Nature in Mansfield Park

  After Garrett’s warning about this week’s novel, I was hesitant to begin reading Mansfield Park. Like Amber, Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors and I did not want to struggle reading any of her novels. Usually, I find myself immersed in her narratives enjoying the quirks she brings to many of her characters. I didn’t like the idea that there was a possibility that I wouldn’t like the character of Fanny. The thought of having to read a novel in which one dislikes the main character can be a tedious task, but after reading the first thirty pages or so, I was rather surprised by the narrative and by the character of Fanny. Although I did not immediately take to her demeanor, I found her character intriguing. She is nothing like the other characters in Austen’s novels; I became very interested in her story. I also found myself frustrated with the way in which other members of her family treated her (excluding Edmund). Mrs Norris in particular makes it a point to remind Fanny of her social status in the household every chance she has. The more Fanny is reminded of her inequalities, the more we see her shy away from others and from the novel itself. 

As I continued reading the  novel, I found myself in search of questions relating to the theme of Nature, and I thought it was interesting how Austen parallels the cultivation of the gardens at Mr. Rushworth’s home with the way in which society must cultivate social appearances. The gardens, according to Mr. Rushworth, are not acceptable as they are; in fact, he contemplates hiring a landscaper to adjust and improve the grounds. The idea of a garden is in itself man made and artificial, and the desire to readjust it raises many questions about the natural environment. Is the natural setting not good enough as is? If the natural environment is tampered with, is it still apart of the natural setting? When does it stop being natural and starts to become artificial?  After rereading this particular scene, it struck me that not only is the natural environment readjusted to fit social expectations, but the characters themselves are also preoccupied with maintaining social appearances. Mrs. Norris constantly attempts to follow the rules of proper etiquette by maintaining a clear divide between herself and those “below” her that she inevitably makes a mockery of herself. She easily forgets that if it was not for the help of Sir Thomas, she would not have much to live off of. Although social status is clearly a construction of society, in the novel, Austen points out how class distinction seems to function as something natural and instinctive. 

Even with Fanny’s character development, we see Austen playing with the notions of nature verses nurture. Initially, Fanny is a plain and dependent character who is robbed of any charm or wit. Her personality seems “natural,” but as she interacts with others, one could argue that the manner in which she was treated over the years led to her fragile and insecure disposition. Then, as she develops into a young woman, her beauty and grace is noticed by those around her. Characters such as Mr. Crawford take keen interest in her, and she begins to break out of her shell (Although her modesty and strong sense of morality never falters). Slowly, she starts to move up the social ladder in such a way that seems natural. Throughout the text, Austen continuously blends the already murky lines between nature and nurture encouraging her readers to question the notions surrounding social conformity, nature, and gender performativity.