Jane Austen discussion

This is the thread for discussing Volume 2 of Mansfield Park.

This volume covers from Sir Thomas' return from Antigua until Henry Crawford's proposal to Fanny.

Let's hear all your opinions or things you want to talk about!

I don't know if people have seen Rozema's 1999 adaptation of the novel, but one of the things that bothered me about it was her omission of the cross and chain bit from the novel - because it is so visually symbolic of Fanny's feelings and the truth of who fits whom. But then the adaptation took some other, more significant liberties, which I didn't care for.

Emily wrote: "I don't know if people have seen Rozema's 1999 adaptation of the novel, but one of the things that bothered me about it was her omission of the cross and chain bit from the novel - because it is so..."

I have seen that adaptation, Emily, years ago. I like all the actors here but the adaptation itself was unfaithful in ways that didn't work to me.

I like that you brought up the necklace bit in this Volume because you're right about the deeper symbol behind it.

The bit with the chain also contained the part with Edmund's letter to Fanny. I don't know how anyone can keep disliking her after that bit - she is so adorably infatuated with him!

"My very dear Fanny, you must do me the favour to accept...", and she treasures it so! Very sweet.

What happened in Antigua is the big question. Sir Thomas returns more appreciative of his family. He seems unwilling to accept any sort of unpleasantness. He dismisses the acting scheme but is more kind to the young people.

This section starts to become Fanny's story. She's shown in stark contrast to her cousins in this section. Maria and Julia behave badly and Fanny disapproves. I don't like Fanny's infatuation with Edmund. The only two men outside of her family she's ever met are Henry Crawford and Mr. Yates. Neither of them is a great prize. She admires Edmund because he's kind to her and she's constantly echoing his opinions. I think this is why people call her insipid. I did like the necklace scene. Poor Fanny was so tormented.

The Crawfords come across as pretty nasty people in this section. I get the impression Mary does love Edmund but her ambition is getting the better of her. Henry wanting to play with Fanny's feelings is despicable but not half as much as Mrs. Norris' behavior. She's always putting Fanny in her place but no one dares put her in her place.