Jane Austen discussion

Henry helps William get a promotion and shortly after declares his love to Fanny, which isn't a pleasant conversation for her! When Fanny refuses to accept Henry, Sir Thomas isn't happy. Poor Fanny is rather confused about it all!

When I saw what was coming--an offer from HC for Fanny, I knew that Sir Thomas would think very poorly of her refusal without knowledge of what Fanny knew of HC's base behavior.

It does show Fanny's strength of character, doesn't it? She is so meek and mild that I can only imagine how horrible it was for her to go against those she owed so much to. And she was constantly being told just how obligated she was.

I agree Karlyne, Fanny also chose to remain silent as to her reasons rather than expose her cousin’s conduct… I don’t know many of us that would do that in light of such pressure.

I couldn’t help note her reflection on her Uncle’s character as one who could give his daughter to someone like Mr Rushworth and would therefore not be likely to sympathise with her unless some proof were given of Mr Crawford’s true character, that she was unable to provide.

How awful is Mr Crawford’s disposition that he could not even conceive the notion that she didn’t like him, and to lay her open to all the recriminations of her family does go against all his assurances of love. Even his proposal is ill-timed… better to have gained her good opinion by acting for William selflessly than demanding her gratitude for it.

Louise, good point about Fanny's ethics! One of the things I most enjoy about Mansfield Park is that JA paints a portrait of a person who is innocent without being clueless, and shows that worldliness may work for you as a short-term strategy, but leads to personal disaster over the long term. Hello, any politicians listening here?

Abigail wrote: "Louise, good point about Fanny's ethics! One of the things I most enjoy about Mansfield Park is that JA paints a portrait of a person who is innocent without being clueless, and shows that worldlin..."

I'm trying to picture a politician with a copy of Mansfield Park in his hands. Would it be upside-down, I wonder...