Jane Austen has captivated audiences with her sweeping and original love stories. We got the rundown about Mansfield Park, her process and what it is that really makes a good romance.
‘We have all been more or less to blame …every one of us, excepting Fanny’
Taken from the poverty of her parents’ home, Fanny Price is brought up with her rich cousins at Mansfield Park, acutely aware of her humble rank and with only her cousin Edmund as an ally. When Fanny’s uncle is absent in Antigua, Mary Crawford and her brother Henry arrive in the neighbourhood, bringing with them London glamour and a reckless taste for flirtation. As her female cousins vie for Henry’s attention, and even Edmund falls for Mary’s dazzling charms, only Fanny remains doubtful about the Crawfords’ influence and finds herself more isolated than ever. A subtle examination of social position and moral integrity, Mansfield Park is one of Jane Austen’s most profound works.
Young Adult Mag: How did you endeavor to become a writer?
Jane Austen: My family consistently supported my vision. Their faith and trust was critical in my attempts to make writing a career. I’ve been far fortunate than most to have a family that backed my dreams one hundred percent and without stipulations.
YA: You published anonymously at first…why was that?
JA: Well, times certainly have changed. Being a woman from a socially prominent family was not conducive to publishing works of fiction, especially if they for some reason were not successful. It seemed the most sensible thing to do at the time.
YA: Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice were wildly popular, however you took a bit of a departure with Mansfield Park. Tell us a little about that.
JA: Well I wouldn’t entirely say it’s a departure as it came from me! It still deals with the same topics, however I was more grown when I wrote it, both in life and as a writer and I think that’s reflected in the work.
YA: Many of your works have been adapted numerous times into films both on TV and in traditional movie theater settings as well as stage adaptations. Do you have a favorite?
JA: I respect the all as different works of art. It’s hard to say, but if I had to pick…I really enjoyed what Cary Fukunaga did with Pride and Prejudice.
YA: How do you feel about the prominent Janeite fan culture that’s emerged? For example, the movie Austenland explored that a little bit.
JA: I thought that was sweet. I love telling stories and I love that they resonate with people. Love and romance are endlessly fascinating and if I can help anyone explore that wonderful terrain then I am thrilled to do so in any way possible!