“There is much prudence and restraint but very little freedom in this novel.” Discuss the validity of this statement in light of Mansfield Park.

Mansfield Park is a novel that explores the behavior of different individuals in a society that emphasises propriety. Some characters display prudence and restraint in their actions, while others are repressed and restrained by authority figures. The lack of freedom of individuals is also portrayed in the novel and some characters like Maria Bertram attempt to escape from restraint by rebelling against society. The issues of prudence and restraint highlight the genre of the novel as a domestic comedy that concentrates on the actions, behavior, appearance and values of the individuals in society. Austen also portrays characters like Fanny that are able to achieve freedom by displaying prudence and restraint in their actions.
In Mansfield Park, an example of the restraint faced by the individuals is through the portrayal of the Bertram children. Sir Thomas Bertram is portrayed as a flawed parental figure that was excessively strict and rigid in educating his children, such that they did not share a close relationship with their father, but rather viewed him as a ‘monster’. When Sir Thomas Betram leaves Mansfield Park to go to Antigua for business, the restraint faced by the children is removed and they decide to put on a play, ‘Lovers’ Vows’. However it was improper for genteel society to act as acting was viewed as the occupation of the lower class and also because plays were seen as morally corrupting due to the presence of unhealthy themes such as adultery and poor moral values. Sir Thomas Bertram’s overly strict and oppressive control of his children incite them to rebel once he is no longer around. For Maria, acting was very tempting because it enabled her to release her suppressed attraction towards Henry Crawford under the guise of performance, as she was engaged to Mr Rushworth and had to behave with propriety as an engaged woman. When Sir Thomas Bertram returns, his return is described as a ‘horror’ because the Bertram children are aware of his displeasure