XXII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Social Class and Money

  Edmund and Mary debate the merits of wealth versus honesty, with Mary asserting that a large income is the best recipe for happiness, while Edmund advocates for a middle state of worldly circumstances.

• Marriage and Morality

  Mary's comments about Edmund's prospects and her own intentions regarding wealth subtly touch on the economic considerations underlying marriage choices.

• Home and Belonging

  Fanny's increased consequence at Mansfield Park and her welcome at the Parsonage reflect her growing sense of belonging, though she remains anxious about being in the way.

Characters to notice

• Fanny Price

  Fanny's consequence increases after her cousins depart; she becomes a frequent guest at the Parsonage, where she hears Mary Crawford play the harp and observes Edmund and Mary's conversation.

• Mary Crawford

  Mary is delighted by Fanny's visit on a rainy day, plays the harp for her, and engages in a debate with Edmund about wealth, honesty, and social distinction.

• Edmund Bertram

  Edmund walks Fanny home from the Parsonage, discusses wealth and honesty with Mary Crawford, and is invited to dine with Dr. Grant the next day.

• Mrs. Grant

  Mrs. Grant encourages Fanny's visits to the Parsonage, discusses household vexations with Mary, and accompanies the group inside.

• Dr. Grant

  Dr. Grant goes out with an umbrella to bring Fanny inside from the rain and invites Edmund to dine with him the next day.

• Mrs. Norris

  Mrs. Norris sends Fanny on an errand into the village, leading to her visit to the Parsonage.

Key passages

• “A large income is the best recipe for happiness I ever heard of. It certainly may secure all the myrtle and turkey part of it.”

  Mary Crawford argues that wealth is the key to happiness, as it can provide comfort and pleasure.

  This exchange highlights the contrast between Mary's materialistic view and Edmund's more moderate stance.

• “I cannot intend anything which it must be so completely beyond my power to command. Miss Crawford may choose her degree of wealth. She has only to fix on her number of thousands a year, and there can be no doubt of their coming. My intentions are only not to be poor.”

  Edmund says he cannot aim for wealth beyond his means, while Mary can choose her level of riches; he only hopes to avoid poverty.

  Edmund's response underscores his practical and principled approach to financial matters.

• “To me, the sound of Mr. Bertram is so cold and nothing-meaning, so entirely without warmth or character! It just stands for a gentleman, and that’s all. But there is nobleness in the name of Edmund. It is a name of heroism and renown; of kings, princes, and knights; and seems to breathe the spirit of chivalry and warm affections.”

  Fanny expresses her preference for the name 'Edmund' over 'Mr. Bertram,' associating it with nobility and warmth.

  Fanny's romantic idealization of Edmund contrasts with Mary's more pragmatic view of social titles.