Chapter XXVI explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Appearance vs. Reality

  Mary's gift appears generous but conceals Henry's involvement, and Fanny's gratitude is undermined by suspicion.

• Family and Obligation

  Sir Thomas organizes the ball out of family duty to William and Fanny, while Mrs. Norris feels obligated to take charge.

Characters to notice

• Fanny Price

  Fanny receives the necklace from Mary Crawford with mixed feelings, suspecting Henry's involvement, and is anxious about the ball.

• Mary Crawford

  Mary gives Fanny a necklace that was originally Henry's gift, pressing her to accept it with affectionate persistence.

• Henry Crawford

  Henry is revealed as the original giver of the necklace, and his changed manners toward Fanny are noted.

• Sir Thomas Bertram

  Sir Thomas decides to hold a ball for William and Fanny, planning the details himself despite Mrs. Norris's interference.

• Mrs. Norris

  Mrs. Norris is surprised and vexed that Sir Thomas planned the ball without consulting her, but she quickly resolves to manage the event.

Key passages

• “Fanny dared not make any farther opposition; and with renewed but less happy thanks accepted the necklace again, for there was an expression in Miss Crawford's eyes which she could not be satisfied with.”

  Fanny reluctantly kept the necklace, feeling uneasy about Mary's hidden motives.

  Fanny's discomfort with the gift reflects her distrust of the Crawfords.

• “Sir Thomas engaged for its giving her very little trouble; and she assured him 'that she was not at all afraid of the trouble; indeed, she could not imagine there would be any.'”

  Sir Thomas promised the ball would be easy for Lady Bertram, who claimed she wasn't worried.

  Lady Bertram's passive acceptance contrasts with Mrs. Norris's eagerness to manage everything.