Mansfield Park

“But there certainly are not so many men of large fortune in the world as there are pretty women to deserve them.”

In the novel's opening paragraph, Austen addresses her central theme of Love, Money, and Marriage. The narrator’s observation highlights women’s economic dependence on marriage in 19th-century England.

“We […] must prepare ourselves for gross ignorance, some meanness of opinions, and very distressing vulgarity of manner; but these are not incurable faults—nor, I trust, can they be dangerous for her associates. Had my daughters been younger than herself, I should have considered the introduction of such a companion as a matter of very serious moment; but as it is, I hope there can be nothing to fear for them, and every thing to hope for her, from the association.”

Here, Sir Thomas reveals his prejudice as he expresses his low expectations of his working-class niece, Fanny. Austen employs considerable irony, as Sir Thomas’s assumptions about Fanny’s coarse character are wildly inaccurate. His belief that his daughters will be a good influence on his niece demonstrates how little he knows Maria and Julia.

“But he recommended the books which charmed her leisure hours, he encouraged her taste, and corrected her judgment; he made reading useful by talking to her of what she read, and heightened its attraction by judicious praise.”

Edmund’s role as Fanny’s educator and mentor is described here. Edmund is instrumental in shaping Fanny’s intellect and values in her first years at Mansfield Park. However, as the narrative progresses, Fanny’s moral judgment surpasses that of her older cousin.