Mansfield Park

Mansfield Park is the third published novel by Jane Austen, first published in 1814 by Thomas Egerton. A second edition was published in 1816 by John Murray, still within Austen's lifetime. The novel did not receive any public reviews until 1821. The novel tells the story of Fanny Price, starting when her overburdened, impoverished family sends her at age ten to live in the household of her wealthy aunt and uncle; it follows her development and concludes in early adulthood. From early on critical reception has been diverse. To some, the heroine Fanny Price was appealing; to others appalling. Some saw the novel as straightforward; others as intensely ironic with many disguised allusions. Some have emphasised the novel's traditional values; others have emphasised radical and feminist interpretations. Was Austen for or against theatrical performance? What part does religion and ordination play in the novel? From the late 20th century onward, Mansfield Park has been considered Austen's most controversial novel. Historical context and allusions have featured prominently; questions are addressed in fresh ways. What does she imply about the state of England and international affairs? Did she support or oppose the slave trade? Does she portray city immorality as more attractive than country morality, and which did she favour? There has also been a growing awareness of Austen's extremely sophisticated psychological characterisations. Critics increasingly see the novel as asking questions of the reader rather than supplying the answers, assuming that Fanny Price is speaking for Austen when she says to Henry Crawford, "We have all a better guide in ourselves, if we would attend to it, than any other person can be"