Jane Austen July 2025 discussion
2021
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Mansfield Park Readalong (SPOILER FREE/in time with schedule)
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Rebecca wrote: "The play part is based on Jane Austen's childhood. She didn't like her siblings doing them or trying to make her do them, especially since her one brother used them as cover for his flirting with a..."I just read "The Genius of Jane Austen" and she was a fan of the theater. Even as she got older she played in private theatricals (she was Mrs. Candour in "The School for Scandal" in a local production) but Lovers' Vows may be just a bit too racy (the female character that Maria was playing was a fallen woman) and not appropriate for a bunch of young people.
I'm trying to remember which biography I read that talked about her being annoyed by her brother's antics during home productions of plays. I do remember it coming up in a couple biographies on her.
I really don't like Mrs. Norris at all. She is so abusive toward Fanny and Fanny is so sweet.
Liz wrote: "I really don't like Mrs. Norris at all. She is so abusive toward Fanny and Fanny is so sweet."Yep, Mrs Norris is a piece of work.
I plan to read Lover's Vows next week. I believe it is the perfect companion to Mansfield Park.
Well chapter 32 was just a treat. What a great scene!
Guess that wealthy people with an easy-come fortune were always soulless and idle. Doesn’t matter if we look at the 19th century models for MP characters or the current era Kardashians. Imagine sitting there day in and day out with nothing else to do than intriguing and indulging in infantile activities. Horror!
What do you think Fanny's medical condition is? She's sick when idle, sick after walking, the only activity that doesn't exhaust her is riding the pony/Edmund's horse... Is it an actual disease or is it psychosomatic?
I have two theories about Fanny's medical condition:1. Fanny spent her first 10 years in poverty. The physical contrasts between Fanny and her cousins tell me she was undernourished if not malnourished. Undernourishment means her bones and muscles did not develop properly, which makes her weak.
2. Childhood diseases were common. My cousin had rheumatic fever as a child, which undermined her heart. She is in her mid-sixties now and had to take early retirement due to heart problems. If Fanny had a heart condition as a result of a childhood illness, she would tire easily and prefer to ride than walk.
salainenkirjahylly wrote: "First chapter and I'm gaving hard time figuring out who's who. I might need to make notes on relations and such. Unnecessary to say this is my first time reading Mansfield Park... or Jane Austen in..."I do that with every novel I read. I'm so bad with names.
I have to say it's been refreshing to not hear from Mrs. Norris in a while. She was really irritating me and I did not want to hear from her any more. I'm glad Sir Thomas is sticking up for Fanny.
I have heard critics and historians talk about Jane's writings of mothers in an incompetent light. I have to say, after reading about Fanny's visit home, I really do agree with them. I do understand where Fanny's mother is coming from. She has too many children and therefore lacks the enthusiasm for proper discipline. I would never allow children to act as Susan and Betsey did over the knife. That was a special gift from Mary to Susan and their mother sees it as unimportant when it means the world to Susan. So wrong.
So I read Lover's Vows today and I can see how it would be scandalous for that time. I like the fact that Jane enjoyed this play. It makes her a kindred spirit. I really enjoyed it.
I finished Mansfield Park last night and enjoyed it more than I had anticipated. I had to make a list of characters to get through the first several chapters because I had trouble keeping everyone straight but by the middle of the book I felt I knew each of them well. I started Jane Austen at Home by Lucy Worsley this morning but will be going the Persuasion read along later this week.
Janice wrote: "I finished Mansfield Park last night and enjoyed it more than I had anticipated. I had to make a list of characters to get through the first several chapters because I had trouble keeping everyone ..."I just finished reading Jane Austen at Home, when you're done with it, watch Jane Austen: Behind Closed Doors, a documentary by Worsley ( on YT) It helped me visualize the several homes and towns she lived in.
So close to finishing!!!! I’ve really enjoyed MP. I’ve found it easier to read than Emma for some reason.
I finished Mansfield Park. Jane's stories really are quite scandalous for that time. We have similar events occurring today, it's just not that shocking any more, but I think it should be. It resonates today. As a parent I look back and think I should have done somethings different. Later in life you realize that the past can not be changed but the future can or at least your outlook on it. I saw the growth and maturity in many of the characters, however some stayed the same. I truly enjoyed this book. Now to watch the movie.
Lorri wrote: "I have two theories about Fanny's medical condition:1. Fanny spent her first 10 years in poverty. The physical contrasts between Fanny and her cousins tell me she was undernourished if not malnou..."
I wonder though what would have happened to her had she not married Edmund. She's not accomplished enough and her energy levels are so low she couldn't have become a governess - only profession open to a young lady in her situation. Had she married a "common" man I can't imagine her running a household as in doing any physical work. So what would have become of her? Would she have stayed as a companion to the Bertrams who in turn would support her financially all her life? Her prospects were not that great.
So as undeserving as Edmund is of her, Fanny was very lucky to marry relatively wealthy. This way, she'll have servants and maids and governesses to do all the work.
Though in the age of no contraception I don't believe she would live long especially if Edmund's gonna be as diligent in fulfilling his marital duties as for instance Mr Bennet.
Thanks so much for sharing that. Very interesting!