Jane Austen

Mansfield Park Jane Austen

The novel tells the story of Fanny Price, starting when her overburdened, impoverished family sends her at age ten to live in the household of her wealthy aunt and uncle; it follows her development and concludes in early adulthood. From early on critical reception has been diverse. To some, the heroine Fanny Price was appealing; to others appalling. Some saw the novel as straightforward; others as intensely ironic with many disguised allusions. Some have emphasised the novel's traditional values; others have emphasised its radical and feminist viewpoint. Critics have differed over Austen's views about theatrical performance and have been challenged by the centrality or otherwise of ordination and religion. From the late 20th century onward, Mansfield Park has been considered Austen's most controversial novel. Historical allusions and context have featured prominently; questions are addressed in fresh ways. What does Austen imply about the state of England and international affairs? Does Austen support or oppose the slave trade? Does Austen portray city immorality as more attractive than country morality, and which does she favour? There has also been a growing awareness of Austen's extremely sophisticated psychological characterisations. Critics increasingly see the novel as asking questions of the reader rather than supplying the answers, assuming that Fanny Price is speaking for Austen when she says to Henry Crawford, "We have all a better guide in ourselves, if we would attend to it, than any other person can be". Several adaptations of the novel were also made later for stage and screen.