# Chapter XX explained — Mansfield Park

> Chapter companion for Mansfield Park by Jane Austen.

## What happens

Edmund confesses to Sir Thomas the full extent of the theatrical scheme, praising Fanny as the only one who judged rightly throughout. Sir Thomas, though deeply displeased, ends the play preparations and burns the copies of Lovers' Vows. Mrs. Norris deflects blame by boasting of her role in the Rushworth match. Henry Crawford announces he must leave for Bath, dashing Maria's hopes and causing general disappointment. Mr. Yates also departs, and Sir Thomas is relieved to see the last of the theatrical disruptions.

## Themes in this chapter

### Duty and Self-Restraint

Sir Thomas's disapproval of the play and his insistence on propriety highlight the tension between youthful amusement and the duties of a gentleman.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Henry Crawford's professions of regret and his actions contradict each other, revealing the gap between his charming exterior and his selfish motives.

### Theatricality and Deception

The play scheme itself is a form of deception against Sir Thomas's authority, and the characters' performances extend beyond the stage into their social interactions.

## Character check-ins

### Edmund Bertram

Edmund confesses to his father about the play scheme, defending his own conduct and praising Fanny's consistent judgment.

### Sir Thomas Bertram

Sir Thomas is displeased by the theatrical scheme, ends all preparations, and rebukes Mrs. Norris for not intervening.

### Mrs. Norris

Mrs. Norris deflects Sir Thomas's criticism by boasting of her role in the Rushworth match and taking credit for the connection.

### Henry Crawford

Henry Crawford announces his departure for Bath, dashing Maria's hopes and causing general disappointment.

### Maria Bertram

Maria is deeply agitated by Henry Crawford's departure, feeling the agony of his indifference despite his earlier attentions.

### Fanny Price

Fanny is praised by Edmund as the only one who judged rightly throughout; she rejoices in Henry Crawford's departure.

## Key lines

> Fanny is the only one who has judged rightly throughout; who has been consistent. Her feelings have been steadily against it from first to last.

Edmund tells his father that Fanny alone has been consistently correct in her judgment, opposing the play from the beginning.

_Edmund defends Fanny's character and insight to Sir Thomas._

> If I had not been active, and made a point of being introduced to his mother, and then prevailed on my sister to pay the first visit, I am as certain as I sit here that nothing would have come of it.

Mrs. Norris takes full credit for arranging the match between Maria and Mr. Rushworth by insisting on introductions and visits.

_Mrs. Norris deflects blame by boasting of her role in the Rushworth connection._

> I will attend you from any place in England, at an hour’s notice.

Henry Crawford promises to return for the play from anywhere in England on short notice.

_Henry's offer is hollow, as the play has already been cancelled._

## Links

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