Mansfield Park: Chapter 37 Summary & Analysis

Sir Thomas looks out for signs that Fanny seems sad that Henry is gone. He asks Edmund to look as well, but Edmund does not notice any changes. Edmund is surprised, however, that Fanny doesn’t seem sad that Mary is gone, since they were supposedly so close. In fact, Fanny worries that Mary and Edmund are more likely to get married than ever. Edmund is going to London to do business in a few weeks, and Fanny believes that while he is there he may propose to Mary. Fanny believes that, despite Mary’s kindness towards her, Mary does not deserve Edmund.

William, who has a leave of absence, heads to Mansfield to spend time with Fanny. Sir Thomas wishes to organize for Fanny to return with William to Portsmouth after his visit, to see her family after so many years. Sir Thomas thinks that she will quickly grow sick of her home, and it will convince her to marry Henry so she can always live the lifestyle she is now used to.

The one hang-up in the plan is concern that Lady Bertram, who is so dependent on Fanny, will not be able to function without her. Sir Thomas, however, tells Lady Bertram that she should think of it as a sacrifice. Mrs. Norris says that no one will miss Fanny anyway. Lady Bertram finally is convinced that Fanny should go, but says she will miss her.

Fanny then writes to her family, asking to come stay with them. Mrs. Price responds kindly and accepts. Fanny is very excited to be going home to her family, as she has not seen them in seven years. She looks forward to a large, loving family, and feeling like she is equal to them all. William, like Fanny, is very excited about the plan. He tells Fanny that they could use some of her nice manners in the house.

Mrs. Norris is upset when Sir Thomas gives William money for the trip, unhappy to see someone else be the recipient of Sir Thomas’s generosity. She tells them that she is considering going along on the trip as well, to see her supposedly beloved sister, much to William and Fanny’s horror. Ultimately, though, she decides against it, not wanting to pay for her own trip back.

Edmund, who had intended to go to London, delays his trip and stays home to keep his parents company. He tells Fanny that he intends to propose to Mary when he finally gets to London. He tells Fanny he will write when he does. Despite her happiness at going home to Portsmouth, Fanny cries on her last night in Mansfield Park, and she and William leave the next morning.