Though not unputdownable, Mansfield Park has the stamp and class of Jane Austen. Like all other Austen novels, the principal events concern the fortunes of a family;Mr Bertrand’s four children and his niece Fanny Price. Fanny Price stands out from all the other characters. She is sensible and intelligent,compassionate and caring. She is pretty,though in an unglamourous sort of way, but handsome enough to win the affection of Mr Crawford.
Fanny Price remains devoted to the sound ideals of morality and propriety.She is not lured by the adulation or wealth of Mr Crawford. Her suffering shapes her character. Having had no riches to rejoice about in her life,she remains steadfast to her mind which keeps her on the path of rationality and reason. Mr Crawford and his sister are the creators of evil. Aunt Norris is another who continues to be greedy and uncaring despite voicing all the opposite sentiments. Mrs Rushworth or Maria, Mr Bertrand’s sister falls for Mr Crawford’s attention and commits herself irreparably wrecking her marriage.
Jane Austen’s language speaks of harmony. The thematic strand is raised on the solid foundation of the values of a old world. Sweetness,discipline,charity and respect for the elderly characterize this world. At the same time, there is a younger generation trying to break away, trying to create a different lifestyle of leisure and pleasure.
Fanny stands in the middle ground. She cannot condemn the audaciousness of her sisters, brothers and friends but cannot be a party to their excesses( the theater) which she knows for certain is the breeding ground of evil.
The society or the milieu in general respects authority and authority comes with wealth and prosperity. The Squires and Lords are looked up to, not because of any noble virtue but because of their position. Erroneous behavior becomes the stock on which the neighborhood feeds and all people are judged, lauded or flogged in private. The domestic scene is everything. Scandal or silly news constitute the major part of conversation especially among the ladies.
Mansfield Park is a sad novel, lacking in fun or revelry. The humor that is presented is subdued. The strength of the novel is its characterization.