1. Conservatism vs. Liberalism: What’s Wrong? 9-23
Mansfield Park (II)
Conservatism vs. Liberalism:
What’s Wrong? 9-23
18_ She worked very diligently under her aunt's direction ~ Volume I, Chapter XVIII (18) 19_A ranting young man who appeared likely to knock him down backwards ~ ~ Volume II, Chapter I (19) Image Source

2. Outline I. Introduction: Plot, Pattern and Themes
II. Sotherton: The chapel & Clergyman as a Career (3, 4)
III. The Play: Edmund vs. Henry, Tom & Yates (1, 9)
IV. Upholders of Tradition: Sr. Thomas vs. Lady Bertram & Mrs. Norris (2, 10)
V. Escapes from Tradition: Julia vs. Maria (8, 7)
VI. Fanny vs. Mary (5, 6)
Outline
3, 1, 2, 8, 5

3. (1) the Sotherton Episode
Maria
Henry
Rushworth
Edmund
Mary
Fanny
(1) the Sotherton Episode

4. The Lover’s Vows & Aftermath R (Mary-Fanny): 30:33; 44:40 BBC-2: 7:30
Agatha Friburg [Maria], an innocent village maiden, was seduced under the promise of marriage by Baron Wildenhaim [Mr Yates] and then left to bring up their son, Frederick [Henry], alone;
The Baron subsequently went to France and married there, and has now returned to his native estate in Germany as a widower, with one youthful daughter, Amelia [Mary].
The Baron is considering marrying Amelia off to the rich Count Cassel [Rushworth], but she loves her tutor, the Reverend Mr Anhalt [Edmund]
Added discussion of slavery R: 34:30; BBC-3: 1:00
Maria’s marriage BBC [after the play]; R [after seeing Henry with Fanny] 39:34
Connection between Henry and Fanny:
R: I can't get out,” said the starling.—God help thee! said I, but I'll let thee out, cost what it will; so I turn'd about the cage to get to the door; 40:00;
BBC-3: dig a hole in her heart
The Lover’s Vows & Aftermath R (Mary-Fanny): 30:33; 44:40
BBC-2: 7:30

5. Plot Summary: Chap 9-11 9: Sotherton --Mary vs. Fanny
--Chapel prayer & Edmund’s profession.
10 “ha-ha”
--Fanny left all 4 times
-- Her responses
11: Star-gazing vs. Glee
Mary on “sacrifice” & clergyman
--Edmund on Mary
--Fanny on nature 8 9
Chapter IX — Mrs. Rushworth shows off the house to her guests. They visit the chapel, and Edmund's future profession is discussed. They leave the house to view the grounds. Miss Crawford believes a clergyman is nothing.
Chapter X — Miss Price is left all alone. Two people come by; a locked gate bars the way, but they find their way around it and go off on their own, another follows, and the key arrives too late. Fanny was left a whole hour.
Chapter XI — Sir Thomas writes he is coming home. His eldest daughter is not joyful at the news. Miss Crawford again discusses Edmund's career with him. Such men do nothing but eat, drink, and grow fat; Fanny and Edmund say otherwise.
Plot Summary:
Chap 9-11
source

6. Plot Summary: Chap 12-14 12 Tom & Henry return
Rivalry between Maria and Julia -- Fanny on Henry -- Fanny’s 1st ball; 2 matches discussed
--Tom criticizes Mrs. Norris
13: the play
Mr. Yates proposes a play
Edmund against it
14 Lovers’ Vows & Casting
They want both comedy & tragedy; Fanny sees their selfishness
-- Maria or Julia as Agatha? 8
O Chapter XII — Miss Crawford prefers Edmund, after Tom’s back. Hunting season, and Tom returns. Fanny is critical of Mr. Crawford and thinks he is flirting with the wrong Bertram sister, while others think he is courting the right one.
Chapter XIII — Mr. Yates is at Mansfield Park and brings with him theatrical ideas. A play's the thing! Edmund objects, but Tom outranks him.
Chapter XIV — What play should it be? It must have the right number of parts to suit everyone. Casting begins. The play has two female roles, but there are three ladies to fill them; one (Julia) must be left out.
Plot Summary:
Chap 12-14
source

7. Plot Summary: Chap 15-19 15 16 17 18 19 Ed tries to stop Maria Anhalt?. 15
Ed tries to stop Maria
Anhalt?
Cottager’s wife? Mary comes to support Fanny 16
Fanny in her self-doubt in the East room;
Edmund changes his mind 17
Rehearsal: Fanny & Julia as two lonely sufferers 18
Fanny starts to help
Fanny in between Edmund and Mary; Fanny forgotten
Fanny asked to read the lines of cottager’s wife 19
Sr Thomas back; greets his family happily
LB reveals the play; Sr. Thomas is then surprised to meet Mr. Yates
All is put to a stop
Chapter XV — Edmund thinks the choice of play is bad and argues against his sister's part in it. Fanny will not act.
Chapter XVI — Edmund is forced to take a part. Does Fanny agree with his decision?
Chapter XVII — Julia is not pleased with the arrangements or Mr. Crawford.
Chapter XVIII — Rehearsals and sets progress. Miss Crawford asks Fanny for help, Edmund joins them. Sir Thomas is home
Chapter I (19) — Sir Thomas warmly greets his family and Fanny. They sit around the fire and listen to his tales. Sir Thomas sees what they have been doing and is not pleased.
Plot Summary:
Chap 15-19
source

8. 20
Edmund explains the situation to ST
ST talks to Mrs. Norris about the play’s inappropriateness
Henry and Yates both gone; the curtain given to Mrs. Norris 21
Fanny improved both in looks and thoughts; explains ST to Edmund,
ST discusses Rushworth with Maria
Maria’s marriage: escape from home, restraint and tranquility 22
Fanny and Mary becomes closer after both Maria and Julia are gone
F & M: discuss memory & nature; name (Sir vs. Mr.)
F, M & Edmund: discuss poverty 23
Invitation of Mrs. Grant;
Fanny is allowed to go, and by coach
Henry back, too.
Chapter II (20) — Sir Thomas lays much of the blame on the Aunt, and she is proud of Rushworth. Maria hopes to exchange one man for another, but nothing comes of it. Crawford leaves Mansfield for Bath.
Chapter III (21) — Fanny must learn to be looked at, and she asks Sir Thomas about a certain trade. Sir Thomas gets better acquainted with Mr. Rushworth and is not pleased. Maria tells her father she likes the man. It was a very proper wedding.
Chapter IV (22) — Fanny gets caught in the rain and goes into the parsonage. Miss Crawford plays the harp. I had not imagined a country parson ever aspired to a shrubbery. Mary is better reconciled to a country residence. There is nobleness in the name of Edmund. He wishes only not to be poor.
Chapter V (23) — But why should Mrs. Grant ask Fanny to dine? Mrs. Norris thinks it a great indulgence. Sir Thomas has the carriage brought round. Crawford has returned and looks back on the theatricals with pleasure; he also wishes to hear his friend's first sermon.
Plot Summary:
Chap 19-23
source

9. Conservatism vs. Liberalism in different couples
Mary & Edmund
Maria, Julia & Henry
Mr. Yates & Tom
Rushworth & Maria
Fanny & Mary
Fanny & Henry
Conservatism vs. Liberalism
in different couples

10. d

11. Sotherton: -- How does the chapel mean different things for Mary, Fanny & Mrs. Rushworth? How does Mary look at Clergyman as a Career (3, 4)? Do you agree with her?
The Play: Edmund vs. Henry, Tom & Yates (1, 9) What’s wrong with putting up a family theatrical which only the family members can view? What different values are presented by the 4 characters?
Upholders of Tradition: Sr. Thomas vs. Rushworth, Lady Bertram & Mrs. Norris (2, 10) How do you characterize these four characters and their positions in their estates? Is Sr. Thomas tyrannical? Give examples of the comical representations of the other 3 characters.
Escapes from Tradition: Julia vs. Maria (8, 7)
Describe their rivalry, what they care about, and how they find ways out of their constraints
5. Fanny vs. Mary (5, 6): How are the two opposed to each other? Why does Fanny “not love” Mary?
Discussion Questions: Answer with at least two quotes and analysis of them
3, 1, 2, 8, 5

12. II. Sotherton: The chapel & Clergyman as a Career
It was Thorton Lacey

13. Mary about clergyman (9 & 11. discussion of clergy) Edmund
“The profession, either navy or army, is its own justification. It has every thing in its favour; heroism, danger, bustle, fashion. …
“Indolence and love of ease—a want of all laudable ambition, of taste for good company, or of inclination to take the trouble of being agreeable, which make men clergymen” (X 78).
Edmund on Mary: “good humor” “temper that never gives pain” sociable and graceful
Mary about clergyman (9 & 11. discussion of clergy) Edmund

14. III. The Play: Edmund vs. Henry, Tom & Yates
It is a great while since we have had any star-gazing.” The glee began. “We will stay till this is finished, Fanny,” said [Edmund], turning his back on the window. [Joan Hassall, Mansfield Park – Pemberley.com]

15. Edmund’s Reasons against the play (chap XIII) Tom
He is not against the play,
but against his family’s doing it, since they “bred to the trade,—a set of gentlemen and ladies, who have all the disadvantages of education and decorum to struggle through” (13: 88)
2) Lack of concern for their father (who is absent and may be in danger 89)
3) Expenses involved (90)
Tom: -- to boost up the mother’s spirits
-- He’ll take care of the family
-- “Don’t expect to govern everybody else.”
Edmund’s Reasons against the play (chap XIII) Tom

16. Both expressed great interest in it.
Both wish that their plays had not been stopped
Yates—about the previous play—wanting 3 days* (13: 87)
Yates – being “never been with those who thought much of parental claims, or family confidence,” he thinks that the play is only temporarily interrupted; he keeps talking to ST about the play (19: 127)
For Yates, ST is “unintelligibly moral, so
infamously tyrannical” (132)
Henry – when he comes back in chap 23 (II: 5: 154)*
Mr. Yates & Henry
1) Yates: “the poor old dowager could not have died at a worse time; and it is impossible to
help wishing, that the news could have been suppressed for just the three days we wanted.”
2) Henry: “We were all alive. There was employment, hope, solicitude, bustle, for every hour of the
day. Always some little objection, some little doubt, some little anxiety to be got over. I never was happier.“(II: 5: 154)

17. Examples of inconstancy: Henry & Tom
1. Henry: flirting with women; with Maria and Julia at the same time; stays at his estate for only 2 weeks (12: 82) 2. Henry on “man of the world” [when flirting with Maria at Sotherton]: chap 10: 70* Saying that his feelings are not evanescent, he then belittle the conversation between him and Julia as telling some “ridiculous” stories. 3. Tom: [at Fanny’s 1st ball] does not invite her to dance, but do so when being asked to play rubber with Mrs. Rushworth (12: 84-82)
“My feelings are not quite so evanescent, nor my memory of the past under such easy dominion as one finds to be the case with men of the world.“
Examples of inconstancy: Henry & Tom

18. Fanny about Henry’s inconstancy
Chap 12: “I am rather surprised," said she, "that Mr. Crawford should come back again so soon, after being here so long before, full seven weeks; for I had understood he was so very fond of change and moving about, that I thought something would certainly occur when he was once gone, to take him elsewhere. He is used to much gayer places than Mansfield.”(82)
Fanny about Henry’s inconstancy

19. IV. Upholders of Tradition: Sr. Thomas vs. Mr
IV. Upholders of Tradition: Sr. Thomas vs. Mr. Rushworth, Lady Bertram & Mrs. Norris
He could not help giving Mrs. Norris a hint ~ Volume II, Chapter II (20) (source)

20. Sir Thomas Mr. Rushworth
Performs his duties as a estate owner; burn all the scripts
Spells out his principles of domestic tranquility
1) Prefers “doing nothing,” being a follower*
3) Manages to be polite to both Yates and Rushworth
2) Re. Henry: criticizes his height. “not above five feet eight, or he will be expecting a well-looking man“ (128)
3) Concerns with Maria’s happiness
3) Cannot understand ST*
Sir Thomas Mr. Rushworth
1) Rushworth about rehearsal: “It is having too much of a good thing. I am not so fond of acting as I was at first. I think we are a great deal better employed, sitting comfortably here among ourselves,
and doing nothing.“
2) “That I should be cautious and quick-sighted, and feel many scruples which my children do not feel, is perfectly natural; and equally so that my value for domestic tranquility, for a home which shuts out noisy pleasures, should much exceed theirs. But at your time of life to feel all this, is a most favorable circumstance for yourself and for every body connected with you; and I am sensible
of the importance of having an ally of such weight."

21. acquisitive, manipulative busybody— (19/II: 1: 124-25)
without moral principles: Blind to the problems of play-acting and the associations (20/II: 2: )
Mrs. Norris Fanny

22. 3) Prefers Maria and Julia, expects the two of them to be married respectively to Rushworth and Henry
4) Supporting the class system, trying to keep Fanny in a servant position
e.g. – asks Fanny to pick roses and walk back & forth between MP and her place
-- Does not think that Fanny should go to Sotherton,
-- or that Fanny should be invited by Mrs. Grant
-- “ashamed of Fanny” when she does not want to act in the play (chap 15: 103*)
Mrs. Norris Fanny
… addressing her in a whisper at once angry and audible: "What a piece of work here is about nothing,—nothing,—I am quite ashamed of you, Fanny, to make such a difficulty of obliging your cousins in a trifle of this sort,—So kind as they are to you!—Take the part with a good grace,
and let us hear no more of the matter, I entreat.“ (chap 15: 103)

23. V. Against Tradition: Julia vs. Maria
8_Her prospect always ended in Mr. Crawford and her sister sitting side by side ~ Volume I, Chapter VIII (8)

24. Rivalry between the two sisters, their feelings being manipulated by Henry
during the trip to Sotherton (the ride vs. the walk chap 8)
when Henry returns (chap 12: 82)
during play rehearsal (chap 14: 94)
-- Julia suspects Henry’s attempt to pacify her, refuses the role of Amelia; suffers alone (end of chap 14 & 15)
-- Maria refuses to give up the role of Agatha, for fear that Julia would take it.
Julia vs. Maria – Sisters out for Fun & on Marriage Market -- They will defy social customs for fun and “love”

25. Fanny vs. Mary

26. Fanny Mary Love or unspoken rivalry?
[when Mary finds out about Edmund’s future profession] “Miss Crawford's countenance, as Julia spoke, might have amused a disinterested observer. She looked almost aghast under the new idea she was receiving. Fanny pitied her.”
More than once does the narrator say that Fanny does not ‘love’ her.
When Mary tries to save her out of Mrs. Norris’ coercion for Fanny to join the play (10: 106)
When Fanny starts to visit Mary on regular basis (II: 4/22: 143)*
Fanny Mary
Fanny went to her every two or three days; it seemed a kind of fascination; she could not be easy without going, and yet it was without loving her, without ever thinking like her, without any sense of obligation for being sought after now when nobody else was to be had; and deriving no higher pleasure from her conversation than occasional amusement, and that often at the expense of her judgment, when it was raised by pleasantry on people or subjects which she wished to be respected. She went however, …((II: 4/22: 143)

27. Fanny vs. Mary Fanny Mary “ (8: Weak, needs horse-riding for health
Strong, a good horsewoman
-- Passive, self-denying or Considerate
-- Self-centered*; sees nature as a setting for her self-image
-- Moralistic or Principled & Thoughtful
--”Her own thoughts and reflections were
habitually her best companions” (8: 58)
“where an opinion is general, it is usually correct” (79)
“she saw nature, inanimate nature,
with little observation; her attention was all for men and women, her
talents for the light and lively”
Fanny vs. Mary
“Selfishness must always be forgiven you know, because there is no hope of a cure” (7: 49)

28. Mary – a Witty but superficial Socialite: Her language & Views
“What gentleman among you am I to have the pleasure of making love?” (1: 15).
Many other examples of her teasing Edmund
Mary – a Witty but superficial Socialite: Her language & Views

29. Is Fanny too quiet and passive?
1. Examples of her “self-denial” -- she tells Edmund that she does not want to ride his horse when being asked -- she tells Tom that she does not want to dance at her first ball Examples of her self-assertion -- she still expresses her opinions about the chapel, the avenue and about Henry’s preferring Maria she explains to Edmund how the life at Mansfield Park has always been quiet and serene, though the latter feels otherwise after the departure of Maria and Julia -- Her question about slave trade “But there was such a dead silence” (21/II: 3: 136) -- her views of nature & memory*
“The memory is sometimes so retentive, so serviceable, so obedient—at others, so bewildered and so weak—and at others again, so tyrannic, so beyond control!—We are to be sure a miracle every way—but our powers of recollecting and of forgetting, do seem peculiarly past finding out."
Is Fanny too quiet and passive?

30. 1. Examples of her “judgment” -- of Mary; of Henry; of the play actors; of the rivalry between the two Bertram sisters, being angry but also trying to excuse, help or pity them * 2. Fanny being considerate and positive in thinking -- at the “ha-ha” episode (chap 10), she tries to make Mr. Rushworth feel better* -- She defends Edmund’s choice of clergyman (chap 11) -- She supports the play rehearsal by being their audience and prompter* -- She finds Mr. Grant’s choice of clergyman the best possible choice
1) [in front of ha-ha], Fanny was again left to her solitude, and with no increase of pleasant feelings, for she was sorry for almost all that she had seen and heard, astonished at Miss Bertram, and angry with Mr. Crawford. (10: 71)
"Nothing could be more obliging than your manner, I am sure, and I dare say you walked as fast as you could; but still it is some distance, you know, from this spot to the house, quite into the house; and when people are waiting, they are bad judges of time, and every half minute seems like five.“
"It is a pity you should not join them. They expected to have a better view of the house from that part of the park, and will be thinking how it may be improved; and nothing of that sort, you know, can be settled without you.“ (10: 73)
“Fanny began to be their only audience—and sometimes as prompter, sometimes as spectator—was often very useful.” (18: 115)
Too Moralistic?

31. Fanny in her Emotional Moments:
Some examples of Fanny’s emotional moments: [her sense of isolation as a child] 1) When she sees Edmund and Mary riding horses;* 2) When she is left behind in their walk at the wilderness in Sotherton 3) When Edmund decides to play Anhalt* 4) When Mary and Edmund rehearse before Fanny (18: )* 5) When she watches Mary play the music Edmund likes with her harp
1) [when seeing Edmund and Mary riding horses back...] “she wondered that Edmund should forget her, and felt a pang. She could not turn her eyes from the meadow, she could not help watching all that passed. At first Miss Crawford and her companion made the circuit of the field, which was not small, at a foot's pace; then, at her apparent suggestion, they rose into a canter; and to Fanny's timid nature it was most astonishing to see how well she sat. After a few minutes, they stopt entirely, Edmund was close to her, he was speaking to her, he was evidently directing her management of the bridle, he had hold of her hand; she saw it, or the imagination supplied what the eye could not reach. ”(7: 49)
2) [about Edmund’s deciding to play Anhalt: chap 16] “He went; but there was no reading, no China, no composure for Fanny. He had told her the most extraordinary, the most inconceivable,
the most unwelcome news; and she could think of nothing else. To be acting! After all his objections—objections so just and so public! After all that she had heard him say, and seen him look, and known him to be feeling. Could it be possible? Edmund so inconsistent. Was he not
deceiving himself? Was he not wrong? Alas! it was all Miss Crawford's doing. (16: 110)
3) [Fanny all alone: chap 17] Her heart and her judgment were equally against Edmund's decision; she could not acquit his unsteadiness; and his happiness under it made her wretched. …
She alone was sad and insignificant; she had no share in any thing; she might go or stay, she might be in the midst of their noise, or retreat from it to the solitude of the East room, without being seen or missed. She could almost think any thing would have been preferable to this.
4) [Edmund and Mary rehearsing before her: chap 18] “Her spirits sank under the glow of theirs, and she felt herself becoming too nearly nothing to both, to have any comfort in having been sought by either. “
Fanny in her Emotional Moments:
Interior Monologue (Free Indirect Discourse)

32. Reading and Discussion Schedule1
2/25
Mansfield Park Introduction & (1) Chap: 1-8 (60 pages) 
Cinderella in MP as a Society of Landed Gentry 2
3/3
Summary, Quiz: Mansfield Park (2.1):  Chap 9-14 (60 pages) -- Sotherton & Lovers’ Vows 3
3/10
Mansfield Park (2.2) Chap 9-23/I:12- II:5 
Conservatism vs. Liberalism: What’s Wrong? 4
3/17
Summary, Quiz: Mansfield Park (3.1) Chap 24-31/ II:5-II: 13 (53 pages)--Henry’s Love: Why not? 5
3/24
Mansfield Park (3.2) Chap (II: 6- III: 5)
Home, Class & Love 6
3/31
-Spring Break - 7
4/7
Mansfield Park (4) Chap (Vol III: 6-17; 80 pages)
British Empire: Its Order and Boundaries
Reading and Discussion Schedule