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Mansfield Park in 10 Minutes
Introduction
Fanny Price
Sir Thomas Bertram
Edmund Bertram
Maria Bertram
Henry Crawford
1. The Introduction of Fanny Price
2. Fannys Difficult Childhood
3. Fannys Feelings for Edmund
4. The Drama of the Play
5. Henry Crawfords Proposal
6. Fannys Independence
7. The Scandal of Marias Affair
8. Fannys Strength and Resilience
9. Edmunds Realization
10. Fannys Happy Ending
Lesson Details & Resources
In a Nutshell
- What: Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
- When: Written in the Regency era (1814)
- Who: Fanny Price, Edmund Bertram, Sir Thomas Bertram
- Theme: The exploration of social class, morality, and the role of women in society
List of Characters in Mansfield Park
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Fanny Price
Fanny Price is the humble and kind-hearted protagonist of the story, who is taken in by her wealthy relatives at Mansfield Park.
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Edmund Bertram
Edmund Bertram is Fanny's cousin and love interest, who is studying to become a clergyman.
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Maria Bertram
Maria Bertram is Edmund's sister and Fanny's cousin, who becomes entangled in a scandalous affair with Henry Crawford.
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Julia Bertram
Julia Bertram is Maria's younger sister, who also becomes involved with Henry Crawford.
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Sir Thomas Bertram
Sir Thomas Bertram is the patriarch of the Bertram family and the owner of Mansfield Park.
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Lady Bertram
Lady Bertram is Sir Thomas's wife, who is known for her lazy and indifferent demeanor.
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Henry Crawford
Henry Crawford is a charming and flirtatious young man who pursues both Maria and Julia Bertram.
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Mary Crawford
Mary Crawford is Henry's sister, who becomes a close friend of Edmund Bertram and a rival for his affections with Fanny Price.
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Tom Bertram
Tom Bertram is the eldest son of Sir Thomas Bertram, who leads a reckless and extravagant lifestyle.
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Mrs. Norris
Mrs. Norris is Fanny's aunt and the wife of the parson at Mansfield Park, who mistreats Fanny and favors her own children.
Timeline of Mansfield Park
Fanny Price, a young girl from a poor family, is sent to live with her wealthy relatives, the Bertrams, at Mansfield Park.
Fanny is treated as an inferior by her aunt, Mrs. Norris, and her cousins, especially Maria and Julia.
Fanny develops a close friendship with her cousin Edmund, who is kind to her and values her opinions.
The arrival of the charming and flirtatious siblings, Henry and Mary Crawford, causes a stir at Mansfield Park.
Henry Crawford pursues a romantic relationship with Maria Bertram, who is engaged to Mr. Rushworth.
Fanny witnesses Maria's scandalous affair with Henry and keeps it a secret.
Fanny's brother, William, returns home from the navy and visits Mansfield Park, bringing joy and excitement to Fanny's life.
Fanny rejects Henry Crawford's marriage proposal, much to the disappointment of her aunt and cousins.
Fanny becomes increasingly aware of her feelings for Edmund but suppresses them due to their difference in social status.
Edmund, now a clergyman, becomes infatuated with Mary Crawford, despite Fanny's concerns about her character.
Sir Thomas Bertram leaves for Antigua, leaving his daughters Maria and Julia in charge of the household.
Fanny is asked to participate in a play being performed by the Bertram family, but Edmund disapproves of her involvement.
Fanny's moral objection to the play is validated when Maria and Henry's affair becomes public, resulting in Maria's divorce from Mr. Rushworth.
Fanny supports Edmund during his heartbreak over Mary's involvement in the scandal.
Fanny's quiet and loyal nature gradually earns her the respect and admiration of those at Mansfield Park.
Edmund finally realizes his true feelings for Fanny and proposes to her, which she happily accepts.
Fanny and Edmund marry, and Fanny's life at Mansfield Park improves as she becomes the mistress of the estate.
Vocabulary List
- Austere
- Severe or strict in manner or appearance
- Disposition
- A person's inherent qualities of mind and character
- Piety
- The quality of being religious or reverent
- Amiable
- Having a friendly and pleasant manner
- Coquetry
- Flirtatious behavior or a flirtatious manner
- Impropriety
- A failure to observe standards or show due honesty or modesty
- Genteel
- Polite, refined, or respectable, often in an affected or ostentatious way
- Frivolous
- Not having any serious purpose or value
- Propriety
- The state or quality of conforming to conventionally accepted standards of behavior or morals
- Infallible
- Incapable of making mistakes or being wrong
- Deference
- Humble submission and respect
- Penitent
- Feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong
- Obsequious
- Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree
- Scrupulous
- Diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details
- Affable
- Friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to
- Languid
- Displaying or having a disinclination for physical exertion or effort
- Vex
- Make (someone) feel annoyed, frustrated, or worried, especially with trivial matters
- Abhorrence
- A feeling of repulsion
- Ingratitude
- A lack of gratitude
- Pensive
- Engaged in, involving, or reflecting deep or serious thought
- Lament
- A passionate expression of grief or sorrow
Key Facts
This is the information used in the fact matching game
- - Mansfield Park is a novel written by Jane Austen.
- - The story is set in the early 19th century in England.
- - The main character is Fanny Price, a young girl from a poor family.
- - Fanny is sent to live with her wealthy relatives at Mansfield Park.
- - Sir Thomas Bertram and Lady Bertram are Fanny's uncle and aunt.
- - Fanny's cousins at Mansfield Park include Edmund, Maria, Julia, and Tom.
- - Fanny develops a deep and unrequited love for her cousin Edmund.
- - Fanny faces constant criticism and neglect from her relatives.
- - The wealthy Crawfords, Henry and Mary, arrive at Mansfield Park.
- - Mary Crawford becomes a potential love interest for Edmund.
- - Fanny's meek and virtuous nature contrasts with the flirtatious Crawfords.
- - Fanny's cousin, Maria, elopes with Henry Crawford, causing scandal.
- - Edmund eventually realizes his love for Fanny and proposes to her.
- - Fanny refuses Edmund's proposal due to his previous affection for Mary.
- - Fanny's steadfastness and moral character are praised throughout the story.
- - Fanny's cousin Tom falls seriously ill due to his reckless lifestyle.
- - Fanny's intervention helps Tom reform and recover his health.
- - Fanny's quiet strength and integrity win the admiration of Sir Thomas.
- - Fanny eventually accepts Edmund's renewed proposal and they marry.
- - The novel explores themes of social class, morality, and the power of love.
Analysis & Significance
Impact on Literature
‘Mansfield Park’ by Jane Austen is a seminal work in the development of the novel as a form of literature. Austen’s intricate exploration of social class, morality, and the role of women in society set a new standard for character development and narrative complexity in 19th-century literature. Her sharp wit and keen observations continue to influence writers today in the creation of compelling and realistic characters.
Enduring Themes
The themes of love, duty, and morality explored in ‘Mansfield Park’ are timeless and still resonate with modern audiences. The novel’s examination of the complexities of human relationships, the struggle between societal expectations and personal desires, and the consequences of moral choices continue to be relevant in today’s society. Austen’s exploration of these universal themes ensures that ‘Mansfield Park’ remains a compelling read for readers of all ages.
Cultural Significance Today
‘Mansfield Park’ has had a lasting cultural impact, with numerous adaptations for film, television, and stage. The novel’s enduring popularity is a testament to Austen’s ability to create characters and situations that continue to captivate audiences over two centuries after its initial publication. The story’s exploration of social dynamics and moral dilemmas remains relevant in contemporary society, making ‘Mansfield Park’ a timeless classic that continues to be celebrated and studied today.
Mansfield Park Games
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