Mansfield Park, Chapter 1 summary
Chapter 1 of 48 · 13 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 1, Mrs. Price’s poverty restores contact with her wealthy sisters, and Mrs. Norris proposes taking responsibility for her eldest daughter. Sir Thomas Bertram agrees to house and support the nine-year-old girl, but he insists on preserving distinctions between her position and his children’s, while Mrs. Norris avoids paying or providing a home.
What happens
- Three sisters marry into unequal circumstances, and Mrs. Price’s marriage leads to a family quarrel and eleven years of separation.
- Expecting her ninth child, Mrs. Price asks for help, and her relatives respond with advice, money, clothes, and renewed contact.
- Mrs. Norris proposes supporting her sister’s eldest daughter, while Sir Thomas questions the lasting obligations involved.
- Sir Thomas agrees, but Mrs. Norris refuses to house the child and privately intends to spend nothing on her support.
- The Bertrams offer their home, discuss education and social distinctions, and receive Mrs. Price’s grateful acceptance.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Mansfield Park, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
In this chapter
What to notice
Sir Thomas wants affection between the cousins without equality of position. The remark makes social hierarchy an explicit condition of the proposed kindness.
Quick check
Why does Mrs. Norris say the child cannot live at the Parsonage?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Mansfield Park, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
