Mansfield Park · Chapter
Chapter XLIII explained
Fanny receives a letter from Mary Crawford detailing Henry's visit to Portsmouth and his walks with Fanny and Susan.
What happens
Fanny receives a letter from Mary Crawford detailing Henry's visit to Portsmouth and his walks with Fanny and Susan. Mary's letter reveals her continued interest in Edmund, though she speaks only of his appearance, which distresses Fanny. Fanny reflects on Susan's longing for Mansfield Park and her own anxiety about leaving Susan behind. She also contemplates Henry Crawford's intentions and Mary's manipulative schemes, including a possible meeting between Henry and Mrs. Rushworth. Fanny's restlessness subsides as she resumes her educational talks with Susan.
Themes in this chapter
Education and Character
Fanny educates Susan, who lacks early reading habits but shows a strong desire to learn, highlighting the role of instruction in moral and social development.
Home and Belonging
Fanny and Susan both feel out of place in Portsmouth; Susan longs for Mansfield Park, and Fanny dreads leaving her behind.
Appearance vs. Reality
Mary Crawford's letter focuses on superficial appearances (Edmund's looks, Henry's social value) while hiding deeper intentions, contrasting with Fanny's genuine concern for character.
Characters to notice
- Fanny Price
Acts as Susan's oracle, teaching her history and morals; deeply anxious about Susan's future and Edmund's attachment to Mary Crawford.
- Susan Price
Eagerly learns from Fanny, showing a strong desire for gentility and longing to visit Mansfield Park.
- Mary Crawford
Writes a letter to Fanny describing Henry's visit and her own social life; speaks of Edmund only in terms of his appearance, disappointing Fanny.
- Henry Crawford
Visited Fanny in Portsmouth, walked with her and Susan; plans to go to Norfolk and may see the Rushworths.
- Edmund Bertram
Mentioned in Mary's letter as having dined with her; Fanny worries about his attachment to Mary.
- Maria Bertram
Referred to as Mrs. Rushworth; Mary Crawford hopes Henry will meet her, which Fanny disapproves of.
Key passages
“Fanny was her oracle. Fanny’s explanations and remarks were a most important addition to every essay, or every chapter of history.”
Fanny served as Susan's trusted guide, enriching every lesson with her insights.
Shows Fanny's role as educator and Susan's respect for her knowledge.
“The woman who could speak of him, and speak only of his appearance! What an unworthy attachment!”
Fanny is appalled that Mary values Edmund only for his looks, considering it a shallow and unworthy affection.
Highlights Fanny's judgment of Mary's superficiality.
“That Miss Crawford should endeavour to secure a meeting between him and Mrs. Rushworth, was all in her worst line of conduct, and grossly unkind and ill-judged.”
Fanny thinks Mary's attempt to arrange a meeting between Henry and Maria is cruel and foolish.
Reflects Fanny's moral disapproval of Mary's scheming.