@ainsleyharada This definitely shows the transactional nature of marriage. With the accepting of the proposal she will receive not only money, land and opportunity but also she will receive Henry’s love. Will she love him maybe no, but she loves the ideas of what she has to gain
@ainsleyharada Yes the louder much more chaotic atmosphere shows a refinement within the company at Mansfield park. But it also shows an animalistic behavior from the lower class. This solidifies the preconceived notions of the lower class.
When Fanny longs for Mansfield she longs for quiet what does that entail. Does she see Mansfield as her true home and if so what implications come with that? Also the idea of quiet is interesting to me because Fanny so often felt isolated and alone.
Chapter 38: what’s is the role of function of the death of Fanny’s sister Mary Price? Does it set the lower class as unlivable or is it just to show how much time Fanny has been away?
Chapter 38: how can we compare Portsmouth to Mansfield park. Yes the family has greeted her with much less forced respect, but they seem distracted from Fanny whereas at Mansfield park they put the attention on Fanny.
@PeterM82787 Yes this is important because it highlights how Fanny is seemingly unaffected by the idea of male attention. Though I wonder if she is just upset by this specific man’s attention I.e Henry and not Edmund. Would she react differently had it been Edmund giving the affection.
@lucygoosey317 Yes I believe this is a guiding factor to how Fanny truly feels. It seems to be pointing to feeling towards Edmund especially if we read into Fannys interactions with Mary and her obviously clear jealousy toward her
What are the effects of Fanny rejecting the proposal? It was an advantageous marriage, but it was not for love. What does this speak to in terms of the time period and the idea of marriage as a business deal?
When Mary and Fanny are discussing Edmund Fanny shows a clear lack of morals toward her supposed friend. Mary and Fanny are supposed to be “friends” yet she seems to enjoy and extend Mary’s sadness surrounding Edmund’s absence. This shows envy on the part of Fanny.
I believe that when Mary attempts to charm Fanny she assumes male attention is a priority in Fannys self worth we are able to infer certain qualities and priorities of Mary herself. Specifically patriarchal ideas that a woman’s worth is dictated by a man.
@maddyy_rose1123 I believe Fanny feels societal pressure to be happy and grateful all the time so she must show that through situations it the role of the narrator to wink at the reader and show us how Fanny bends to the will of society
@lucygoosey317 I don’t believe it is selfish it’s just Fannys tendency to be self critical. She believes just having the feelings interfered with the relationship, and that it is wrong to want someone already so closely engaged to another.
How can we see a shift in Mary’s character in this section or has she always been kind just stained with societal expectations? We see a genuine act of kindness from her, but yet her other actions show intents to change others and participate in socially unacceptable things.
The plot to charm Fanny is weirdly similar to Northanger Abbey. It shows our main heroine being tricked by a man who has terrible morals. How does this character affect Fannys class? Will it be beneficial or harmful for Fanny to continue contact and a relationship?
The association with meager pay and being a clergyman is interesting to me because it shows a disconnect between the church and the economy. The church gets a low pay while those who participate in more salacious jobs gather more of a sum.
@lucygoosey317 Sir Thomas's sudden reflects his recognition of her beauty and status,which shifts his perception of her value. Revealing how her appearance influences his treatment. Without her physical transformation, it’s likely he would have remained rude, highlighting his superficial nature
@ainsleyharada Sir Thomas offers her a way out, but Maria chooses security over personal happiness, reflecting the transactional nature of marriage in a society where social and financial stability often overhauls emotional fulfillment.
How does Fanny’sinvitation signal not only social climb to that of almost equal status of her cousins but also signals trouble for Fanny.I’m concerned going forward how the families will react to her being regarded highly. Will they kick her out or begin to change and respect her
We see Edmund coming to practice the love scene as almost flirtatious toward Fanny so I believe it’s interesting to view Mary’s efforts similarly. If so how does that affect the dynamic between Fanny and Mary? Is it one sided or is there queer undertones within their relationship
I think the irony with Mr. Rushworth’s lines is really important. It shows how he can brag about his wealth but doesn’t know how to use it. It shows a parallel because he has the money and status of being rich (having a lot of line) yet is moral reprehensible (can’t memorize)