Mansfield Park · Chapter
Chapter VII explained
Edmund and Fanny discuss Mary Crawford's character after her visit, with Fanny criticizing her impropriety toward her uncle.
What happens
Edmund and Fanny discuss Mary Crawford's character after her visit, with Fanny criticizing her impropriety toward her uncle. Edmund defends Mary but agrees on the indecorum. Mary's charm grows as she plays the harp, and Edmund becomes increasingly captivated. The young people enjoy several days of riding and outings, but Maria is excluded from a dinner at the Parsonage, causing resentment. Fanny, neglected and overworked by her aunts, suffers a headache and is comforted by Edmund's kindness.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance vs. Reality
Mary Crawford's charming exterior and accomplishments contrast with her underlying impropriety and lack of gratitude toward her uncle.
Marriage and Morality
Maria's exclusion from the Parsonage dinner due to Mr. Rushworth's expected visit highlights the social maneuvering around courtship and marriage.
Duty and Self-Restraint
Fanny suppresses her feelings of neglect and envy, while Maria struggles to conceal her vexation at being slighted.
Characters to notice
- Fanny Price
Fanny expresses her discomfort with Mary Crawford's impropriety and later feels neglected and overworked by her aunts, leading to a headache and emotional distress.
- Edmund Bertram
Edmund discusses Mary Crawford with Fanny, defends her to some extent, and later shows concern for Fanny's health, bringing her Madeira and resolving to ensure she can ride again.
- Mary Crawford
Mary is praised for her beauty, wit, and harp-playing; her impropriety regarding her uncle is noted, and she enjoys riding and outings with the Bertram siblings.
- Maria Bertram
Maria is excluded from a dinner at the Parsonage due to Mr. Rushworth's expected visit, causing her to be sullen and angry.
- Mrs. Norris
Mrs. Norris defends her request for Fanny to run an errand in the heat, claiming she cannot do everything herself.
- Lady Bertram
Lady Bertram is half-asleep during the evening and admits the heat was too much for her while tending to Pug.
Key passages
“It is her countenance that is so attractive. She has a wonderful play of feature! But was there nothing in her conversation that struck you, Fanny, as not quite right?”
Edmund admires Mary Crawford's expressive face but asks Fanny if she noticed anything improper in her conversation.
Edmund seeks Fanny's opinion on Mary's character, showing his growing interest and concern.
“I shall not ride tomorrow, certainly; I have been out very often lately, and would rather stay at home. You know I am strong enough now to walk very well.”
Fanny declines to ride the next day, saying she prefers to stay home and is well enough to walk.
Fanny sacrifices her own exercise to allow Mary Crawford to use the horse, showing her selflessness.
“Vexed as Edmund was with his mother and aunt, he was still more angry with himself. His own forgetfulness of her was worse than anything which they had done.”
Edmund is annoyed with his mother and aunt but even more upset with himself for neglecting Fanny.
Edmund's self-reproach highlights his care for Fanny and his guilt over her neglect.