Mansfield Park · Chapter
XXIX explained
After the ball, William Price departs, leaving Fanny sad.
What happens
After the ball, William Price departs, leaving Fanny sad. Edmund leaves for a week, and the Bertram household becomes quiet. Fanny finds comfort in the tranquility, while Mary Crawford at the Parsonage feels bored and vexed by Edmund's absence. Mary probes Fanny about Edmund's possible interest in the Miss Owens, but Fanny denies expecting such a match.
Themes in this chapter
Home and Belonging
Fanny finds comfort in the tranquility of Mansfield Park after the ball, while Mary Crawford feels out of place and restless at the Parsonage.
Marriage and Morality
Mary Crawford speculates about Edmund marrying one of the Miss Owens, highlighting societal pressures and expectations around marriage.
Characters to notice
- Fanny Price
Grieves William's departure, finds solace in the quiet week, and calmly deflects Mary's probing about Edmund.
- Edmund Bertram
Bids farewell for a week to go to Peterborough; his absence is felt by both Fanny and Mary.
- Mary Crawford
Finds Edmund's absence tedious and vexing; questions Fanny about Edmund's possible interest in the Miss Owens.
- Sir Thomas Bertram
Observes the reduced family circle, commends William, and discusses Julia's permission to go to town.
- Lady Bertram
Feels stupid after the ball, plays cribbage with Fanny, and expresses gratitude for Fanny's companionship.
- William Price
Departs after the ball; his absence deeply affects Fanny.
Key passages
“She sat and cried con amore as her uncle intended, but it was con amore fraternal and no other.”
She cried wholeheartedly as her uncle expected, but her tears were purely for her brother, not for any romantic interest.
Fanny's grief is solely for William's departure, not for Mr. Crawford.
“What was tranquillity and comfort to Fanny was tediousness and vexation to Mary.”
What Fanny found peaceful and soothing, Mary found boring and irritating.
Contrasts the different temperaments and circumstances of Fanny and Mary.
“He is best off as he is.”
He is better off remaining unmarried.
Fanny's quiet response to Mary's speculation about Edmund marrying.