In this episode, we read Chapters 31 to 34 of Mansfield Park. We talk about Fanny’s initial failure to realise she has received a true proposal, the amount of pressure placed on her to accept, the picture everyone has of little, modest Fanny, and the difference between Sir Thomas and Fanny’s views of marriage.
We discuss Henry Crawford, then Ellen talks about ordination, and Harriet looks at how adaptations and modernisations treat these chapters, particularly the scene between Fanny and Sir Thomas.
Things we mention:
Reasons for delay
- Harriet’s Virtual JaneCon video: Wearing a flannel waistcoat to a duel: Why we don’t see Colonel Brandon as a Romantic hero
General and character discussion:
- Barbara Pym, Excellent Women (1952)
- The Daily Knightley (2021) [podcast]
Historical discussion:
- Irene Collins, Jane Austen and the Clergy (2002)
- The 1559 Book of Common Prayer
- Georgina Battiscombe, John Keble: A Study in Limitations (1963)
Popular culture discussion:
- Adaptations:
- BBC, Mansfield Park (1983) – starring Sylvestra Le Touzel and Nicholas Farrell (6 episodes)
- Miramax, Mansfield Park (1999) – starring Frances O’Connor and Jonny Lee Miller
- ITV, Mansfield Park (2007) – starring Billie Piper and Blake Ritson
- Modernisations:
- YouTube, Foot in the Door Theatre, From Mansfield With Love (2014-2015)
Comment on previous episode
- The Thing About Austen [podcast]
Creative commons music used:
- Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. Adagio.
- Extract from Joseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006. File originally from IMSLP.
- Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto Grazioso. File originally from Musopen.
- Extract from George Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. Allegro. File originally from Musopen.
- Extract from Christoph Willibald Gluck, Orfeo ed Euridice. File from IMSLP.
- Extract from Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major. File originally from Musopen.
Love MP and this podcast.
Any thoughts on how Fanny is able to escape Sir Thomas’s suspicion (in the east room conversation) that she could be in love with one of his sons? I’ve always concluded that it’s because he seems to be focusing on Tom rather than Edmund, and that’s why she is able to answer “calmly”. But I don’t know.
Great discussion of Henry Crawford. The note that Henry brings to Fanny from Mary: that section is always so hilarious to me. Poor little Fanny having to think fast and respond to that dangerous pair, without the adults noticing what’s going on! I’m always on her side and hate the Crawfords for pressuring her so (or, “hate-enjoy” — they’re awful and funny).