Mansfield Park · Chapter
Chapter XXIII explained
Fanny is invited to dine at the Parsonage with the Grants and the Crawfords.
What happens
Fanny is invited to dine at the Parsonage with the Grants and the Crawfords. Lady Bertram is reluctant to spare her, but Sir Thomas and Edmund persuade her to allow Fanny to go. Mrs. Norris, visiting the next day, diminishes the compliment of the invitation and warns Fanny to remember her lowly place. Meanwhile, Mary Crawford is angered by Edmund's decision to take orders, feeling her influence over him has waned, and resolves to match his indifference.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Money
Mrs. Norris's lecture to Fanny emphasizes the rigid class hierarchy: Fanny is reminded to be 'the lowest and last' and not to presume equality with her cousins.
Marriage and Morality
Mary Crawford's anger at Edmund's ordination reveals her materialistic view of marriage; she cannot reconcile his choice with her own ambitions, leading her to withdraw her regard.
Home and Belonging
Fanny's mixed feelings about the invitation—glad yet anxious—reflect her precarious sense of belonging at Mansfield Park, where she is both a dependent and a cherished niece.
Characters to notice
- Fanny Price
Anxious about dining out, grateful for the invitation yet apprehensive of being pained by what she may see or hear; she quietly slips away when her uncle discusses her.
- Edmund Bertram
Supports Fanny's acceptance of the invitation, persuades his mother, and later brings Fanny the good news; he is firm in his decision to take orders despite Mary's displeasure.
- Mary Crawford
Vexed by Edmund's imminent ordination, feels her influence has failed, and resolves to match his coolness with indifference; she soothes herself with music.
- Sir Thomas Bertram
Decides that Fanny should accept the invitation, seeing no reason to deny her the indulgence; he supports Edmund's reasoning.
- Lady Bertram
Reluctant to spare Fanny for the dinner, but eventually agrees after Sir Thomas's approval; she is passive and relies on others to manage household matters.
- Mrs. Norris
Visits on the day of the dinner and delivers a condescending lecture to Fanny, warning her not to put herself forward and reminding her of her inferior status.
Key passages
“Will he not feel this? No, he can feel nothing as he ought.”
Fanny thinks that Henry Crawford is incapable of proper feeling.
Fanny's internal judgment of Henry's character.
“She would learn to match him in his indifference. She would henceforth admit his attentions without any idea beyond immediate amusement.”
Mary decides to treat Edmund with the same coolness he shows her, and to view his attentions as mere entertainment.
Mary's resolution after Edmund's announcement of taking orders.
“Remember, wherever you are, you must be the lowest and last; and though Miss Crawford is in a manner at home at the Parsonage, you are not to be taking”
Mrs. Norris instructs Fanny to always consider herself inferior to others, especially to her cousins and Miss Crawford.
Mrs. Norris's condescending advice to Fanny before the dinner.