FANNY PRICEMANSFIELD PARK
... personality, with the two Bertram girls thinking she is altogether “stupid” (Pg17). They cannot understand how their cousin could be so uneducated: “she is really so very ignorant” (Pg17). These observations are encouraged by the mean spirited Aunt Norris who agrees that the girl: “…shews a great want of genius and emulation” (Pg17). Mrs Bertram, who would have been the obvious replacement as a mother figure was kind to Fanny, but mostly silent towards the girl: “She was disheartened by Lady Bertrams silence” (Pg14). Sir Thomas and his: “…well meant condescension’s…” (Pg13) did nothing to aid in the welcome of his niece. Nor did he notice the lack of humility in the actions of his daughters towards Fanny, as: “…the Tom’s kindness to Fanny: “…was consistent with his situation and rights, he made her some very pretty presents, and laughed at her” (Pg16). This shows Tom to be everything that a young man of seventeen would be towards a younger relative. While Tom never goes out of his way for his cousin, he never makes life harder for her. That particular job is left to the reprimanding, nasty Aunt Norris. Aunt Norris’ discourse in this chapter is either reprimanding her shy niece or flattering the ego of her wealthy nieces. The narrator immediately takes a harsh opinion of Mrs Norris. She is revealed as a mean spirited woman who is only too happy to put little Fanny in her place. She is first to remind Fanny of her good fortune at being allowed to live at Mansfield park and the “extraordinary degree of gratitude” that this must produce (Pg13). Aunt Norris deliberately tells the Miss Bertram’s that there is indeed a difference between themselves and their poor relation, and that this is a desirable thing (Pg18). What is truly puzzling is the self righteous behaviour of Mrs Norris as she herself is not a wealthy woman, but enjoys the generosity of her sister and brother in law. Edmund is the only member of the household to go out of his way in ensuring Fanny’s comfort. The narrator looks kindly upon him: “…all the gentleness of an excellent nature” (Pg14) is his description, and at once he becomes Fanny’s only ally within the home. He sees her want of help, and instead of leaving her to make her own way in the household as the others were happy to do, he is determined to find the cause of her unhappiness and in doing so remedies the problem of Fanny writing to her brother. He is also determined to help her get on at Mansfield, and gives her advice: “…as to playing with Maria and Julia” (Pg16), the effect of this kind treatment was: “From this day Fanny grew more comfortable” (Pg16). If only every one else in the family had treated Fanny with such kindness and consideration, Fanny may have grown out of her shyness altogether, and would not have been puzzled at. Volume 3, chapter 16 presents us with a very different opinion of Fanny. While most of the characters have fallen into disrepute, it is Fanny alone who never alters her good moral standing. Finally Fanny’s worth is felt at Mansfield Park, where her Aunt Bertram relies on her comforting nature, and Edmund relies on her compassion and friendship. Fanny is still the shyly feminine person she has always been, but now, amid so many crises, her steadiness of character and moral authority begin to be recognized by all. This is the first time however, that through free indirect discourse Fanny openly gives her opinion (albeit a bad one) against Miss Crawford: “Fanny, now at liberty to speak openly” (Pg379). This highlights the transition Fanny has made from chapter 2, where she could barely utter a few words, to her feeling comfortable and secure enough to give a damning opinion. This chapter also sees Fanny returned from her family’s home in Portsmouth, where she felt the obvious loss of comfort and wealth, but also the people at Mansfield whom she realised were not as bad as she had once thought. While Fanny has shown in her dealings with Henry Crawford, that she is not a materialistic person, her disposition is certainly best suited toward the comfort and tranquillity of Mansfield Park. Volume 3 chapter 16 also reveals the true personality of Mrs Norris to the other occupants at Mansfield Park: “She was an altered creature, quieted, stupefied, indifferent to everything that passed” (Pg370). How very different the narrator’s tone is towards Mrs Norris when compared to volume 1, chapter 2, where she is presented as an utmost authority of every thing connected to Mansfield Park: “it required a longer time, however, than Mrs Norris was inclined to allow, to reconcile Fanny to the novelty of Mansfield Park” (Pg 13). This would suggest Mrs Norris felt she had claims over Mansfield. Volume 3, chapter 16 mentions that: “…being left with her sister and nephew, and all the house under her care, had been an advantage entirely thrown away” (Pg 370). This shows that Mrs Norris is an altogether altered woman – for the worse, if that could have been thought possible. Critics can wonder at the passive way in which Fanny was quite prepared to watch the outcome of her life unfold before her. She does nothing to aid events along. This is especially relevant in regard to her unspoken love for Edmund. Without so much as a hint with regard for her true feelings, Fanny was prepared to stand by and do nothing while Mary was stealing Edmund’s affections. But Fanny’s behaviour is nothing to puzzle at, considering the context of the early nineteenth century feminine ideals. Fanny’s entire character captures the spirit of the age where women were meant to be passive, modest and sweet. But it is no wonder that today’s critics should reject this ideal, as the feminist movement has come along way from Austen’s day. Also, Fanny had to be passive. She was penniless, without strong family connections, and living in a precarious position at the mercy of her wealthy relations. Fanny’s morals are virtuous and to be admired, not to be discredited. She...