Mansfield Park: Analysis of Major Characters
*Mansfield Park* is a novel by Jane Austen that explores complex social dynamics through its major characters. Central to the story is Fanny Price, a timid and self-effacing young woman raised by her wealthy relatives, the Bertrams. Despite her lowly status as a poor relation, she remains steadfast in her values, rejecting the advances of the charming but shallow Henry Crawford. Fanny's judgment ultimately earns her the respect of Sir Thomas Bertram, her guardian, who initially struggles to understand her worth compared to his own daughters.
The character of Sir Thomas Bertram embodies a dignified yet remote paternal figure, whose journey leads him to recognize Fanny's superior moral judgment. In contrast, Lady Bertram is depicted as indulgent and passive, while Mrs. Norris, Fanny's aunt, is a harsh and self-serving figure whose favoritism negatively impacts her nieces. Other characters include Edmund Bertram, who must reconcile his feelings for the worldly Mary Crawford with his growing love for Fanny, and the spoiled Bertram sisters, Maria and Julia, whose reckless choices lead to disgrace.
The narrative intricately weaves these characters' relationships and moral dilemmas, highlighting themes of social class, personal integrity, and the consequences of one's choices. As the story unfolds, it ultimately leads to Fanny and Edmund's marriage, emphasizing the triumph of virtue and true affection amidst societal pressures.
Mansfield Park: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Jane Austen
First published: 1814
Genre: Novel
Locale: Northamptonshire, England
Plot: Domestic realism
Time: Early nineteenth century
Fanny Price, the heroine of the novel. Brought up by the Bertrams at Mansfield Park, she is timid and self-effacing and is constantly reminded by her Aunt Norris of her position as a poor relation. She has always loved Edmund Bertram, the second son. Henry Crawford falls in love with her and proposes, but she refuses him, for she considers him shallow and worldly. Thus she angers Sir Thomas Bertram, who feels that she has thrown away her best chance for marriage. Later, when both Bertram daughters disgrace themselves, Sir Thomas understands Fanny's real worth. Edmund, who had thought himself in love with Mary Crawford, is shocked by her attitude toward his sisters' behavior and realizes that he actually loves Fanny. They are married at the end of the novel.
Sir Thomas Bertram, a wealthy Baronet, the owner of Mansfield Park. He is dignified, reserved, fundamentally kind and just, but too remote from his children to understand them. Though fond of Fanny Price, he is angered by her refusal to marry Henry Crawford; however, when his daughters disgrace him, he realizes that Fanny has a better judgment of people than he and is happy when she marries his younger son.
Lady Bertram, his wife, the spoiled beauty of her family. She is an indolent, self-indulgent, good-natured woman.
Mrs. Norris, her sister, the widow of a clergyman. A stingy, ill-tempered busybody, she is unbearably severe to her poor niece, Fanny Price, but lavish in her flattery of the rich Bertrams. Her flattery does much to ruin the characters of the Bertram daughters. After Maria Bertram's divorce, Mrs. Norris goes to live with her.
Mrs. Price, the third sister, Fanny's mother. She has made the worst marriage, her husband being a lieutenant of marines without fortune or connections. They have nine children and live on the edge of poverty.
Lieutenant Price, her husband, a marine officer disabled for active service. He is uncouth but good-natured.
William Price, their son, in the Royal Navy. The favorite of his sister Fanny, he gets his promotion through the Crawfords' friendship with her.
Tom Bertram, the older son of Sir Thomas. He is head-strong, worldly, and idle, but a severe illness sobers him.
Edmund Bertram, the second son, a serious young man who desires to take holy orders. He fancies himself in love with Mary Crawford until, disgusted by her cynical attitude toward the clergy and by her easy acceptance of his sisters' conduct, he becomes aware that he really loves Fanny Price. They are married and live near Mansfield Park.
Maria Bertram, the older daughter, spoiled and selfish. She marries wealthy Mr. Rushworth but tires of him, runs off with Henry Crawford, and is irretrievably disgraced.
Julia Bertram, the second daughter, equally spoiled. She elopes with Mr. Yates and by so doing cuts herself off from her family.
Henry Crawford, a wealthy young man who flirts with Maria Bertram. He falls in love with Fanny Price, but she refuses him, and he elopes with Maria. They separate after a few months.
Mary Crawford, his sister. She is cynical and worldly but attracts Edmund Bertram. He is disillusioned and repelled when she takes his sisters' conduct so casually.
Mr. Rushworth, the rich but brainless husband of Maria Bertram, whom she deserts for Henry Crawford.
Mr. Yates, a fashionable young man who visits Mansfield Park and eventually elopes with Julia Bertram. The marriage greatly displeases her father.