Comments on: Mansfield Park: Mary Crawford – that peculiarly becoming temptress with a harp

By: DRush76

DRush76 — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 18:24:06 +0000

Why is it when discussing “MANSFIELD PARK”, people tend to comment upon the Crawfords in such a priggish manner? Why not simply accept that like the other characters in the novel and like people in general, Mary and Henry have both flaws and virtues?

By: Rosie

Rosie — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 22:38:34 +0000

Why do I have such difficulty disliking or even harboring contempt for the Crawfords? Really, I do. Does anyone feel the same?

By: The Black Cat

The Black Cat — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 03:24:39 +0000

I’m with you, Christina B. How about, “I do not pretend to set people right, but I do see that they are often wrong”? And making dirty jokes at the dinner table?

By: Sylwia

Sylwia — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:36:36 +0000

Lauren Ann, you chose a picture of a lady standing beside a harp, but if you took one with her sitting with the instrument between her legs it’d be clear where the allure of it lays. ;)

Edmund might have heard it elsewhere. After all he used to visit friends while Fanny never moved outside the park. The sad thing though is that not even a better woman would help. Mary had to show her real harpy feathers for him to see clearly, and that nearly didn’t happen at all. I always thought Fanny is too good for him.

By: Christina B

Christina B — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 06:25:57 +0000

Oh, she’s a favorite of mine. Like her or not, Jane Austen gave her some of the BEST-LINES-EVER:
“Selfishness must always be forgiven you know, because there is no hope of a cure.”
And of course.
“A large income is the best recipe for happiness I ever heard of.” Mary Crawford, Mansfield Park

By: elegantextracts

elegantextracts — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 23:50:19 +0000

I always say that there is just something about the writing in Mansfield Park that is so very different in tone from all the rest. I love all of Jane’s books, but this book stands out to me as something special. I can see that entire scene so clearly in my head. I wish more people liked MP.

By: Ainsley

Ainsley — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:43:19 +0000

Some men never do learn that lesson! I am convinced it is because they are of equal mind, equal selfishness. The truly good natured, like Edward, escape by means of someone or something showing them what’s underneath the pretty features, lace, and satin. ;P