Morality and other Concerns

When critiquing Jane Austen’s novels, it is imperative to be mindful of the Victorian ideals she held, with regards to the society and the characters. In her article “The Victorian Ideal: Male Characters in Jane Eyre and Villette”, Suzanne Hesse discusses how the “The ideal Victorian male should have certain characteristics such as honor, loyalty, intelligence, moral uprightness, and it does not hurt to have a good income” 

According to the above statement, Sir Thomas Bertram represents the perfect Victorian male, exhibiting all the desirable traits. But a careful reader will perhaps find himself hesitating at Thomas Bertram’s flawless character. He may depict moral steadfastness, but it is interesting to see how he does so within the pleasures of his house in Mansfield and with the luxuries of his more than favorable income. When Fanny questions him about the slave trade in Antigua, the conversation halts and there is ‘dead silence’. It can be interpreted that Sir Thomas did not wish to discuss the matter because when it comes to money and power he compromises on his moral uprightness. Towards the end of the novel, we see that Sir Thomas as some regrets about how he behaved with his family, but he is never shown to have regrets about his involvement with the slave trade.

On a similar note, Sir Thomas compromises on his morality once again for money, power, and reputation. To convince Fanny to accept Henry Crawford’s proposal, he forgets about his moral duty towards Fanny as her guardian and merely looks at her through the eyes of a tradesman, attempting to make a barter which will benefit him.

 Serving as the antithesis of Sir Thomas is Mr. Price, who was described as giving an ‘impression of roughness and loudness’. He is shown to display no morals whatsoever, and it is interesting to note how he is a drunk and is poor, but is judged by Fanny.

The correlation of morals with money and power is in interesting theme which can be studied extensively in Mansfield Park. It can also be studied through Fanny and her journey back home. As far as the men are concerned, one can see how easy it is to maintain a reputation of moral uprightness when life is comfortable and there is no bitterness due to difficulties resulting from poverty.