# Chapter XXXIV explained — Mansfield Park

> Chapter companion for Mansfield Park by Jane Austen.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters/xxxiv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mansfield_park_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/mansfield_park_se/chapters