Fanny's Faith - corrected (sorry)
Posted by MB on December 05, 1997 at 11:26:48:
In response to Fanny's Faith, written by MB on December 05, 1997 at 11:24:45
] Lea
] ] ] Firstly, let me say thanks for replying to my message. It's my first here at Pemberley. I do think it is Fanny's faith in God that allows her to have the courage to reject Henry Crawford and face the displeasure of the Bertram's and Mrs. Norris. I was painfully shy as a teenager/young adult and still somewhat reserved (now in my 30's), I have to say that despite my shyness, I still stand up for what's right even when it isn't popular.
] Helen
] ] I agree with you, it's Fanny's religious faith that makes her able to stand up for herself - a person who has, in externals, no method or reason to resist what more dominant people want from her, can appeal to a higher authority to justify herself.
] MB
] I agree as well.
] Helen
] ] I think that it is this clear Christian faith underpinning Fanny that makes her the least accessible of JA's heroines, because if you do not share, or at least understand, Fanny's belief-system, you will find it hard to comprehend her behaviour. MP as a whole throws up some very profound challenges to society's norms of what makes people good, attractive, or "right".
] MB
] I understand your point, but I'm not sure this would account for my dislike of Fanny (I don't hate her). Look at the strength of Elinor Dashwood, of Anne Elliot, of Catherine Moreland, even; might it not also come from a similar belief-system? These are all heroines that I admire (Elinor and Anne) or at least have affection for (both + Catherine).
Posting followups to old messages is disabled; instead go to the main index and post a new message which mentions this one.
