Do I Still Hate Mansfield Park? (*spoilers*)

My Relationship With George Eliot:
• On George Eliot #victober
Bonnets at Dawn:
Mansfield Park pt. 1:
www.stitcher.com/show/bonnets...
Mansfield Park vs. Wives and Daughters:
/ s3-episode-21-mansfiel...

[@bellathereader1328]

What I love about Mansfield Park is that the virtue and humility of Fanny wins out. It's not popular to think that a character as passive and docile as she is has very much to offer to a modern reader, but is exactly those characteristics that bring her success in the end. She knew her place and she knew how to leverage it. Plus she was strong in her refusal of Henry.

[@lovetolovefairytales]

👏👋👏👏

[@elizabethbrink3761]

When I took a Jane Austen class in college, all I can remember of the Mansfield Park discussion is how nearly everyone in the class did not think Fanny deserved to be a heroine! Reading the novel again last year, I realized how rare and valuable Fanny's qualities of faithfulness and humility are. It's more attention-getting to be flashy, but so much of life is behind-the-scenes and it takes Fanny-like virtue to be content in the mundane. Great thoughts Kate! Definitely gotta listen to those Bonnets at Dawn episodes!

[@kathleencraine7335]

Welcome to the Fanny-ites! I have loved Fanny Price since I first read the novel because I identified with her shy nature as a child. Loved all your comments. I read an intro to MP that suggested MP is about the concept of "home", and how Fanny's idea of where home is changes in the novel. The intro cites the last excerpt you read (which I love), and says that no where else in Austen does a character reflect in the same way on their personal space and love of things about them. Edmund does leave a lot to be desired, but I can't believe that Henry C. would ever have a complete reformation.

[@katehowereads]

It's lovely to be in this club! That seems to be a very fitting concept for Mansfield Park. It's ironic since I felt like I didn't get to know Fanny that much in my first read but that passage describing the solace she took place is such an intimate portrait. That's why this book is so cool - because I think arguments for and against Henry Crawford's change of heart can be made.

[@kathleencraine7335]

@@katehowereads Right--and another point you brought up is how Austen has many of the characters grapple with what's the right thing to do. That struggle improves some, but has little effect on others. She was brilliant.

[@lorriemerson5274]

I read Lover's Vows and reread MP last JAJ. I mainly focused on JA's observations on The Ideal Woman. Mrs. Bertram appears to be the Ideal Woman, but her delicacy is indolence that has crippled her and made her weak and dependent. Mrs. Bertram's reliance on her husband's intellect means she does not strive to improve her mind and is unable to oversee or advise her children. In contrast, Fanny is physically delicate with empathy and delicacy towards others that expose inner compassion and fierceness. Fanny strives to improve her mind by following Edmund's study plan and guidance. Fanny's struggles purify her and she becomes an Ideal Woman in all respects.

[@jenniferbrooks]

I’m so glad your opinion has changed! Mansfield Park has always felt like a book I believed you would like.

[@msrichardsreads]

I never made the connect between Fanny and Molly, but you're right! I love that. I loved hearing your thoughts on this one, and I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@amandalavelle2638]

This fills my heart with joy. I’ve always had a big soft spot for Mansfield Park and constantly feel I had to defend it. It’s probably my third favourite behind Persuasion and P&P. And I love your edition my the way. Yey for underrated Fanny Price xx

[@davebonello1944]

(Melanie here) I love Mansfield Park. Fanny is a very believable character. It makes sense that she is the way she is based upon her family history and then how she is treated when she goes to live with her relatives. Of Austen's heroines, she stands out as one who has endured the most trauma yet she has this inner strength and insight.

[@BookZealots]

This is my first year reading Mansfield Park and thus far I'm enjoying it more than last year's books, Emma and P&P. Personally I can relate to Fanny of being pushed in the background and kind of forgotten. She's relatable. Your edition is pretty.

[@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf]

I'm coming to Jane Austen as an adult, and I'm enjoying reading them for the first time. Before this year I had only read Northanger Abbey. I read Persuasion in April, and absolutely loved it and felt finally ready for Jane Austen. I've just read Mansfield Park for the Jane Austen July read-along and I absolutely loved it. I dentified with Fanny to begin with, when she's so painfully shy and homesick, and I love how her character grows and her love of nature and joy in looking at beautiful things and reading. She's such a quiet heroine. I thought it was a great book, and I was so happy with the ending - Austen wraps everything up so completely!

[@kathleencraine7335]

Kate, another reason I love your review, is because you remind us of how important re-reading can be! As we change over time, so do our reading experiences and expectations. There are some people who will never re-read because they say it's a waste of their time--too many new books to read. But I think re-reading after a few years, especially a "so-so" book that others have found meaningful, can open up a whole new perspective. Thank you for reminding us of that!

[@ChristyLuisDostoevskyinSpace]

😍😍😍 This video makes me so happyyyyy You're making me think about the ending. Everybody seems to hate Edmund, but I actually really liked Edmund. Fanny was his quiet younger cousin that he practically helped raise; it's not abnormal for a flashy new woman to grab a young man's attention, particularly if she sets her sights on him, so I don't fault Edmund for being distracted. He had never been in love with Fanny, so 🤷‍♀️ There was no reason for him to overlook Miss Crawford. But once he saw Fanny's strength and virtue, I think he fell in love very deeply with her. A pastor's wife needs strength of character and Fanny SHOWED IT! It's not surprising that in the past, nobody noticed her character strength. She was very quiet and shy and "the poor relation" (whom Edmund alone was very kind to, btw). But Fanny had a chance to shine and she DID IT! Capturing the attention of her cousin. That's how I read it. I was thrilled to see a parson as a romantic hero, tbh 😂

[@ElliesCozyChronicles]

I completely agree with you!🤗

[@lovetolovefairytales]

Oh, I adore Edmund. He's my favorite Austen hero. And I love him with Fanny; they're my favorite fictional couple in literature probably ever. Like, I never liked Jane Eyre's love interest when I was younger (reading it and watching adaptations as an adult has since changed my mind a little), but I always thought Fanny and Edmund were perfect for one another. Honestly, as much as I like Mr. Darcy and LOVE Mr. Knightley, I find both Bertram brothers way more appealing (Edmund and Tom) and if the Austen characters came to life, I'd probably just shove poor Darcy out of the way to get at them 😂. I might pause for Knightley or Mr. Tilney. Might. Maybe. 😂

[@DebMcDonald]

It took me years to love MP! When I first started reading Jane Austen I was all about the flashy, dramatic characters - Emma, Lizzie, the Crawfords - and I had to grow up before I could see the strength of Anne and Fanny. I only hope I would have Fanny’s steely resolve. My favourite scene is in Portsmouth and will often read that part again.

[@sterlingreads547]

This was so great Kate! I’m halfway through my 3rd read of Mansfield Park. The first time I liked it. Second time I couldn’t stand Edmund. I couldn’t see what Fanny saw in him. But this time I’m loving it. Now I see Fanny being torn from the only life she knows & Edmund showed so much kindness exactly when she needed it. I’m also reading Jane Austen The Secret Radical by Helena Kelly. And wow it’s a fascinating read 😊

[@meghanthestorygirl4581]

I'm so happy that you love Mansfield Park now! I didn't love it the first time I read it, but the next two times I read it, I realized how awesome it is! Also, that is such an interesting fact about where Aunt Norris's name comes from!

[@sararoberts3250]

I am so glad you had a change of heart. Mansfield Park is in my top three of Austen's novels. The first time I read it I was confused (I think I was 13 and this was my second classic/Austen,) but once I knew more about customs and titles and such I fell in love.

[@naomisbookshelf]

Middlemarch was rough for me but I loved Mansfield Park when I read it chapter by chapter as a buddy read. It is a book to invest in the first time.

[@aekorfker]

That ‘own little corner’ quote is so perfect ☺️🪴

[@VoyageofaTimeWanderer]

I find the anti-slavery elements of Mansfield Park very interesting too so will have to listen to that BaD episode because you mentioned elements I didn't pick up on... I would love to see a spin-off retelling based in Antigua in the same vein of Wide Sargasso Sea. Having just read the beginning fragment Sanditon this JAJ as well, with Austen choosing to make one of the main characters be a biracial heiress from the Caribbean, I am so curious if she would have made a more explicit anti-slavery statement if she had completed that novel.

[@taylorrae3316]

Omg I didn't even think about the Roger/Cynthia thing in Wives & Daughters paralleling the Fanny/Edmund thing! Super interesting. So glad you loved it this time!

[@BeDutch21]

I agree with your feelings on Edmund! I think that would have been so cool if Henry had reformed. It would have been neat to see more of his story in that way. A side bonus to that ending would be that Fanny would not have ended up marrying her cousin, which always was a bit cringey, for me. So glad you enjoyed reading MP this time around!

[@MothGirl007]

I honestly truly loathed Henry, and was so happy when he was thwarted in his pursuit of Fanny. Back in the time the book was written, it wasn't that unusual for cousins to marry, so even though that bothered me too, I understood that aspect of the story. It does bother me though that Edmund was so slow to fully appreciate Fanny, but I think that makes the story more suspenseful.

[@ElliesCozyChronicles]

I loved this video! The quotes that you read are some of my favorites, especially the one about Fannyˋs room, so inspiring! I also think that Henry Crawford had a real interest in Fanny and he appreciated many things in her that the others didn't. I've been thinking about Fanny and Edward lately. I understand why people dont't like Edmund and Fanny as a couple. Edmund was really inconsiderate with her. But they have always have had a very deep connection and when Edmund fell out of love with Mary, I would like to think that he really fall in love with Fanny. I think they are so compatible and they always have had deep feelings for each other. I hope that Edmund's feelings just evolved into romantic love.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

I also finished Mansfield Park in less than a week. I also love fanny Price.She had a quiet presence and strength of character that the other female characters lacked.I didn’t mind Edmund being the love interest but Where was the love scene at the end? I didn’t appreciate being told that they lived happily ever after. I wanted some satisfaction at the end with a love scene, even a small one. For me that was the one lack that the book head. I didn’t dislike Mr Crawford But saw despite his good side that the crude way he treated women in general was something that Fanny discerned. That was a very interesting take on Chronic illness being part of The story. Aloha

[@goodstrongwords]

Loved hearing your thoughts! I agree with a lot of what you said. The idea of it being an abolitionist book is fascinating! I had never heard that before. Also agree with the parallels with Wives and Daughters. So fascinating.

[@ReadABookGem]

I just gave up on Mansfield Park for the same reasons you previously didn't like it, so I really appreciate this video. I will keep hold of my copy and give it another try one day. I am really pleased to hear you have found a love for this book 😊

[@MothGirl007]

Hooray for your change of heart - it's a wonderful book. The movies are not true to it at all, which is a shame.

[@belindagarza3958]

I think people dont like Fanny Price because she is not "fiery" like Lizzy Bennett. But Lizzy was her fathers favorite. Her dad was the most powerful man in their area. She was queen bee. Fanny was in a very different position. She was a charity case. She had to watch her Ps and Qs. Modern audiences want a heroine who is powerful. Fanny wasnt powerful.

[@Dinadoesyoga]

Admittedly I don't consider myself the biggest Austen fan but I really enjoyed Mansfield Park. I liked Fanny, the social commentary, and the subtle romance.

[@TooFondofBooksJH]

I loved this! Great discussion on the book. I am more than halfway through it and am loving it. I also picked up on Fanny's love of nature and beautiful things this time round. Although not psychically strong, Fanny is mentally strong. She knows her mind and she knows what is right and what is wrong. I love her!

[@faithbooks7906]

That is so interesting about the name Mansfield and Captain Norris being an anti abolitionist. Very cool! I really saw Fanny as a portrait of goodness, quiet, not attracting attention, humble and the wisest one in the room!

[@ElliesCozyChronicles]

I really enjoyed LoversˋVows and now the chapters about the rehearsal for the play are some of my favorites🤗

[@novellenovels]

I do like Mansfield park but not as much as pride and prejudice and Emma..

[@ScullyPopASMR]

Fantastic video on the book.

[@johnsaxongitno4life588]

This is why I don’t watch movies about books 📚 please stay safe and enjoy your reading love your number one Australia fan John ❤️❤️❤️📚📚📚

[@DearReaders_thisisJess]

Just here for the company and because that’s such a beautiful cover. #bookcoverwatch 😅

[@sandunikadissanayake2615]

I'm not a native English speaker. I also started reading this book for #janeaustenjuly but couldn't keep reading 😢 it's my first time reading Jane austen. Anyway I put it away hoping that one day I can pick it up again. There were so many characters and I couldn't keep up. And nothing much happened. But I read very few chapters. Seeing this video makes me want to pick up it again. Do you think someone like me can read it? 🙈

[@lovetolovefairytales]

Where can I get the beautiful hardcover edition of Mansfield Park you're holding in this video???

[@katehowereads]

It is sadly out of print! It's part of the heirloom Jane Austen set.

[@lovetolovefairytales]

@@katehowereads bummer. Well, it's beautiful, and it looks great in the video. 😊

[@radiantchristina]

Mansfield Park is one that I appreciate but don't necessarily love. I do like the book very much , but I don't think it will ever be my favorite of Austen's (don't get me wrong...still a 4 star read) . Jane Austen, in general, was an author I hated when I was younger, but grew to love as I got older. This is the first year I am not participating in Jane Austen July. I made the mistake of doing lots of Austen rereads Jan - June so I'm Jane'd out for a bit lol

[@radiantchristina]

p.s. have you seen the book "the meanings of home in Elizabeth Gaskell's fiction" by Carolyn Lambert ? I came across it on Amazon and am on the fence as to whether or not to get it.

[@NadaOQ96]

Mansfield Park was my very first Austen. I was quite young when I read it but I remember really loving Jane's writing style. I wasn't too invested in the story however until the Henry-Fanny storyline started. I recall being most interested in the Crawford siblings and not being too keen on Edmund. I've picked it up for this year's group readalong because I've been meaning to reread it for ages. I'm sticking to the schedule so I'm not too far in. Although I'm finding myself more invested in the story this time, my initial opinion regarding Edmund and the Crawfords has remained more or less the same so far 😂 I definitely agree with you that a Fanny-Henry pairing + a genuine reformation on the former's part would've been vastly more interesting, but I have yet to reach that part of the story so we shall see what I make of it this time around.

[@lovetolovefairytales]

I think Austen was simply smart enough to know that Henry/Fanny would be completely unrealistic. Maybe Henry can reform, maybe, if he really wanted to, but he tried to set Fanny up as his own personal savior and conscience, which honestly is kind of disgusting. He shouldn't need to be babysat not to be a womanizer. Or to be told to be nice to his own tenants; I mean what the heck, Crawford?

[@NadaOQ96]

@@lovetolovefairytales Now that I have reached the proposal chapter I find myself agreeing with you. I hate the "women as rehabilitation centers" trope with passion! But I thought this would be a case of the guy being truly inspired by the girl's example to change and reform on his own without her taking an active part in that reform and without his having the attainment of her affections as his ultimate goal (I had seen a very similar dynamic in a TV show once). This is not the case here apparently and I was really annoyed by Henry's presumptuous behaviour of seeking Sir Thomas and insinuating that Fanny welcomed his attentions. Also the dismissive way he talked about Maria and Julia was a huge red flag for me. If change was really coming he would've shown remorse or at least some shame over how abominably he treated them. Of course teen me was all for the entertaining drama and cared nothing for the above mentioned 🤣🤣 P.S. So far I still maintain my opinion that Edmund is as dull as a dishwasher 😂😂

[@lovetolovefairytales]

@@NadaOQ96 yes, Henry is the worst. And he really disregarded Fanny's feelings; because he decided he loved her she HAD to fall in love with him. Entitled much? Mr. Crawford is a walking red flag. But I disagree with you about Edmund. He's my favorite Austen hero. I'd take him over Darcy (much as I like him too) any day. Edmund has a gentleness to his character I admire. Also, as far as bad boy redeemed in Mansfield Park goes, that's definitely Tom Bertram, who changed because of nearly dying when he fell ill, that's genuine. I wouldn't have minded if HE ended up with Fanny, much as I adore Edmund (I like to imagine Tom married Susan in canon 😂); his change was real, unlike Henry.

[@NadaOQ96]

@@lovetolovefairytales Well he still has 15 chapters to redeem himself 😂 Honestly, I don't know why but none of the Austen heroes have managed to "do it" for me so far :/

[@lovetolovefairytales]

@@NadaOQ96 well, as I mentioned in my other comment, Tom Bertram reforms; he's not a main character, and he doesn't have a romantic relationship with anyone in the book, so I think people forget about him. I like Darcy and Wentworth, but I think they're overrated.

[@nicoleackerman205]

I still say her worst novel is Sense and Sensibility I also think it aged the worst out of all of them. Even with the cousin love in this novel I still think Sense and Sensibility is not good. I know it super unpopular.