Since I seem to be one of VERY few people participating in this GR for whom this was my first-time reading MP, I thought I’d share the things I noticed that surprised me. As I read, I made exclamation points in the margin, so that’s where this list comes from. I knew most of the story from MP1, which I DID watch a few years ago. I watched MP3, in ’08, which I have mostly forgotten (it was so short and such strange casting – Billie Piper as Fanny?!). After hearing so many bizarre things about MP2 and its revisionist story (not JA’s story at all, but the director’s “vision”, I understand) I don’t want to spend my time watching THAT.

Surprises by character, chapter, and not in any other order. All in quotes are from JA:

Mrs. Norris is even nastier than I’d thought (chap 1). JA’s writing is so amazing!
Lady B. is even more indolent (chap 2) – JA’s writing again; too bad you can’t show THAT on film! (Which is one reason why I LOVE the audio books!)

Henry Crawford surprises

In chap 5 -- HC is NOT handsome; in chap10, he is NOT tall, either.
In chap 24 – HC is really despicable; he wants to “…make a small hole in Fanny’s heart…” so “she’ll never be happy again…” after he’s through with her. However later in the same chapter, he STARTS to see the light about Fanny, and he ”admires” William!
In chap 28 – “Mr. Crawford was in love with Fanny.” !!!
In chap 30 – HC is “quite determined to marry Miss Price.” He says he “will make her very happy.” !!!
In chap 31 – HC thinks Fanny wants to marry HIM!
In chap 33 – HC says he is “very much in love with Fanny” and refuses to believe her when she says she does not love him!
In chap 41 – HC shows up in Portsmouth to visit Fanny, and she thinks him “improved” ! HC went to church with the family; STILL trying to change Fanny’s mind, still being turned down.

Edmund surprises

In chap 7 – Edmund is completely taken in by Mary!
In chap 13 – Edmund won’t act, but will accommodate it, to please Mary!
In chap 27 – Edmund brags to Fanny about Mary, even comparing them. He says, “I have never been blinded by Mary.” !!
In chap 34 – Edmund hopes that Fanny will change her mind and marry HC. He is completely taken in by HC: …”proves himself unspoilt.” !! Yet again, Edmund compares Mary favorably to Fanny, both are “…sensible women.” !
In chap 44 – In Edmund’s letter to Fanny in Portsmouth, he is STILL defending Mary and HC, and blames HC’s friends for their shortcomings!
In chap 46 – In another letter to Fanny in Portsmouth, Edmund will pick up Fanny and Susan and take them to MP “tomorrow.” !!
In chap 47 – After seeing and talking to her, Edmund FINALLY sees the truth about Mary: she tried to blame FANNY for Maria and HC’s scandal !!
In chap 48 – Only three pages before the end, does Edmund finally realize he loves Fanny!!!

Mary Crawford surprises

In chap 9 – Mary clearly disdains the clergy, but Edmund excuses her. After learning his plans, she tries to cover up her disdain, but he still excuses her. Mary says, “…A clergyman is nothing…you are fit for something better…” !!!
In chap 22 – Mary disdains Edmund’s name and lack of title to Fanny, as well as his lack of money to Edmund himself!
In chap 23 – Mary STILL expects Edmund to change his mind about the clergy!
In chap 27 – Mary tells Edmund she will never dance with him again after his ordination.
In chap 30 – Mary thinks Fanny is in love with HC!!
In chap 36 – Mary claims to love Fanny, but admits that she tricked Fanny about the neck chain, which was PLANNED all along to be from HC.
In chap 45 – In a letter to Fanny, Mary says she hopes Edmund will inherit (because of Tom’s illness).
In chap 47 – In a conversation with Edmund, Mary STILL tries to defend HC, and blames FANNY for the scandal because she refused HC!!!

Fanny surprises

In chap 19 – Sir Thomas is KIND to Fanny when he returns from Antigua!
In chap 22 – Fanny’s value at MP increases since the daughters have left!
In chap 26 – Sir Thomas gives a Ball for Fanny!
In chap 28 – Fanny was “nearly approaching high spirits” about the Ball, and about being in “good looks.” After all, Lady B had “sent Chapman” to help…! ;-)
In chap 31 – Fanny is “beyond belief” at HC’s obtuseness.
In chap 33 – Fanny uses VERY clear language to refuse HC. Lady B will give Fanny one of pug’s next litter!
In chap 35 – Fanny tells Edmund that she “…cannot approve his [HC’s] character.”
In chap 37 – Lady B will actually “MISS Fanny” when she’s gone to Portsmouth!
In chap 38 – William plans to support Fanny for LIFE!!! (Aww…) Susan is a good sister.
In chap 40 – Sir Thomas gave Fanny 10 pounds for her trip to Portsmouth, so Fanny was able to help Susan!
In chap 46 – Susan was invited to go WITH Fanny back to MP; Lady B is HAPPY to see Fanny!

Other surprises

In chap 13 – Mrs. Norris okayed the theatricals -- since there was no expense to her. ;-)
In chap 16 -- The east room is a REAL refuge for Fanny.
In chap 20 – Mrs. Norris made the match for Maria and Mr. Rushworth!
In chap 21 – Sir Thomas offered Maria a way out of her engagement to Mr. Rushworth!
In chap 33 – Even Lady B. encouraged the match for Fanny to HC!
In chap 46 – There was an announcement in the NEWSPAPER of the scandal!
In chap 47 – Mrs. Norris blames Fanny for the breakup of Maria’s marriage!
In chap 48 – Tom’s recovery also accomplishes his rehabilitation!