The Differences in Treatment Received by the Upper and Lower Classes of the 19th Century British Society Shown in Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park

Abstract

This study employs Lucien Goldmann’s Genetic Structuralism approach to dissect the treatment disparities experienced by the upper and lower echelons of society within Jane Austen’s “Mansfield Park.” Utilizing textual analysis, the research scrutinizes instances delineating differential treatment, including condescension and exclusion, towards characters belonging to distinct social strata. The findings delineate the prevalent class-based prejudices, revealing the societal dichotomy ingrained within the novel’s narrative. In examining the treatment disparities within Jane Austen’s “Mansfield Park” through Lucien Goldmann’s Genetic Structuralism approach, this study delves into the intricacies of societal divisions and class-based prejudices. Goldmann’s method allows for a nuanced exploration of the upper and lower echelons of society as depicted in the novel, revealing subtle nuances of condescension and exclusion. Through meticulous textual analysis, the research identifies instances that illuminate the societal dichotomy present in the narrative. By applying this theoretical framework, the study not only brings to light the inherent class biases but also contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between social structures and individual experiences within the world Austen crafted in “Mansfield Park.”