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Mansfield Park book adaptations

What was Mrs Norris' life like before the events in Mansfield Park? How did she become one of the least liked characters in all of Austen's novels? What happened after Fanny and Edmund's happily ever after? What does the future look like for Susan Price, Tom Bertram, or Henry Crawford?

This week Catrina and Elle read a prequel and a sequel to Austen's Mansfield Park. Catrina learns the origin story of Mrs. Norris, taking place long before her sisters married when they lived in the clutches of a terrible uncle. Elle takes a look at what happens after Mansfield Park, specifically following Susan Price and her life as the new helper to Lady Bertram.

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This week Elle and Catrina discuss a few Mansfield Park book adaptations. What would Mansfield Park look like through the point of view of Edmund Bertram? How would Mary Crawford tell her won story? These adaptations look at the story through different points of view. 

Elle read Edmund Bertram's Diary, by Amanda Grange. As part of Grange's Austen heroes series, this book follows Austen story beat by beat through the POV of Edmund. While Grange always delivers a great read, this book suffers from one glaring problem in Elle's opinion.

Catrina read Mary Crawford: Revisiting at Mansfield Park, by Julia Barrett. While this adaptation is actually a sequel to Mansfield Park, it explores the repercussions of Mary's actions in the original story. So, what happens when Mary finds her way back to Mansfield? Well, her new love interest might just surprise you.

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Mansfield Park - 2007 - Staring Billie Piper and Hayley Atwell

This 2007 adaptation might ring truer to the books for some, while still falling flat for others. Only inspired by the novel - unlike the 1999 version - this is a true adaptation of Mansfield Park. But does it hold up? Does it do the novel justice?

Elle and Catrina are at odds about this adaptation. While Elle feels that this is a truer adaptation, Catrina prefers the 1999 version. While this adaptation did some things well, it was lacking in other ways. But how much do those differences matter? Is it important that Fanny goes to Portsmith? How do these versions of the characters live up to their novel counterparts? Was Billie Piper the right choice for Fanny?

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Mansfield Park - 1999 - Staring Frances O'Connor and Johnny Lee Miller

What happens to Mansfield Park if Fanny Price was more like Jane Austen? This adaptation of Mansfield Park is far from a true adaptation. In the title sequence it says that the film was inspired by Mansfield Park and Jane Austen's journals. This leads to an interesting combination of real-life people and fictional characters.

Elle and Catrina have their critiques of this film that range from overall storytelling to the change in character motivations. Most importantly they agree that this version of Fanny Price is not actually Fanny Price. But does this mean this film has missed the mark? Does it do Mansfield Park justice?

Wit Beyond Measure is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts. 

This episode is brought to you by Kensington's newest title from Alexandra Ivy, UNSTABLE. Find out more at Kensingtonbooks.com. 

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This week Elle and Catrina wrap up Mansfield Park and discuss some things that really stuck out to them.  Elle was very interested in looking at how this book strongly focuses on morality and how modern readers may find a connection with Fanny Price to be somewhat of a stretch. Catrina was interested in comparing Fanny's relationships to both Edmund and Sir Thomas - using several popular romance novel tropes to prove that the development of her relationship to Sir Thomas was way more interesting, while her relationship to Edmund sort of fell flat. 

As always, we ended with our Mansfield Park superlatives! This round was very interesting and definitely ended on a funny note, so tune in to see who was *actually* the biggest flirt and who would have made a cute couple if only they could have interacted with each other!

Wit Beyond Measure is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts.  

This episode is brought to you by Kensington's newest title from Alexandra Ivy, UNSTABLE. Find out more at Kensingtonbooks.com.

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Mansfield Park: Chapters 44-48

In these final chapters of the novel, Fanny is stuck in Portsmouth while chaos is happening in London. Letters arrive to the Price household describing Tom Bertram's (junior) serious illness, Maria's indiscretion, and Mary Crawford's conniving. In the aftermath, Edmund finally goes to pick up Fanny and bring her back to Mansfield Park, where, once home, Fanny learns all that happened between Edmund and Mary that caused their falling out. Now, with Mary out of the picture - is it finally happily ever after for Fanny?

This week Elle and Catrina discuss just how diabolical Mary really is, while wondering if Edmund truly deserves Fanny. They also discuss how Sir Thomas has grown a lot over the course of the story and comes to realize all of his shortcomings as a parent. Which is good for him, because unfortunately Mrs. Norris isn't so lucky, as her favorite niece has become her punishment.

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Mansfield Park: Chapters 39-43

Fanny is super unhappy in Portsmith. Her house is hectic and her family doesn't seem to care that she is there. But don't worry, things are only going to get weirder when Henry Crawford shows up. At least there hasn't been any word about an engagement from Edmund or Mary Crawford yet.

This week Catrina and Elle take a good look at the Price family. Austen is known for showcasing the flaws of beloved family members and the Price family is no exception. Catrina also asks Elle if she thinks Henry Crawford is genuine in his affections for Fanny.

It's the epistolary portion of Mansfield Park.

This episode is brought to you by Kensington’s newest title from Lexi George, DEMON HUNTING WITH A SOUTHERN SHERIFF. Find out more at Kensingtonbooks.com”

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Mansfield Park: Chapters 35 - 38

Edmund feels it's necessary to offer his opinion on the matter of Fanny and Henry's potential engagement. While he disguises his concern as help, it really isn't helpful at all. What's more, Sir Thomas decides to remind Fanny how good she's got it by sending her back home. Needless to say, Fanny needs a vacation, but she isn't going to find it at her parent's house.

This week Elle and Catrina agree that Edmund Bertram is the worst hero so far. Elle gets up in arms about his mansplaining. Catrina can't decide if dastardly is the right word to describe Sir Bertram. Either way, both men need to stop telling Fanny how to feel.

Also, the Price house is nothing but anxiety.

This episode is brought to you by Kensington’s newest title from Lexi George, DEMON HUNTING WITH A SOUTHERN SHERIFF. Find out more at Kensingtonbooks.com”

Wit Beyond Measure is part of the Folic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts    

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Mansfield Park: Chapters 31 - 34

The men in Fanny's life just don't understand. After getting an unexpected and unwanted proposal from Henry Crawford, Fanny spends the rest of these chapters telling him no. But Henry isn't the only one Fanny has to deal with. Sir Thomas freaks out when she tells him she will not marry Henry. Surely Edmund will come to her rescue... yeah, no.

This week Elle and Catrina get angry at all of the men at Mansfield Park. They remind the characters again that no means no. Fanny shouldn't have to deal with all this nonsense cuz she doesn't want to marry a trash king. Also, what the heck Edmund?! You're better than that.

This episode is brought to you by Kensington’s newest title from Lexi George, DEMON HUNTING WITH A SOUTHERN SHERIFF. Find out more at Kensingtonbooks.com”

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Mansfield Park: Chapters 27-30

Fanny's anxiety around Mary Crawford's gift continues to rise after Edmund also gifts her a necklace. Edmund starts to get anxious about whether Mary is willing to marry him after he becomes a clergyman. Henry becomes buddy-buddy with William and Mary gets into a pretty intense fight with Edmund. All of this before the ball at Mansfield Park even begins!

This week Elle and Catrina discuss everything from Fanny's necklace dilemma to Henry Crawford's declaration of love. Catrina gets frustrated at Edmund and Mary's constant back and forth between liking each other and complaining about the church. While Elle continues to not believe Austen when she reads that Henry Crawford is "in love."

What's more, is Fanny officially out now?

 Wit Beyond Measure is part of the Folic Podcast Network. You can find more outstanding podcasts to subscribe to at Frolic.media/podcasts   

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