her existence seems to take on a more substantial meaning. This demonstrates the solid influence that Sir Thomas has over the lives of the women in the household; we have all ready seen his authoritative power over Fanny. Sir Thomas portrays a solid picture of authority and control, creating what should be a stable living environment for the women of the house. It is evident that in Mansfield Park there are two opposing themes, which are concerned with different approaches to life. Firstly, Austen stresses the importance of serious, conservative authority that highlights moral principles, mainly through the character of Sir Thomas Bertram. This parallels the tempting attraction of a livelier, self-indulgent life where behaviour is less principled and selfish gratification evident. These two themes are most clearly portrayed when the amateur theatricals take place at Mansfield Park. When there is a discussion concerning Mr Rushworth, Mary states “I often think of Mr Rushworth’s property and independence, and wish them in other hands – but I never think of him”1. She and Mrs Grant believe that a public role would suit Mr Rushworth, showing the powerful influence that owning an estate has. A Marxist would see this as exemplifying the ‘natural’ division of society into unequal economic classes by the right to ownership of property, creating the financial power 6_______________________________1 Mansfield Park, Jane Austen (Penguin, 1994), p134EL2 – Essay 2Angela BathgateTutor – Julie Marneyof one class over another. Mary then goes on to ridicule the political system, and does not understand why Mr Rushworth would be put in Parliament to “represent the county”. At this point in the novel, the Mansfield party lacks any sense of authority, and this is related to Mary’s statement about the county lacking authority if the corrupt parliamentary system elects Mr Rushworth. We can s...
