# Chapter XVII explained — Mansfield Park

> Chapter companion for Mansfield Park by Jane Austen.

## What happens

The chapter focuses on the preparations for the play at Mansfield Park. Tom Bertram and Maria are triumphant that Edmund has agreed to act, driven by his own selfish inclinations. Fanny remains sad and insignificant, feeling jealous of Miss Crawford's influence over Edmund. Julia suffers from Henry Crawford's neglect, while Maria enjoys his attentions. Mrs. Grant agrees to take the part Fanny refused, and the sisters become alienated from each other.

## Themes in this chapter

### Theatricality and Deception

The play rehearsals highlight the theme of theatricality, as characters adopt roles that mask their true feelings and intentions, leading to deception and emotional turmoil.

### Appearance vs. Reality

The contrast between outward cheerfulness and inner suffering is evident, especially in Julia's hidden pain and Fanny's jealousy, while others appear gay and busy.

### Family and Obligation

Family dynamics are strained as the sisters become alienated, and the Bertram siblings and aunt are preoccupied with their own interests, neglecting Julia's distress.

## Character check-ins

### Fanny Price

Fanny is sad and insignificant, feeling jealous of Miss Crawford's influence over Edmund. She is disquieted and full of agitation, but remains determined not to act in the play.

### Edmund Bertram

Edmund has descended from his moral elevation and agreed to act in the play, driven by his feelings for Miss Crawford. He is unobservant of Julia's distress.

### Mary Crawford

Mary Crawford looks lovely and cheerful, and her influence over Edmund is evident. She coldly remarks on the Bertram sisters' feelings for Henry.

### Henry Crawford

Henry Crawford has trifled with Julia's feelings and now focuses on Maria. He is indifferent to the quarrel with Julia and busy with the play.

### Julia Bertram

Julia suffers from Henry Crawford's neglect and feels alienated from Maria. She is angry and hopes for a public disturbance to punish Maria.

### Maria Bertram

Maria is triumphant in her victory over Edmund and enjoys Henry Crawford's attentions. She is careless of Julia's feelings.

## Key lines

> Fanny’s heart was not absolutely the only saddened one amongst them, as she soon began to acknowledge to herself. Julia was a sufferer too, though not quite so blamelessly.

Fanny realized she was not the only one feeling sad; Julia was also suffering, though she was more at fault.

_Highlights the shared but unequal suffering of Fanny and Julia._

> She alone was sad and insignificant: she had no share in anything; 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.

Fanny felt completely isolated and unimportant, able to come and go unnoticed.

_Emphasizes Fanny's sense of exclusion and insignificance._

> I would not give much for Mr. Rushworth’s chance if Henry stepped in before the articles were signed.

Mary Crawford suggests that Henry could easily win Maria away from Mr. Rushworth before their marriage is finalized.

_Foreshadows the potential elopement and highlights the precariousness of engagements._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mansfield_park_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters