Yes, that's a very good way of putting it. I think that Fanny in real life wouldn't be my best friend and there are things I would find frustrating about her, but I have enormous admiration for her and a lot of sympathy. She is such a strong character, despite her apparent weakness, and I would like to be a lot more like her than I am.
I think it is a shame that so many people write off Mansfield Park because of their feelings about Fanny (and to some extent, Edmund), because as you say it is such a great book. I really feel that it is Austen at her most accomplished.
Although the film (from 5 or 6 years ago, not the recent TV version) did take a few too many liberties for my liking, I loved Lindsay Duncan's performance as Mrs Price and Lady Bertram and I thought it was a stroke of genius to cast the same actor in both roles.
(no subject)
Date: 2009-02-24 03:46 pm (UTC)I think it is a shame that so many people write off Mansfield Park because of their feelings about Fanny (and to some extent, Edmund), because as you say it is such a great book. I really feel that it is Austen at her most accomplished.
Although the film (from 5 or 6 years ago, not the recent TV version) did take a few too many liberties for my liking, I loved Lindsay Duncan's performance as Mrs Price and Lady Bertram and I thought it was a stroke of genius to cast the same actor in both roles.