preview

The Importance Of Slavery In Mansfield Park

Decent Essays

Mansfield Park is an interesting tale that involves the clashing ideals of the upper and lower classes. One could say that it is based in racial tension and imperialism, and many would agree. George E. Boulukos, author of The Politics of Silence: "Mansfield Park" and the Amelioration of Slavery, believes that a one of the primary conflicts of Mansfield Park surrounds the legality and morality of the slave trade in England. Boulukos presents that the amelioration of slaves, or in layman’s terms, the improving of conditions for slaves, was a key focus of conflict between Fanny and her Uncle. “The context of amelioration makes sense of the one scene in which the slave trade is discussed in Mansfield Park. Because Fanny's discussion with her uncle is followed by a "dead silence," her reference to the slave trade has been taken as a reminder of the Bertrams' shameful dependence on a business they would prefer to pass over in silence.” (Boulukos362) Mansfield Park was written by Jane Austen, and this “scandalous” novel is still making a splash in today’s world. In 1999, Austen fans were treated with a film by Patricia Rozema that bears the same name and premise as Mansfield Park. The film, presents the conflicting thoughts on slavery through the vocalization and arguing of two characters. In the film, as Fanny is being taken to Mansfield Park she sees a slave ship bearing “black cargo.” She is puzzled by this and the driver explains that a doctor may bring home a dark play thing

Get Access