Edmund Bertram is the love interest in Mansfield Park. He is the second son of Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram, and is thus destined for the church. He is married to Fanny Price, his first cousin.
Biography[]
Early life and education[]
Edmund first met his ten year old cousin Fanny Price when he was sixteen years old. He was kind to her, and even offered to help her post a letter to her brother William, when he realized how homesick she was[1]. He attended Eton and subsequently to Oxford. He was always kind to his little cousin and let her know of her family when he heard goings on[1]. As he was to be a clergyman, as befitting the younger son of a gentleman, he likely studied theology.
The parsonage connected to Mansfield had been taken by Mr. and Mrs. Norris, Edmund's uncle and aunt. when Mr. Norris dies Mr. and Mrs. Grant move into the parsonage. At the end of the book Edmond becomes the new minister at the Mansfield Park parsonage.
Subsequent years[]
Three years after the Grants' arrival at the Parsonage, Mrs. Grant invited her younger half-siblings, Mr. and Miss Crawford to stay with them[2]. Edmund took a liking to Mary.
Edmund starts to be in the company of Miss Crawford a lot more, and even accompanies her when the group went riding without Fanny. Edmund even suggests she remain home when a younger group was to go for a longer ride to the Common[3]. When Edmund came home, he was angered to discover Fanny with a headache, which were dismissed callously by Mrs. Norris, who had her cutting roses in the heat. He promised himself that he would not allow himself to overlook his cousin ever again[3]. The next day, he resumed his daily horse rides with Fanny[4].
Character traits[]
Edmund is kind, especially to his younger cousin Fanny. He immediately takes her under his wing when she is homesick and in need of comfort, and sets about making her feel more at home at Mansfield. Edmund is also a very moral person, and does not condone immorality or ungratefulness in his acquaintances. He is also less diplomatic than his brother in dealing with people he does not like or does not approve of.
Relationships[]
Fanny Price[]
Edmund took a brother's role for Fanny at first when she arrived at Mansfield. He also became her champion and stood up for her against his aunt, who was careless about her niece's health. His mother was also careless about Fanny, but it was less to do with Fanny being less wealthy and more of a charity girl, than her own head in the clouds personality. Edmund was not afraid to openly scold his aunt over Fanny Price.
Notes and references[]
Gallery[]
