate circle for an actor to play the part, which involves a marriage to Mary Crawford's character. Tom also insists that Fanny act as a cottager, an idea about which she recoils in horror. Both Tom and Mrs. Norris call her ungrateful, at which point Fanny becomes tearful. Mary Crawford defends her. Fanny, in dismay, visits the old nursery, which she has more or less taken for her own use since her attic bedroom is so small. Edmund knocks and finds that she is deep in reverie. He has come to ask for her advice about the play because he is horrified about having it transform into a public spectacle. After all, the women - and particularly Mary Crawford, who does not want to perform with a stranger - must be protected from talk. There is no choice, he tells Fanny, but for him to take the role of Anhalt himself. Edmund asks for Fanny's approval. She believes Mary Crawford has unduly influenced him: "was he not deceiving himself?"

The young players are delighted by Edmund's decision to play the clergyman. Fanny's distress deepens as rehearsals for the play continue, but she feels better when Mrs. Grant agrees to take the role of the cottager at Mary's request. Once again, Fanny fins herself in Mary Crawford's debt. Gossip regarding Maria and Henry continues to circulate. Mary insists that Henry likes Maria far more than Julia, but Mrs. Grant says Maria would never be inconstant to her fiancé, Rushworth. They acknowledge that when Sir Thomas comes back from Antigua, he will help return the family to normalcy. Fanny is not the only one feeling sad: it seems that Julia has fallen in love with Henry, and now feels that her sister Maria, whom Henry favors, is her triumphant arch-enemy. Fanny becomes the support staff for the players. She hears all the gossip and all the complaints, provides them with coaching and prompting, and realizes that rather than being happy, everyone is distressed. She also feels that Henry and Maria are the best actors.

Rushworth acts like an idiot, wanting to be prompted through his own limited lines. Fanny is dreading the approach of Edmund and Mary's scene, until each individually comes to ask her to help them rehearse in the former nursery. They decide to rehearse together and have Fanny act as judge - a job she is too timid to undertake effectively. Fanny becomes distraught: "she could not equal them in their warmth. Her spirits sank under the glow of theirs, and she felt herself becoming too nearly nothing to both." During the dress rehearsal, the players find out that Mrs. Grant cannot take on the part of the cottager's wife after all, because Dr. Grant is ill, and she has to stay in the parsonage to take care of him. Soon the whole group gangs up on Fanny, especially Tom Bertram, urging her to read Mrs. Grant's part. Even Edmund begs her: "Do Fanny, if it is not too very disagreeable to you." Fanny is horrified, but ultimately too exhausted to continue refusing. Suddenly, there is an unusual noise in the other part of the house: to everyone's great consternation, Julia enters and announces that Sir Thomas has just returned home.

Analysis

In this section, Fanny finds herself put to a test of her morals. She feels very ill at ease about the play, and is absolutely terrified at the idea of being forced into a situation where others might judge her. Furthermore, Tom's disparaging remarks to Fanny put her firmly back in her low social place. After all, she is merely a poor relative without any power whatsoever. While the others say they are giving her the choice of whether or not to participate in the play, they clearly expect her to please them by carrying out their wishes. And, while they might act like she is a member of the family, everyone is aware of the unspoken reality: Fanny Price is a nothing, and Tom, who acts like a cheerful, easy-going young man, is destined to become master of the house, and must therefore be obeyed at all costs. If Fanny isn't agreeable to him, he can easily send her packing.

Austen places Edmund and Fanny in parental roles: the two stand as proper examples for the other young people to follow. After all, they oppose the idea of the play but feel, like many young people, pressured to conform to the wishes of their peers. Mary's influence over Edmund is revealed when he succumbs to her charm once more, and agrees to lower his moral standards by taking on the acting role of clergyman (a role that he seems ill-prepared for in real life, given the ease with which Mary can sway his beliefs). Indeed, we must wonder how he will ever effectively speak to his parishioners if he is so undisciplined and easily influenced himself? If there is anyone who can withstand the social pressure to conform, it is Fanny. She naturally shies away from attention, and is horrified at the idea of standing on a stage with all eyes on her. However, even she cannot withstand the pressure to play the role of the cottager's wife, especially when Tom hints at her powerless social position. When Edmund also pleads with her to take the role so that the show can go on, she feels compelled to capitulate despite all of her misgivings. She is, after all, in love with Edmund, and these feelings overshadow her moral stance on the matter of the play. In short, Fanny seems to be the only one who has actually read the play and is thus capable of making an informed decision. Everyone else, it appears, is in the dark.

It is important to note that unlike today, when actors are glorified as celebrities, during the eighteenth century any association with this lowbrow profession was to be avoided by the upper crust at all costs. Actors were viewed as mere employees, and involvement in a play would thus bring the upper class closer to the lower class.

Fanny waits in the drawing-room with the Crawfords and Mr. Yates while Sir Thomas is reunited with his immediate family. The Crawfords quietly return to the parsonage, but Mr. Yates stays behind. In great trepidation, Fanny goes to see her uncle, and is stunned by his kind manner towards her: "his kindness was such as to made her reproach herself for loving him so little." Sir Thomas meets Mr. Rushmore for the first time, and everything seems comfortable. Tom glosses over the whole acting business until Sir Thomas goes to see his room and finds both it and the billiard room converted into a stage. Here, he makes Mr. Yates's acquaintance. He holds his temper as he hears from him the whole history of the endeavor, and looks askance at Edmund: "On your judgment, Edmund, I depended." Edmund explains to his father that everyone was to blame for the theatrical fiasco except Fanny, who consistently opposed the play for her uncle's sake. Mrs. Norris attempts to remove any blame from herself by pointing out to Sir Thomas her role in making the match between Maria and Rushmore, which Sir Thomas is beginning to find a matter of some concern. He orders the removal of anything having to do with the play, and Mr. Yates leaves soon afterwards. Maria wants more than anything for Henry Crawford to declare his love for her, but he leaves Mansfield for Bath, at which point Maria decides she will follow through with her decision to wed Rushworth.

Mansfield seems "an altered place" in the absence of the Crawfords. Sir Thomas makes it clear that he wants, for a while at least, only the company of his immediate family. He does, however, include Rushworth in this circle. Maria and Rushworth marry quickly and honeymoon in Brighton: no longer a rival, Julia accompanies her sister. Fanny, now the only young woman at Mansfield, moves toward center stage. Sir Thomas pays particular attention to her and comments on her improved good looks. Edmund goes to great lengths to complement Fanny-she has grown into a pretty young woman--and to explain to her the depth of his father's approval of her. Fanny becomes indispensable to Lady Bertram and, without any other distractions to occupy her time, Mary Crawford seeks out her company, as well. One day, in a shower of rain, Dr. Grant rescues her with an umbrella, and the young women spend time together. During this conversation, Mary discusses her feelings for Edmund but criticizes his social position, and Fanny remains quiet.

Soon afterwards, Fanny - to her great delight - receives an invitation to dine at the parsonage. It is her first social invitation ever. In fact, with the exception of Sotherton, Fanny has only ever dined at Mansfield. After a great deal of fussing between Lady Bertram and Mrs. Norris about whether Fanny should accept the invitation, it is finally agreed that she should. She wears the dress she wore to the wedding, and feels extremely nervous. Mrs. Norris attempts to put Fanny in her place by declaring that she should walk, but Sir Thomas orders the carriage to take her to the parsonage. Edmund accompanies her, and when they arrive they are surprised to find that Henry Crawford has returned from Bath, a popular resort. Fanny is happy Henry has returned, because his presence makes her less likely to be forced to talk at the dinner table. She finds herself annoyed by his comments about Maria and Julia, but remains quiet. She is unable to remain silent, however, when Henry criticizes Sir Thomas for putting an end to the play: Fanny tells him off, saying that it was a good thing Sir Thomas returned, and that things had gone far enough. Henry, at this point, becomes much more interested in Fanny Price. Meanwhile, Mary finds out that Edmund still plans on taking orders, and is much put out that he hasn't more interest in bettering himself socially and financially.

The next day, Henry tells Mary that he plans to stay on at Mansfield because he plans on making Fanny Price fall in love with him. Mary tells him that he only finds her attractive because he doesn't have anyone to compare her with since the two Bertram girls are missing. However, Henry, who is used to having women pay great attention to him, tells Mary that Fanny presents a challenge for him. Meanwhile, Fanny receives a letter from her brother William, a navy midshipman, informing her that he will be coming for a visit to Mansfield at Sir Thomas's invitation. The siblings haven't seen each other for seven years, and are overjoyed at the prospect of their imminent reunion. Henry realizes he can find the way to Fanny's heart by paying attention to her brother, whom he does come to greatly admire, and offers William the use of a horse during his visit.

Analysis

Mansfield Park, Austen seems to be saying, is much in need of a strong, masculine hand. The absence of Sir Thomas resulted in chaos, but upon his return, things are set right.

In the absence of her cousins, the Bertram daughters, Fanny moves into a far more central role at Mansfield. She is favored by Sir Thomas: she finds his accounts of Antigua fascinating and wants to hear more about slavery, a practice which, although outlawed in England, remains legal in the Caribbean. Although Austen merely remarks on its existence in passing, the practice of slavery was a point of great contention in Britain at this time. The author could have been gently alluding to Fanny's social position, which casts her into a sort of no man's land. She is provided for by the family, but is expected to be at their beck and call without being given any wages. Furthermore, her future lies entirely in their hands.

The corrupting influence of Henry and Mary Crawford, who hail from London, come fully to light in these chapters. They are both manipulators intent on changing the country traditions of Mansfield. Mary is intent on disregarding Edmund's traditional second son status by urging him to aim higher. She cannot stand that he is the second son, and cannot view herself as the wife of a parson. Mary dismisses Henry's attempts to make Fanny fall in love with him, and seems impervious to the pain this might cause her friend. Simply put, the modern customs of the town (in the form of the Crawfords and Mr. Yates) are invading the peace, propriety, and traditions of the country. Edmund has made every attempt to maintain the proper high standards, but he is not the heir, and he too has become contaminated by his desire for the dazzling Mary Crawford. Even Fanny, at the last moment, almost fails under their spell. The patriarch's return, however, soon sets everything right.

Lord and Lady Bertram's marriage, here, is viewed in a very positive light. Although their engagement was initially of some concern because of the discrepancy in their social ranks, they married for love and remain in love - unlike their daughter, Maria, who has married for money and social position. Austen stresses the importance of companionate marriage, a popular nineteenth-century social construct, which declared that mutual feelings of love should be the primary criteria in selecting a mate. Although most people in the Western world consider it the individual right of every person to select the one with whom they desire to spend their life, it should be remembered that this idea is relatively new in the course of human history. Indeed, in many parts of the world arranged marriages are still carried out in the name of tradition. During Austen's time, the idea of companionate marriage was just coming into style. Clearly, Austen herself was a proponent of such marriages, and all of her novels champion this cause.

Fanny is overjoyed to see her brother William when he visits Mansfield Park, and spends every possible moment with him. Henry Crawford is impressed with their mutual devotion, and comes to view Fanny in a new light. He thinks how wonderful it must be to be loved like that, and soon falls in love with her. Fanny remains oblivious to Henry's feelings for her, but Sir Thomas becomes aware of the amount of attention that the infatuated Henry has been paying her. Henry does everything he can to get Fanny to notice him, including teaching her a card game called "Speculation" after a dinner party, in which Henry recounts for Edmund his accidental visit to Thornton Lacey, where Edmund is set to take on the job as pastor. Mary is crestfallen: she cannot believe that Edmund is actually becoming a pastor, and the thought of having him living away from Mansfield is too much for her to bear. Fanny also is saddened by Edmund's looming departure. At this point, William voices disappointment over the fact that he has not yet attained the rank of lieutenant, telling Fanny, "The Portsmouth girls turn up their noses at anyone who has not a commission. One might as well be nothing as a midshipman." William is leaving shortly, and he tells Fanny how much he would enjoy seeing her dance before he goes. Sir Thomas overhears this and immediately sets about organizing a ball for the Prices, Fanny, and William.

The whole house is busy preparing for the ball and for Edmund and William's departure. Edmund vacillates back and forth about Mary: he wants to ask her to marry him before he leaves, but is fearful: "the issue all depended upon one thing. Did she love him well enough to forgo what used to be essential points-did she love him well enough to make them no longer essential? And this question, which he was continually repeating to himself, though oftenest answered with a 'Yes,' had sometimes its 'No'." Fanny is also worried about how to properly wear the amber cross William has given her as a gift, since she has no chain for it. On the way to ask Mary for advice, she runs into Mary, who coincidently was on her way to offer Fanny her choice of chains. Stunned by her kindness, Fanny accepts one, only to learn that it was a gift from Henry to his sister. She hesitates, but Mary insists that she accept it. Later, Edmund also presents Fanny with a chain, and she is overwhelmed by such a display of goodness. He tells her that she should accept Mary's chain so as not to hurt her feelings. However, when she realizes the depth of Edmund's feelings for Mary, she is heartbroken.

Edmund visits the parsonage to ask Mary to keep the first two dances open for him, and once again she denigrates his choice of occupation. In response to her attitude, he withholds his proposal of marriage. The problem concerning the chain is solved when Fanny discovers that the cross will not fit through the ring of Mary's chain. She must use Edmund's chain for the cross, but ultimately decides to wear both chains. Lady Bertram makes a fuss over Fanny by sending her personal maid, Mrs. Chapman, to help Fanny dress even though Fanny has already finished dressing herself.

To Fanny's great consternation, she has been selected to open the ball. She must lead the dancers, and is extremely intimidated by the importance of the task that has been assigned her. Fanny is, after all, shy, and prefers to remain on the margin rather than take center stage. Although everyone at Mansfield misses Maria and Julia, Fanny for once feels that she is being treated as well as her missing cousins. To Fanny's extreme delight, Henry has made arrangements for William to share his own carriage to return to his ship, the Thrush, which is ready to set sail out of Portsmouth. Henry also has surprised William by arranging an interview for him with his uncle, the Admiral. Naturally, both Fanny and William are overwhelmed with gratitude towards Henry. Fanny sadly leaves the ball early so that she can be up early and have breakfast with William. Sir Thomas peruses the crowd, and cannot help but become aware of Henry's affections for Fanny.

Fanny is saddened by William's departure, but heartened by Henry's absence. Sir Thomas assumes that some of her tears are for Henry Crawford, but Fanny feels only relief that he has left: "William was gone, and she now felt as if she had wasted half his visit in idle cares and selfish solicitudes unconnected with him." Everyone, however, misses Edmund, who has gone off to take his orders. Fanny becomes ever more dear to the Bertrams, who discuss her remarkable qualities and marvel at how well she turned out. Meanwhile, Mary Crawford misses Edmund enormously, and wonders why he is staying away longer than expected. She visits Fanny for information about him and learns that he is staying with another clergyman, who happens to have two attractive, single sisters. Fanny realizes the depth of Mary's feelings for Edmund, and is once more saddened. That night, Henry returns from London. After visiting Mansfield for an hour and a half, he returns to the parsonage to tell Mary that he has decided to marry Fanny. She is delighted with the news, believing Fanny to be the perfect woman for Henry, and sees the union as a way for her to be close to Edmund. However, she recalls how her brother tinkered with the hearts of Maria and Julia, and wonders at their reaction. Henry dismisses her reservations, but she doesn't for a single moment consider the possibility that Fanny might not accept Henry.

Analysis

Fanny is stuck between two men: Edmund, whom she loves with all her heart but more than likely will never attain, and Henry, who comes with the promise of high social rank and a luxurious lifestyle. Edmund is similarly stymied. He loves Fanny, but Mary Crawford attracts him sexually. After all, he was brought up to think of Fanny as a sister. Edmund's sexual attraction has in the past tempted him to forgo his better judgment, and he is now tempted to dismiss his anticipated career out of his desire to please Mary Crawford. Mary wavers about her feelings for Edmund: while it appears she does love him, she does not love the path he wishes to follow. In addition, she remains angry that he plans to move to a parsonage eight miles away and perform the parish duties rather than live at home at Mansfield.

Henry believes that Fanny will transform him into a man of honor. He has come to admire the heroic William Price, who unlike himself works hard instead of living an indolent life. By loving him as she loves her brother, Henry believes, Fanny will set high moral standards that he will be able to emulate: "her understanding was beyond every suspicion, quick and clear, her manners were the mirror of her own modest and elegant mind. Nor was this all...such a high notion of honour, and such an object of decorum...well principled and religious." Fanny is painted as the picture of perfection, someone who could well be the person who could reform Henry Crawford, but there is nothing in his past nor in his present demeanor to suggest that he could or would ever truly want to be reformed.

Henry's proposal to a woman of Fanny's social position should not be underestimated. He is, after all, the sole heir to an estate, and Fanny would be raised far above her present position in society. Indeed, were she to marry Henry she would never know want, and would vastly improve the living conditions of her family. Mary Crawford realizes that Fanny is the perfect woman for Henry, but her delight shouldn't be underestimated: Mary Crawford sees things on many levels, and understands that a closer association with Fanny Price would bring her closer to Edmund Bertram. Henry's dismissal of Mary's reservations is absolutely correct: "Yes, Mary, my Fanny will feel a difference...in the behavior of every being who approaches her and it will be the completion of my happiness to know that I am the doer of it, that I am the person to give the consequence so justly her due. Now she is dependent, helpless, friendless, neglected, forgotten."

At Mansfield Park the next morning, Henry informs Fanny that her brother William has finally been commissioned as a lieutenant. Henry has introduced William to Henry's uncle, the Admiral. Fanny cannot believe the good news, and is overwhelmed with gratitude - that is, until Henry tells Fanny of his feelings for her. She is wholly confused, because he has chosen to dampen a happy moment with a suggestion that is horrid to her. Henry then gives the rattled Fanny a letter of congratulations from Mary. Fanny writes back asking her to never mention the proposal again, and tells Henry in no uncertain terms that she cannot even think of marrying him. The following day, Fanny feels terrible about writing such a curt note to Mary, and hopes that she has put off Henry Crawford once and for all. However, she soon finds out from Sir Thomas that Mr. Crawford has begged him to intervene with Fanny. Her uncle finds her in the former nursery, and is horrified to learn that Fanny has not been allowed to light a fire because of Mrs. Norris's miserly treatment. He also asks that she come downstairs to talk with Henry. He does not at all understand why she would not accept his proposal, and begins to argue with her. She refuses to argue back, saying only that one of her chief objections to Henry was the way he treated her cousins, his daughters. Sir Thomas accuses her of ingratitude. She breaks down in tears and tells him that in time she might find Henry a more appealing lover, and promises to meet with him the following day.

Henry gets to the point right away: he is desperate to get Fanny to agree to marry him. Sir Thomas seems intent upon aiding him. He lays a guilt trip, so to speak, on Fanny, reminding her how hard Henry worked to acquire William's promotion. However, nothing can change her mind. Sir Thomas suggests that perhaps in time she will change her mind, and tells her that he will have to inform his wife and Mrs. Norris about Fanny's decision. Mrs. Norris becomes livid but leaves Fanny alone, and Lady Bertram informs her that she ought to accept Henry's proposal. Lady Bertram feels responsible for Henry having fallen in love with Fanny, because it was she who sent her maid to help dress Fanny on the night of the ball. She promises Fanny one of her pug dog's puppies.

Edmund is surprised to see Mary Crawford upon his return to Mansfield after his ordination because he had assumed that she had left. Indeed, he had remained away in this hope. Sir Thomas tells him of Henry's proposal and asks Edmund for help changing Fanny's mind. Edmund encourages her to accept Henry's proposal. After dinner, Henry reads one of Shakespeare's works with great verve, and Fanny once more remembers his acting ability. The men debate the benefits of reading well, and Henry cannot leave Fanny alone. Since the Crawfords are scheduled to leave Mansfield, Sir Thomas works ceaselessly to encourage Fanny to change her mind. Edmund also pressures Fanny, and she reminds him of Henry's immoral behavior toward his sister, Maria. Edmund remarks upon how happy Mary is about the possibility of Henry and Fanny's betrothal. He then says that he has told Mary and Mrs. Grant that Henry needs to work even harder to convince Fanny to marry him. Fanny asks him how he spent his time at Lessingby with his friend Owen, and whether he liked the Owen sisters. Edmund says that he did, but that they were mere girls when compared to women like Mary and Fanny.

Mary arrives to say goodbye to Fanny and mockingly scolds her for not accepting her brother's offer. However, Mary is more concerned with Edmund, and confides in Fanny her sadness about leaving Mansfield. She catalogs a group of women who at one time or another have been love with her brother, and informs Fanny then that the necklace given to her to wear to the ball was actually a gift from Henry. Fanny is horrified, but Mary assures her that Henry only wanted to do something nice for her, and once again reminds her of his involvement in William's promotion.

Analysis

By allowing her readers to listen in on the conversations that Fanny has with Henry and Mary, Austen provides insight into the true characters of the Crawford siblings. They never think for a moment that Fanny might turn down Henry, because she is so lowly placed in society. Henry, they both feel, is doing her a great favor by offering to marry her, but Henry's insistence that she marry him to elevate him morally only attests to his low character. Furthermore, Mary's statements about how much she likes Fanny should not be fully believed. She seeks out her company only when Edmund is gone, and all she wants to talk about his him. Since there is no one else to talk to, it seems that Fanny will do. At this point, it become unclear whether Mary suspects the true nature of Fanny's feelings for Edmund and sees her marriage to her brother as a means of getting rid of the competition - in addition to insuring her own continued presence in Edmund's company.

In this section, Austen demonstrates her strong belief in companionate marriage: marriage for love, and not for money. Despite the temptations of such a rich future, Fanny continues to believe in the idea of companionate marriage - the idea that couples should only marry for love, and not for riches or social position. The depth of Fanny's insights into Henry Crawford's immoral character also become apparent. He wants her because she is unattainable, not because of any genuine feelings for her. For Fanny to oppose the wishes of the patriarch Sir Thomas, to whom she owes so much, speaks volumes. Earlier, we saw Maria marry solely for money, but it seems likely that although she will have the best house in the area, she will be unhappy. For Fanny to persevere in spite of pressure from her "betters" is remarkable indeed, especially given Fanny's lowly social status.

It must be understood what Fanny is giving up in maintaining her desire to marry Edmund, whom she loves. She will be poor, and forever at the beck and call of her family, with no independent means of making a living. Some scholars argue that Fanny is enslaved, but Fanny's life of luxury is hardly the same as the conditions endured by Africans brought to the colonies to raise sugar. However, Fanny must watch her step: she doesn't have the luxury of "snitching" and telling the others how Henry behaved with Maria and Julia.

Henry's oratory skills recall his ability to act, and the consequent insincerity of his actions and speech. The grievous harm caused to Maria and Julia by Henry while they were involved in the play must not be forgotten. He enjoyed having the sisters battle over him. Also, the play provided the backdrop for Mary and Edmund's budding relationship. In essence, the play offered an unreal setting, or an insincere union. Indeed, Fanny seems to be the only young person who is not acting. Her feelings are based on years of observation of Edmund's character. The Crawfords' departure for London has given Edmund and Fanny an opportunity to escape their insincere influence. What is keeping them apart, however, is their lack of sincerity. Fanny loves Edmund, but she finds that she cannot tell him. He, unfortunately, doesn't seem to be aware of his true feelings for Fanny because of the physical attraction he feels for Mary.

Sir Thomas believes that if Fanny returns to Portsmouth for a family visit, she will come to understand the difference between a poor life and a rich life, and will accept Henry Crawford's proposal: "Sir Thomas...went on with his own hopes and his own observations, still feeling a right, by all his knowledge of human nature, to see the loss of power and consequence on his niece's spirits." Edmund wonders why Fanny doesn't miss her friend Mary more, but fails to realize that Fanny is deeply disturbed by the prospect of a marriage between Edmund and Mary. William again returns to Mansfield, but Fanny is disappointed by the fact that he cannot appear in his new lieutenant's uniform. It is decided that Fanny should join William when he returns to Portsmouth so that she will be able to see her brother in all his finery and pay a long overdue visit to her parents and siblings. She is delighted about the trip, and believes that a two or three month separation from Edmund will give her the opportunity to "reason herself into a proper state." She also believes that she can be a help to her mother. William explains that there is a great deal of confusion within the crude Price household and that she might find it disturbing. Edmund remains at Mansfield so that his parents won't be without company, aware of how much they will miss Fanny. He has intimated to Fanny that during his upcoming trip to London he plans to propose to Mary.

The trip to Portsmouth is enjoyable for the siblings. Fanny enjoys the novelty of traveling. William, however, keeps his positive attitude towards Henry, who was the one responsible for his promotion, to himself. Although Fanny's mother seems happy to see Fanny, she is clearly far happier to see her son, and doesn't have time to spend with the daughter she hasn't seen for nine years. The Price house is disorganized: the children are dirty, loud, and disobedient. Fanny's father drinks and ignores her even though he hasn't seen her for a very long time. Fanny is, to say the least, shocked by her family's behavior. She cannot imagine how they can all live in such a small house: "She was then taken into a parlour, so small that her first conviction was of its being a passage room to something better; but then she saw there was no other door." In this regard, it appears, Sir Thomas was right. While Fanny feels bad for disparaging her family - especially her mother, who is overwhelmed and hardly capable of coping with the demands of running a household - she cannot help but compare her present surroundings to her former life at the tranquil, elegant, and clean Mansfield Park. She is hopelessly homesick, and wishes to return to what has now become her home.

William leaves immediately, to Fanny's great dismay. His ship, the Thrush "had had her orders, the wind had changed, and he was sailed." She loves William beyond description, and doesn't find anything appealing about her "new" brothers and sisters, with the exception of fourteen year-old Susan, who shows promise despite her rough manners. Fanny feels desperately homesick for Mansfield, and even misses her little attic room, which seems so large in comparison to the tiny room she has to share with Susan: "there was nothing to raise her spirits in the confined and scantily-furnished chamber that she was to share." However, she subscribes to the circulating library to forward Susan's education, and allows herself the pleasure of reading books. Fanny feels glad, for once, to receive a letter from Mary in London. Mary has seen Maria, who appears none too happy despite the fact that she is living in one of the finest houses in the city. She is sad that Edmund has not written to her, and although Fanny is glad for her sister's company, she clearly misses all her friends at Mansfield Park.

To Fanny's absolute dismay, Henry Crawford arrives unannounced at the Price household. Her mother warmly welcomes him after Fanny introduces him as the friend of William who was responsible for his promotion. Henry tells Fanny that Edmund has recently arrived in London, and Fanny realizes that by now he and Mary are most likely engaged. Henry insists on an outing with Fanny and Susan, and the three encounter Fanny's father, who to Fanny's great relief behaves civilly and insists on showing Henry the dockyards. When they are alone, Henry tells Fanny that he has come only to see her. He had been to his estate to help a family with a lease, and while there he met some of his renters. He was able to help them, and Fanny finds him much improved. Soon, however, Henry hints that he hopes to return to his estate - with her - but even in this he seems insincere: "this was aimed and well aimed, at Fanny. It was pleasing to hear him speak so well; hear he had been acting as he ought to do. To be the friend of the poor and oppressed. Nothing could be more grateful to her." Fanny is thankful when Henry declines an invitation to dinner because she is deeply ashamed of her family. The next morning, however, Henry shows up once more, and accompanies the Price family to church. During a walk afterwards, he is struck by Fanny's failing looks. She has not taken the exercise she is used to at Mansfield, and her diet has suffered, making her look faded. He offers to take her back to Mansfield, but she refuses, saying she will remain in Portsmouth a month longer - and possibly more. She has no choice in the matter, as the date of her return is entirely up to Sir Thomas. After Henry leaves Fanny finds herself desolate, and thinks that Henry might not be as bad as she had earlier believed.

Analysis

Fanny's trip to Portsmouth could be construed as banishment for her disobedience to Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram, but Sir Thomas, it should be remembered, cares deeply for Fanny - perhaps more so than for anyone at Mansfield, with the exception of Edmund. He realizes that Fanny doesn't see the reality of her situation, and what a life lived in poverty would mean for her. Perhaps, he thinks, some time spent in her parents' home will enable her to comphrened the importance of accepting Henry's marriage proposal. And, in fact, he is correct in this matter: Fanny does indeed come to understand just how reliant she has become upon the Bertram family's generosity. The way her family lives demonstrates clearly what her future life might be if she continues to refuse Henry. Her father, a drunk who cannot control his family, contrasts with the imposing patriarch Sir Thomas, who runs his family with a steady but loving hand. Although Fanny's mother, Mrs. Price, looks very much like her older sister Lady Bertram, her rough life makes her appear slatternly and many years older than she is. Fanny's brothers and sisters are also utilized to demonstrate the effects of poor conditions on children with otherwise good looks and minds. As they are now, without strict and loving guidance, they will grow up to be like Mary and Henry, focused only on their own pleasures. Had it not been for the education she received at Mansfield Park, Fanny might not have grown into the lady she has become, and she could still be doomed to follow in her mother's footsteps if she refuses Henry.

Letters play an enormous role in all of Austen's novels, and Mansfield Park is no exception. In her long letter to Fanny, Mary remains in control; Fanny is in the dark and totally reliant on this single, biased source due to "her present exile from good society" (380). Nor can she count on facial gestures and the intuitive insights such expressions inherently contribute to conversations in order to get at the truth of what is happening in London while she remains cooped up, miserable, lonely, and essentially out of the loop: "Portsmouth was a sad place. They did not get out much." In a post-script, at Henry's suggestion, Mary offers to take Fanny back to Mansfield and on the way stop at Henry's estate. Here, one can read Henry's manipulative nature. By having his sister bring Fanny to his home, he will be given the opportunity to show off to Fanny what she has been missing, and will thus be cast in a far more positive light. Ultimately, despite her avowals of undying friendship, Mary Crawford cares little for Fanny Price. She is simply writing at her brother's directive (and thus implicitly condoning his actions) because in this era it would be socially unacceptable for a lady to receive letters from a gentleman to whom she wasn't at least engaged. This harkens back to the scene before the ball, when Fanny is tricked into taking a chain from Mary for her cross, only to find out - much to her chagrin - that it is actually from Henry Crawford. Mary Crawford, in a sense, is Henry's mouthpiece, while he is her puppet master.

Fanny's fascination with Susan foreshadows the events to come: Fanny remarks to herself that if Susan had been given the same opportunities she had received in Mansfield Park, the fifteen-year-old could no doubt be turned into a lady. She spends much of her time educating her in the ways of being a lady, and makes sure she receives the bare minimum of education required for a lady of some breeding by subscribing to the library (a common practice during the eighteenth-century for all those wishing to make inroads in high society). Readers, at this point, may be left wondering: why Susan? Will the young woman come to replace Fanny at Mansfield? And if so, what will happen to Fanny Price? Will she wed Henry Crawford after all, or does Austen have other plans in mind for this delightful character?

Henry seems to have improved greatly in Fanny's estimation, but any changes to his character must be viewed with caution. He is, after all, an actor, and a spoiled child who desires what he cannot have - in this case, the unattainable Miss Price. Based on his past actions, if Henry were to actually win Fanny's hand in marriage, he would tire of her quickly. Fanny, however, is beginning to waver: "she thought she was really good-tempered." When faced with the loss of the Mansfield lifestyle, Fanny's beliefs about love and marriage appear to weaken. Soon after, Fanny receives a long letter from Mary, in which she writes about Henry's visit to Portsmouth. Her remarks about Edmund seem like an afterthought: the primary result of his visit to London, she writes, was that her friends approved of his appearance. Edmund has not as yet proposed to Mary. Fanny is angered by the letter, and once again comes to view Mary as part of the superficial London crowd. However, she feels certain that Mary will bully Edmund into doing what she desires, and that after she has accomplished her intent, she will accept his proposal. She is disheartened by this development, but finds her improved friendship with Susan very rewarding. If she were to marry Henry, she imagines, he would not be averse to having Susan live with them.

A deeply distressed Fanny finally receives a letter from Edmund, who has returned from London. He writes to Fanny of his annoyance over Mary's enthrallment with her London friends, whom Edmund sees as very bad influences. He confides in Fanny his deep love for Mary and tells her that he could never think of marrying anyone else: "I cannot give her up, Fanny. She is the only woman in the world whom I could ever think of as a wife." Also, Edmund impresses upon Fanny his continuing hope that Fanny will marry Mary's brother, Henry, whom he has just seen in London. Maria and Julia, his sisters, remain in London, and he has been greatly enjoying their company. He tells Fanny how much everyone misses her at Mansfield. Lady Bertram speaks for her every hour, but Sir Thomas will not be able to come and get her until after Easter. Edmund tells Fanny that the Grants are going to Bath, and that he desperately wants her to come home. Lady Bertram is slightly angered that Edmund has informed Fanny about the Grants' trip to Bath. She has become a champion at writing long passages about nothing at all, and is annoyed that she has been deprived of the chance to deliver "real" news. However, she soon has real news of her own for Fanny: her son Tom, the heir to the estate, has become seriously ill in London, and Edmund has left to care for him. Tom continues to decline and is returned home, where he becomes even sicker. This event distracts the family from the issue of Fanny's return to Mansfield, and Fanny sinks into sadness.

Another letter from Mary Crawford - a desperate request for information - arrives, and angers Fanny considerably. Finally, she can see her friend's true character. Mary views Tom's possible death in a positive light because it would mean that Edmund would be the heir to the estate, and the sound of "Sir Edmund" is music to her ears. She also mentions that Henry is still head over heels in love with Fanny, and that he has been staying near Maria. Strangely, however, she says that Fanny should not be jealous. Fanny is disgusted by the letter, which presents Mary as a manipulator interested only in money. The idea that Edmund might marry this girl makes her feel upset and helpless.

To Fanny's great surprise, another mysterious letter arrives from Mary warning Fanny not to believe any gossip she might hear about Henry. By now, Fanny has become somewhat convinced that Henry harbors real affection for her. Her father, however, dispels this notion by bringing to her attention a newspaper article about a scandal in the Rushworth family: a "Mrs. R", it seems, has run off with a "Mr. C." Realizing that Maria Rushworth has run off with Henry Crawford, Fanny is deeply shocked, and her heart immediately goes out to her family at Mansfield. Soon after, another letter from Edmund follows, in which he states that he will pick Fanny up at Portsmouth in two days, and that Susan is invited to accompany her to Mansfield. Despite the tragedies, Fanny is overjoyed to be returning to what has become her true home: "she was, she felt, in the greatest danger of being exquisitely happy." The family now needs her very much, especially in light of the bad news that is still to come: Julia has eloped with Yates, and Maria and Henry are yet to be found.

A deeply saddened Edmund arrives to pick up Fanny and Susan. Although he is distraught, he cannot speak to Fanny in Susan's presence. Lady Bertram is delighted to see Fanny: "dear Fanny, now I shall be comfortable." Susan is warmly welcomed, although Mrs. Norris seems to be shell-shocked about the goings-on. Maria, after all, was her favorite, and she was responsible for making the match with Rushworth. She blames Fanny for everything-had Fanny married Henry Crawford like she should have done, none of this would have happened. Lady Bertram tells Fanny that Sir Thomas had received word from an old London friend about the flirtation between Maria and Mr. Crawford, and had been ready to leave for London when they heard of the couple's disappearance. Meanwhile, Tom continues to decline deeper into illness. The match that Sir Thomas looked forward to between Edmund and Mary has now evaporated. During this era, the sins of any one member of a family reflected upon the characters of all.

The crestfallen Edmund seems to be avoiding Fanny until one rainy Sunday evening, when he comes to her, heart in hand. Edmund, it seems, saw Mary right after her brother left with Maria. To his horror, Mary was only concerned with how she would be able to cover up the happenings and find a way for her brother and Maria to regain their standing in society. They must be married, she exclaimed, expressing no horror over their behavior. She was only angry that the two weren't more discreet. Mary, it seems, also blames Fanny for not marrying Henry so that all of this scandal could have been avoided. Finally, Edmund sees the darkness of Mary's character, and is free from her influence. Fanny can now tell Edmund of Mary's statement that she wished that Tom would die so that she would be able to marry a man with money and property. Edmund tells Fanny that he will never love again.

In time, things return to normal at Mansfield Park. Sir Thomas takes responsibility for having allowed Maria to marry Rushworth. Julia returns, begs forgiveness, and is welcomed back into the family along with her new husband, Yates. Tom recovers and becomes, like his father, much more serious. Edmund foregoes his vow never to love another woman, and begins to look at Fanny with a husband's eyes. Maria and Henry live together until the newly-divorced Maria realizes that he will never marry her and leaves him. Mrs. Norris goes to live with Maria, as neither one is wanted at Mansfield. The Grants cannot lift their heads in town after Henry's display of behavior, and leave the parsonage of Mansfield for Westminster, where they live with Mary. Fanny and Edmund marry, to everyone at Mansfield's great delight, and soon after move into the parsonage. The parsonage "grew as dear to [Fanny's] heart and as thoroughly perfect in her eyes [as Mansfield]." Susan takes over Fanny's position at Mansfield. William's naval career continues to progress, and Sir Thomas ultimately finds that helping the Price children has paid off handsomely in the pride that he feels over their successes.

Analysis

The action speeds up as the novel comes to a close. Fanny's is once more vindicated. While everyone at Mansfield has misjudged what was happening right in front of their eyes, Fanny has remained steadfast in her beliefs. The whole family comes to realize how much they rely upon Fanny's integrity and good sense. Here, Austen reveals one of her most deeply-held beliefs: upward social mobility should be available to those who are worthy. The British social system, which casts the aristocracy as morally superior, should be re-examined. Indeed, quite often the members of the upper crust live immoral lives, while it is their lowly brethren who are made out of stronger moral fiber. For instance, Sir Thomas has been unable to see the true characters of his daughters, who from the beginning believe themselves to be superior to Fanny in every way. He leaves them in harm's way by handing them over to the ineffectual Lady Bertram and the miserly Mrs. Norris when he travels to Antigua. During this interval, they meet Henry Crawford and Mr. Yates, the men who are to be their undoing. More directly, Sir Thomas fails them by allowing Maria to marry a man she doesn't love solely for money and prestige, and by not ensuring that Julia receives proper attention in London.

The Bertram girls, who seem to have everything at their fingertips, act as foils for Fanny, who has nothing but a true heart - something that someone from any social rank is capable of possessing. Tom, the heir, is a ne'er-do-well, frolicking in London with friends and drinking too much, until he is taught a lesson by a severe bout of illness. Edmund has also been tempted and found wanting: his beliefs are quickly compromised by his desire for a woman intent on power and prestige. To Fanny's credit, however, she does not think enough of money to sacrifice her morals. The manipulative, money-grubbing Mary Crawford also acts as a foil for Fanny, who would rather be poor and isolated than surrender her values. In the end, Mary is revealed as what she truly is: a vile manipulator concerned only with appearances. Fanny, in contrast, is ultimately seen for what she is: a fair-minded, morally upright woman who loves Edmund deeply despite his faults.

In the final section of the novel, Austen once again highlights the discrepancy between town and country. All is well at Mansfield, the country, until evil arrives in the form of Mary and Henry Crawford, Mr. Yates, and Tom Bertram, all of whom hail from London. In the absence of Sir Thomas, the young people act immorally by deciding to put on a highly subversive play. Things become more subdued upon Sir Thomas's return, but Mary and Henry continue to wreak havoc on the country inhabitants. Tom lives in the evil city, where his misadventures soon make him seriously ill. He must live in the country for some time before he is returned to health and able to assume his duties as the new Sir Thomas. Mary Crawford seems to adapt to country ways during her stay at Mansfield, but almost immediately becomes contaminated upon her return to the town. In the country, Henry appears to truly be smitten with Fanny, but shortly upon returning to London he becomes infected by the city's loose morality, and takes up with the married Maria Rushworth. Maria and Julia are both contaminated by London, while the pure Fanny never sets foot in town.

Fanny's marriage to Edmund signifies Austen's firm belief in companionate - rather than arranged - marriage. Oddly, Sir Thomas does not see marriage in this light, despite his own marriage to Lady Bertram, who hailed from a position far down from his on the social ladder. No doubt Edmund's marriage to Mary, whose income would have provided him with a far more comfortable lifestyle, would have deeply pleased Sir Thomas. After all, his estate will go to his oldest son. Sir Thomas also overlooks his personal history by pushing his daughter Maria to marry Rushworth simply because he is the richest man in the country. Similarly, he urges Fanny to wed Henry Crawford, a man whom she despises, because doing so will ensure her a comfortable lifestyle. He even goes so far as to punish her by sending her back to Portsmouth when she fails to follow his directives. Despite the examples of those around them, Edmund and Fanny's deep love and committed sense of companionship win out in the end.

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