In Mansfield Park, Jane Austen gives her heroine a particular appreciation for the beauties of nature. As in all things, Fanny Price views nature through her religious lens. Here's what she has to say while looking out at the evening sky:
"Here's harmony!...Here's repose!
Here's what may leave all painting
and all music behind,
and what poetry only can attempt to describe.
Here's what may tranquillize every care,
and lift the heart to rapture!
When I look out on such a night as this,
I feel as if there could be neither wickedness
nor sorrow in the world;
and there certainly would be less of both
if the sublimity of Nature
were more attended to,
and people were carried more out of themselves
by contemplating such a scene."
(Mansfield Park, Vl I, end of Ch. 11)
I have to (and willingly do) agree with Jane Austen on this point. One of the benefits of living in a 16 storied building is that I can go up to the roof-top observation area and look out over the city. At night, I can gaze up at two of the planets currently visible in the night sky, and watch the sun set grow darker and richer. It's so peaceful up there, and silent, and easy to pray.
* * *
Well, I best be off to school.
Peace,
Br. Paul, OP~
