Fanny Dashwood is probably my favorite character in Sense and Sensibility. The second chapter of the book has to be one of the most masterful Austen ever wrote, right along side the first chapter of Pride and Prejudice. I think it very interesting that actresses have captured Fanny so well on film, and that her lines are almost always adapted verbatim from the book. The scene in which she learns about Lucy’s engagement to Edward is comic genius. On the other hand, Fanny Price is almost always radically altered in the movies, a reflection of the dislike most readers have for her. No one seems to value pure goodness and reasonable timidity, and I often find myself having to defend the poor girl. It is very difficult for me to understand how she manages to inspire such hatred.
Another fascinating analysis! I’m really loving these posts.
Perhaps the reason why fans dislike Fanny Price so much is that Austen had painted her as this paragon of goodness. And characters like that tend to make others feel insecure and wanting. It’s easier to empathize with characters who are flawed and have to struggle to acknowledge and overcome their flaws; than those who painted in some aura of ideal goodness.
Frankly, I’m amazed that so many people feel the need to come to Fanny’s defense. As for myself, I have always sympathized Fanny’s situation as the unwanted relation at Mansfield Park and especially the browbeating she had received from Aunt Norris. And I’ve always admired how she stuck to her guns in regard to the family’s insistence that she marry Henry Crawford.
But . . . I do not like her. I have no problem with Fanny’s quiet or submissive nature. Some people are simply like that. On the other hand, I DO have a problem with Fanny’s hypocrisy and inability to recognize her own flaws. Hypocrisy is a trait that really annoys me. Mind you, the average human being engages in it. I have engaged in it, myself. But it really annoys me that Fanny constantly judges other characters and refuses to acknowledge her own flaws . . . and Edmund’s flaws. I realize that love is blind, but does this mean that deep down, Fanny not only loves Edmund but also herself?
Fanny Dashwood is probably my favorite character in Sense and Sensibility. The second chapter of the book has to be one of the most masterful Austen ever wrote, right along side the first chapter of Pride and Prejudice. I think it very interesting that actresses have captured Fanny so well on film, and that her lines are almost always adapted verbatim from the book. The scene in which she learns about Lucy’s engagement to Edward is comic genius. On the other hand, Fanny Price is almost always radically altered in the movies, a reflection of the dislike most readers have for her. No one seems to value pure goodness and reasonable timidity, and I often find myself having to defend the poor girl. It is very difficult for me to understand how she manages to inspire such hatred.
Another fascinating analysis! I’m really loving these posts.
Perhaps the reason why fans dislike Fanny Price so much is that Austen had painted her as this paragon of goodness. And characters like that tend to make others feel insecure and wanting. It’s easier to empathize with characters who are flawed and have to struggle to acknowledge and overcome their flaws; than those who painted in some aura of ideal goodness.
Frankly, I’m amazed that so many people feel the need to come to Fanny’s defense. As for myself, I have always sympathized Fanny’s situation as the unwanted relation at Mansfield Park and especially the browbeating she had received from Aunt Norris. And I’ve always admired how she stuck to her guns in regard to the family’s insistence that she marry Henry Crawford.
But . . . I do not like her. I have no problem with Fanny’s quiet or submissive nature. Some people are simply like that. On the other hand, I DO have a problem with Fanny’s hypocrisy and inability to recognize her own flaws. Hypocrisy is a trait that really annoys me. Mind you, the average human being engages in it. I have engaged in it, myself. But it really annoys me that Fanny constantly judges other characters and refuses to acknowledge her own flaws . . . and Edmund’s flaws. I realize that love is blind, but does this mean that deep down, Fanny not only loves Edmund but also herself?
Fanny Price was only radically altered in the 1999 version of “MANSFIELD PARK”. And even in that movie, her hypocrisy remained intact.