Mansfield Park · Chapter
Chapter XLVI explained
Fanny and Susan leave Portsmouth with Edmund, who is deeply distressed by recent scandals.
What happens
Fanny and Susan leave Portsmouth with Edmund, who is deeply distressed by recent scandals. Fanny receives a cryptic letter from Mary Crawford hinting at a rumor about Henry, but Fanny is more focused on the joy of returning to Mansfield Park with Susan. The journey is somber, with Edmund struggling to suppress his emotions. Upon arrival, Lady Bertram welcomes Fanny warmly, expressing comfort in her presence.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance vs. Reality
Fanny's joy at leaving Portsmouth contrasts with the underlying sorrow of the Bertrams' scandal, and Mary's letter attempts to present a favorable appearance of Henry despite the rumor.
Home and Belonging
Fanny's return to Mansfield Park is portrayed as a return to a beloved home, while her departure from Portsmouth highlights her lack of belonging there.
Family and Obligation
Fanny is sent for as a comfort to Lady Bertram, and she takes on the responsibility of bringing Susan, reflecting family duties and obligations.
Characters to notice
- Fanny Price
Fanny experiences a mix of joy and sorrow as she leaves Portsmouth, returns to Mansfield Park, and receives a troubling letter from Mary Crawford.
- Edmund Bertram
Edmund is visibly ill and suffering from suppressed emotions, deeply affected by recent events, and finds relief only in motion.
- Susan Price
Susan accompanies Fanny to Mansfield Park, feeling anxious about fitting into the gentile society and excited about the journey.
- Lady Bertram
Lady Bertram greets Fanny with unusual warmth and eagerness, expressing comfort upon her arrival.
- Mary Crawford
Mary Crawford writes a cryptic letter to Fanny about a scandalous rumor involving Henry, urging secrecy.
- Henry Crawford
Henry Crawford is implicated in a scandalous rumor, though Mary insists he is blameless and still devoted to Fanny.
Key passages
“How her heart swelled with joy and gratitude as she passed the barriers of Portsmouth, and how Susan's face wore its broadest smiles, may be easily conceived.”
Fanny felt immense joy and thankfulness as they left Portsmouth, and Susan was beaming with happiness.
Highlights Fanny's relief at leaving Portsmouth and Susan's excitement for the journey.
“Never had Fanny more wanted a cordial. Never had she felt such a one as this letter contained. Tomorrow! to leave Portsmouth tomorrow!”
Fanny had never needed comfort more, and the letter brought exactly that: the news that she would leave Portsmouth the next day.
Shows Fanny's emotional response to the letter summoning her to Mansfield Park.
“He looked very ill; evidently suffering under violent emotions, which he was determined to suppress.”
Edmund appeared very unwell, clearly struggling with intense feelings that he was trying to hide.
Describes Edmund's physical and emotional state during the journey.