Bid Farewell to Mansfield

Well, thanks to my audio book, I am done Mansfield Park. It has been a little like a guest who has over stayed its welcome. I learnt more about Jane Austen, but I cannot say that it became my favourite novel.

As regards Edmund... I think that he slightly redeems himself near the end of the novel. Perhaps I think this because of the comment in narration where he "acknowledged Fanny’s mental superiority." (Chapter 48) Yes, that is correct; the women is right and he recognized it. Finally, he is getting it. Even though he did get it, right up until the very end he is adamant that Mary Crawford is the woman for him. And I do mean the very end. Gosh, it is so annoying.

Edmund does not seem to match up to the other Austen heroes. Compared to a number of wonderful second sons through out Austen, like Colonel Brandon and Mr. Knightley, he seems to fade. His kindness to Fanny sets him apart from the other characters in Austen, but does little to distinguish him amongst other Austen characters. And that is all I am going to say about Edmund. I am so over him, as you might say colloquially.

I did like the ending. It seems that Jane Austen dealt a fair hand to all involved. Maybe the novels is supposed to be a warning. Instead of demonstrating just behaviour, is shows what bad behaviour is and what the results of that are. I think that when I view it in that light I am more understanding, and actually like that better. Rats, I wish that I had figured that out before the end of the novel. But, as a I said, they were dealt with justly by the author. I think that I have quoted this earlier in the blog, but Oscar Wilde said, "The good ended happily and the good unhappily. That is fiction means." I guess Jane Austen and Oscar Wilde were of one mind when it came to endings.

I move on next to Emma. I love this book. While all of Austen's novels are unique, I believe the style of Emma to be similar to Pride and Prejudice; the same romance, style of humour, problems with society, and the small twist of drama to add gravity. It will be fun.