Book Commentary - Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

For those of you who know me pretty well, you know that I'm a big Jane Austen fan. However, most people don't know that my favorite Jane Austen book is not the ever-popular Pride and Prejudice (not to say that I don't love it, because I do), but the much less popular Mansfield Park. There's just something about the sweetness of the heroine that I can't get enough of! After trying (and failing yet again) to read The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, I decided to pick up Mansfield Park. It had been a while since I read it last and I wanted to read something refreshing.

Now, before I go any further, I want to make a plug for actually reading the book instead of watching any of the movies that are out there. I have yet to see a movie that actually sticks to the book. It's like movie producers think it's not exciting enough for a movie so they change A BUNCH to make it more catching. I'm not complaining because they left out a minor character (like the Keira Knightley version of P&P) or because the ending is slightly different (again, like that version of P&P). These movies are grossly different from the book. They all change the characteristics of the heroine in order to make her "more interesting," because apparently a quiet, moral heroine isn't good entertainment. On this I (clearly) disagree. Also, the one that's got the guy in it from Elementary combines events from Jane Austen's life with the heroine's so you have this weird Fanny Price/Jane Austen combo...it's just bad. Anyway, I'll get off my soap box now...

Despite Hollywood's differing opinion, I think Mansfield Park  is wonderful just the way it is. In no other book that I've read have I encountered a heroine like Fanny Price. Instead of being outspoken she is submissive and exhibits extreme self-control. Instead of standing up for what she believes in with some dramatic act, she exhibits steadfast morals through her everyday decisions and judgments, without forcing others to agree (even when she wishes they would). And instead of learning from a climactic experience that causes her to grow, Fanny has to wait for those around her to grow. She is the rock of the Bertram family by the end of the novel and I love her for it!

I think the reason I love this novel is because Fanny's character is so unshakable (which is why the movies are awful...they make her less so). If a fictional character could be a role model, she would be mine. I wish I could hold up against negativity like she does, and I definitely wish I could have her self-control. Just like with Jane Eyre, I identify with her because of her quiet, introverted attitude, but her composure and morality make me want to be a better person.

I know the language is a little tough (and beautiful at the same time), but this book is definitely worth the effort. If you're wanting to be inspired to be the best version of yourself, read it!