Colin Burrow, an academic specializing in 19th-century British literature, dives deep into Jane Austen's 'Mansfield Park.' He highlights Fanny Price's challenges as a poor relation, revealing the novel's sharp critique of wealth and morality. Discussion centers on the theme of 'improvement' symbolized by Mr. Rushworth's estate and contrasts Fanny's moral fortitude with her relatives' ignorance of slavery's implications. The conversation unpacks the transactional nature of marriage and how social status complicates personal ambitions in Austen's world.
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insights INSIGHT
Fairy Tale with Social Twist
Mansfield Park recasts a fairy tale featuring Fanny Price, the poor relation, within 19th century social dynamics.
The novel explores moral vigilance amid temptations during the uncle's absence and family drama.
insights INSIGHT
Three Sisters Symbolize Social Positions
The three sisters exemplify contrasting fortunes shaping family obligation and hierarchy.
Mrs Norris embodies petty acquisitiveness and dependency, a key agent of social manipulation.
insights INSIGHT
Mrs Norris Avoids Lower Status Role
Mrs Norris's feigned generosity masks her self-interest and desire to avoid a lower household status.
Fanny's quietness frustrates Mrs Norris, who expects her to fulfill a social role that Fanny resists.
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The novel follows Fanny Price, a young girl from a poor family who is sent to live with her wealthy uncle and aunt, Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram, at Mansfield Park. Fanny navigates the complexities of her new environment, dealing with the mistreatment by some family members and the kindness of her cousin Edmund. The story unfolds with the arrival of the charming but morally dubious Crawfords, leading to a series of scandals and moral dilemmas. Ultimately, Fanny's integrity and compassion guide her through the challenges, and she finds love and a sense of belonging with Edmund[1][3][5].
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen
Published in 1813, 'Pride and Prejudice' is a novel that revolves around the lives of the Bennet family, particularly the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth. The story is set in the early 19th century and explores themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth. The novel centers on Elizabeth's tumultuous relationship with the wealthy and proud Mr. Darcy, whose initial arrogance and reserve gradually give way to a deeper understanding and mutual respect. Through their interactions, both characters learn to overcome their prejudices and flaws, leading to a transformative journey of self-discovery and redemption. The novel also delves into the societal pressures on women to secure marriages, the importance of family, and the nuances of social hierarchy during the British Regency period[3][4][5].
North and South
Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
Published in 1854-55, 'North and South' by Elizabeth Gaskell is a social novel that delves into the contrasts between the industrial North and the rural South of England. The story follows Margaret Hale, who moves from the southern village of Helstone to the industrial town of Milton-Northern, where she witnesses the harsh realities of the Industrial Revolution. The novel highlights the conflicts between employers and workers, as well as the personal growth of Margaret and her complex relationship with John Thornton, a cotton-mill owner. Gaskell's work provides a nuanced portrayal of the social and economic changes of the time, balancing humanitarian ideals with the pursuit of profit[2][4][5].
On one level, Mansfield Park is a fairytale transposed to the 19th century: Fanny Price is the archetypal poor relation who, through her virtuousness, wins a wealthy husband. But Jane Austen’s 1814 novel is also a shrewd study of speculation, ‘improvement’ and the transformative power of money.
In this abridged version of the first episode of Novel Approaches, Colin Burrow joins Clare Bucknell and Thomas Jones to discuss Austen’s acute reading of property and precarity, and why Fanny’s moral cautiousness is a strategic approach to the riskiest speculation of all: marriage.
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