Mansfield Park · Chapter
Chapter XXXIV explained
Henry Crawford presses his suit to Fanny, who remains resistant.
What happens
Henry Crawford presses his suit to Fanny, who remains resistant. He reads Shakespeare aloud to Lady Bertram, captivating Fanny despite herself. Edmund observes and hopes for Crawford's success, while Fanny grows increasingly distressed by Crawford's persistence.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Morality
Henry Crawford's pursuit of Fanny raises questions about the morality of his intentions and the nature of a proper marriage.
Appearance vs. Reality
Crawford's charming exterior and dramatic reading contrast with Fanny's perception of his unsteady character.
Theatricality and Deception
Crawford's reading of Shakespeare is described as 'truly dramatic,' recalling his earlier acting and hinting at his deceptive nature.
Characters to notice
- Fanny Price
Fanny is distressed by Henry Crawford's persistent attentions, blushes and tries to avoid him, but is captivated by his reading of Shakespeare.
- Henry Crawford
Henry Crawford ardently courts Fanny, reads Shakespeare dramatically, and tries to win her favor despite her resistance.
- Edmund Bertram
Edmund observes the interaction between Fanny and Crawford, hoping for Crawford's success and noting Fanny's attention to the reading.
- Lady Bertram
Lady Bertram sits quietly, listening to Fanny read and later to Crawford's reading, but is described as only half-awake.
- Baddeley
Baddeley leads the procession bringing tea, providing a relief for Fanny from Crawford's attentions.
Key passages
“It is he who sees and worships your merit the strongest, who loves you most devotedly, that has the best right to a return.”
The person who most admires and loves you deserves your love in return.
Henry Crawford argues that his deep admiration for Fanny gives him the right to her affection.
“His reading was capital, and her pleasure in good reading extreme.”
Crawford's reading was excellent, and Fanny greatly enjoyed good reading.
Despite her resistance, Fanny cannot help being drawn to Crawford's skilled reading of Shakespeare.
“My conduct shall speak for me; absence, distance, time shall speak for me.”
My actions will prove my worth over time and distance.
Crawford promises to prove his steady affection through his future behavior.