Abstract
This paper focuses primarily on the methods used by Henry and Mary Crawford to seduce Fanny Price and Edmund Bertram, respectively, and why these methods succeed in some instances-and with specific characters-and fail in others. It looks at why Edmund and Fanny turn down their seducers for a more fulfilling relationship together: After being raised as brother and sister, but only sharing blood as cousins since they have an unparalleled and sincere love which cannot be found or forged outside of the family bloodline.

From the Paper
"Austen creates a novel version of the morality play in which Fanny and Mary personify the characteristics with which they are associated. Fanny represents every trait that will enable Edmund to live a spiritually enlightened and fulfilling life. Mary represents material and physical temptations that frustrate and prohibit spiritual growth and development. Throughout the first two volumes of the text, Edmund symbolically leaves Fanny to pursue Mary and her overwhelming temptations: Fanny is first left to cut roses under the ascendancy of Mrs. Norris while Edmund teaches Mary to ride Fanny's horse (63-5). "

Tags:crawford, deirdre, edgar, faye, norris, starkins, viktor