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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
I didn’t hate the characters in this as much as I did those in Sense and Sensibility and was actually quite invested in their developments, so that’s why, although I still hate the conclusions in this, I’m still ultimately rating it higher.. That being said. I am actually really glad that this is the last Austen novel I read because it captures all of my issues with her and her worldview so aptly. To me, the reason Pride and Prejudice is comparatively her strongest novel is because it’s where Austen acknowledges the consequences of her own pride and prejudice the most. It’s where her characters as a whole feel the most well rounded and human, and capable of being forgiven despite the presence of their vices. In most of her other novels, Austen’s arrogance and self-righteousness hold her characters hostage to their pre-determined fates. It’s especially prevalent here in Mansfield Park, because the characters have to lack complexity in order for Fanny to be right about her own convictions in the end. I’m not a fan of Henry Crawford, nor do I think Fanny is obligated to reciprocate his affections, but the fact that he and Mary are ultimately doomed to stagnancy in order for the message of the novel to ring true feels incredibly lazy and self-serving. It’s not to say there isn’t worth in class critique, because there certainly is, but Fanny’s world view doesn’t stem from any real kind of empathy. She’s a victim indoctrinated into her extended family’s—and particularly her cousin’s—brand of conservative propriety and classism. The narrative doesn’t view it as such, but it’s practically tragic that she’s incapable of connecting with her own family once she finally reunites with them because she’s become one with the Bertrams’ standards and ideals in spite of their constant condescension towards and neglect of her. There’s also her simultaneous patronization towards and judgment of women by way of that upbringing. Fanny is ultimately a victim through-and-through, indoctrinated into so many self-hating ideologies that she develops into a self-righteous and resentful person. (Tangentially, I’m shocked people call Anne Austen’s most resentful heroine. She isn’t by a long mile. In fact, she possesses the grace and capacity for forgiveness that so many Austen characters lack.) In that sense, Fanny and Edmund are made for each other, but to any sensible person it’s tragic, because had she been raised in a more loving and forgiving environment to begin with, things might have been very different.
FINAL RATING: 3.5
FINAL RATING: 3.5
I am an introverted person and had hoped to relate to Fanny Price, but found that I did not and frankly she quite frustrated me. But I embraced that fact and found the book still interesting and engaging even when I didn't relate to, or particularly feel a fondness for, almost any of the characters. Fanny certainly stayed true to herself and never waivered. But I did wish that her character would have grown and developed a bit more. She was like a bird with clipped wings and Austen had the chance to let her grow her feathers back and flutter a bit into the world, but instead she kept her in her nest. I was disappointed with the ending. But ultimately, if I can allow myself to be okay with all the complacency and close-mindedness of Fanny, I suppose the ending makes sense for the characters. This novel certainly made me feel: feelings of frustration, hope, and irritation! But as I said, it is not necessary for us to love or relate to all book protagonists and this was quite an unusual journey in character exploration. But why spend so much time developing a character like Henry and have it seem like both characters are learning and growing towards making each other better people only to completely toss him out into the trash in such a careless way! It vexed me a bit.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
we love Fanny in this house ❤️ we like Edmund, William, and Susan as well<3 we hate Henry & Maria C. and Mrs. Norris 👎🏼👎🏼🍅🍅 It was a great book! I just love Fanny’s character, I love its beautiful story, and the characters were well written ! A 10/10 🙂↕️
challenging
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is so beautifully written. Jane Austen is just amazing.
I'm really surprised by the dislike towards Fanny. I found her quite admirable, she knew her mind & she did not falter despite the fact that everyone piled up on her.
This is no romance but a social commentary. I was aware of this prior to reading so I was not disappointed like many seem to be.
I'm really surprised by the dislike towards Fanny. I found her quite admirable, she knew her mind & she did not falter despite the fact that everyone piled up on her.
This is no romance but a social commentary. I was aware of this prior to reading so I was not disappointed like many seem to be.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Updated review:
I've read Mansfield several times now, and I find that Fanny grows on me with each new read. The book as a whole, however, does not. It's well-written, yet for all its merits, Mansfield Park lacks the wit and character growth I've come to expect from Austen's work.
Earlier review:
In general, I'm a huge fan of Jane Austen's writing. In Mansfield Park, however, I was disappointed. It lacked most of the wit, humor, and depth of character evident in Austen's other works, and I found it difficult to cheer for characters as thick as Edmond or as meek as Fanny. Also, for all the wordy descriptions and drawn out scenes of the bulk of Mansfield, the ending was wrapped up so hastily that there wasn't even the satisfaction of a proposal or romantic scene between Edmond and Fanny. One of these days I should very much like to see someone write a variation in which Fanny does eventually fall for the altered Henry Crawford and in which Edmond receives his just desserts for being so condescending and short sighted by getting stuck with Mary.
I've read Mansfield several times now, and I find that Fanny grows on me with each new read. The book as a whole, however, does not. It's well-written, yet for all its merits, Mansfield Park lacks the wit and character growth I've come to expect from Austen's work.
Earlier review:
In general, I'm a huge fan of Jane Austen's writing. In Mansfield Park, however, I was disappointed. It lacked most of the wit, humor, and depth of character evident in Austen's other works, and I found it difficult to cheer for characters as thick as Edmond or as meek as Fanny. Also, for all the wordy descriptions and drawn out scenes of the bulk of Mansfield, the ending was wrapped up so hastily that there wasn't even the satisfaction of a proposal or romantic scene between Edmond and Fanny. One of these days I should very much like to see someone write a variation in which Fanny does eventually fall for the altered Henry Crawford and in which Edmond receives his just desserts for being so condescending and short sighted by getting stuck with Mary.
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
3.5/5⭐
A fondness for reading, properly directed, must be an education in itself.
A fondness for reading, properly directed, must be an education in itself.
I enjoyed this book. It is probably my least favorite Austen, but I love all of her work, so that’s not a condemnation at all. I knew going into this that it wasn’t really a love story, and I’m glad that I did. I think that anyone reading this as a romance would be disappointed. That being said, Austen’s aptness for examining human nature (especially human weakness) is present and accounted for, although perhaps more biting and less laugh-out-loud funny than in, say, Emma. This is largely a character-centric story and focuses on the development of Fanny Price.