Jane Austen discussion

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Why do we have a novel called "Mansfield Park," rather than "Fanny Price"?

Sarah wrote: "Why do we have a novel called "Mansfield Park," rather than "Fanny Price"?"

For me, Mansfield Park is all about moral standards. Austen's main interest is portraying contemporary society, its deficiencies and absurdities, never more clearly so than in Mansfield Park. It is only fair the title draws attention to the house, the family and their friends.

Fanny is merely providing the contrast needed to impart the message, alway good, always suffering silently... More a role model than a character. She is the type of person I might have honored when I was younger, but not sought as a friend. (I admit I cannot warm to her, but that is another topic...)

I think because the whole of the book revolves around Mansfield Park. Fanny's homesickness for her family at Portsmouth at the start, and later she would almost die if she were parted forever from MP. Maria wants only to escape the place; Tom counts it as something to use up (his betting); Aunt Norris is so concerned about the estate itself she has little care left over for its inhabitants.

The Crawfords view the house more of a home then their own while staying in the area. Part to do with the grandness of it, part to do with the family. Fanny Price becomes their pet project and at one point you start to believe a life line. But it is always about the estate and what Mansfield Park can do for you.

I wonder if Jane could understand the role of a character like Fanny Price, or the "poor cousin." Her brother Edward had been adopted into a wealthy family and Jane had become the "poor sister/sister-in-law" in Edward's household. I remember in the biographies there was mention that, like Fanny Price, Jane could only travel back home from a family visit when it was convenient for Edward's family, stranded like Fanny was in Portsmouth.

I'm discussing Fanny on the characters thread right now. Do you think that Fanny was autobiographical in nature? Was this how Jane saw herself or at least her "limited" role in society? I can't believe that, even as I write it. I just can't connect with Fanny Price.

Hey Jeannette, sorry I bounced over -- I thought some people might be looking at theme more and it might start some comments in the theme folder. I'm so stealthy!

Maybe not Fanny as autobiographical, but wondering if Austen did experience more facets of society than she is given credit for. Probably without looking at the great biographical stuff on Austen, readers don't get the full picture. Maybe general bios lead us to believe she was the quiet, unmarried clergyman's daughter who live a mainly rural life.

Then you start uncovering all this other stuff about how she probably did/didn't fit into Edward's family and how she probably did have an atypical view of marrying for money, etc. I know her romantic life was speculation, but we DO know she was a dedicated brilliant novelist and probably not a husband-hunter. I know I may get some slams for saying that AND I am rambling now, but important points to me. Just trying to think how it was walking around everyday for Jane.

She called herself a "miniaturist." I think that means she was able to bring lots of society's themes into her small settings. For example, money struggles are in all the novels, right? Even the Bertrams are worried about their estate and Antigua and all that. Sir Thomas out doing all his own management, leaving those crazy kids to their own means. And she probably saw the setback of living the life of "genteel" appearance, but having so little funds to support it. She made her own toast every morning, you know? And she was really a modern working woman, writing away, but so limited financially.

Sarah wrote: "Hey Jeannette, sorry I bounced over -- I thought some people might be looking at theme more and it might start some comments in the theme folder. I'm so stealthy!

Maybe not Fanny as autobiograp..."

We made you bounce back over to us! :)