Pod and Prejudice
Becca has read all of Jane Austen's work. Molly literally does not know who Mrs. Bennett is. Together, they venture into Austen's world of romance, biting satire, and class struggles. Like Austen? Interested in a modern take? This is the podcast for you!
Latest Episodes
Fanny’s in Portsmouth! We meet all the Prices, and they do not live up to our expectations; but more importantly, the Thrush has gone out of harbor. Fanny starts to feel that Portsmouth is not going to be all that she’d hoped for. We also learn that Fanny had another sister, Mary, who died while she was at Mansfield.
Topics discussed include Fanny and William’s dream home, the Crawfords’ love letters, Fanny’s rose-tinted glasses for Mansfield, the return of the fire symbolism, dirty martinis, the lack of good servants in Portsmouth, knife fights, and toasted cheese.
Patron Study Questions come from Ghenet, Avi, Angelika, Linnea, and Sarah K. Topics discussed include our impressions of Fanny’s family, whether Austen’s portrayal of the Prices is fair, Fanny not fitting in with either class, all the new characters we’ve met, whether Fanny would be a different person if she’d grown up with the Prices, and a comparison between Henry and Frank Churchill.
Becca's Study Questions: Topics discussed include a comparison between Fanny’s first day at Mansfield and her first day at Portsmouth, Fanny’s shift in status, Mr. Price in comparison to Sir Thomas, and what's going to happen with the characters we’ve left behind
Funniest Quote: "But though she had seen all the members of the family, she had not yet heard all the noise they could make."
Questions moving forward: How long will Fanny last here? How long will William stick around? Will Fanny befriend Susan?
Who wins the chapters? Betsey!
Glossary of Terms and Phrases:
Sally-port (n): dock where boats picked up or dropped off ship crews from vessels anchored offshore
Glossary of People, Places, and Things:
Toy Story 3, The Three Sisters, Lord of the Rings
Next Episode: Mansfield Park Volume III Chapters 8-9 or Chapters 39 and 40
ALERT ALERT!!!! Come see us LIVE for a talkback after the 2 PM performance of The Betrothed on July 26th. The Betrothed is an absurdist comedy of love, ambition, and social expectation set in the 19th century and performed by an all-women cast. When her brother’s broken engagement disrupts Kitty’s plans to secure a suitor, she’s forced to confront the rigid expectations placed upon her and schemes to restore order and ensure everyone gets their happily ever after. As romantic entanglements unravel and betrayals come to light, The Betrothed queers the classic marriage plot. After the 2PM performance on July 26th
Fanny is going on a trip! Edmund has plans to go to London and propose to Mary, William returns to Mansfield, and Sir Thomas offers to send Fanny back to Portsmouth with him. Fanny hopes to get over Edmund while she’s gone…good luck, girl.
Topics discussed include Edmund’s pride spinoff, Mary’s daddy issues, the sexiest instrument of all time (the harp), whether Fanny is the type of person to adopt her man’s opinions, Sir Thomas’s real reasons for sending Fanny to Portsmouth, and Fanny’s relationship with her family.
Patron Study Questions come from Avi and Angelika. Topics discussed include Fanny’s relationship to her mother and what it will be like for her at Portsmouth, and whether Edmund is willfully misunderstanding Fanny’s emotions.
Becca's Study Questions: Topics discussed include how Fanny’s status will shift at Portsmouth, why Jane Austen is sending her there, why Sir Thomas sucks, the parallels between Edmund/Mary and Fanny/Henry, and what Portsmouth itself will be like.
Funniest Quote: "It had, in fact, occurred to her, that though taken to Portsmouth for nothing, it would be hardly possible for her to avoid paying her own expenses back again. So her poor dear sister Price was left to all the disappointment of her missing such an opportunity, and another twenty years’ absence, perhaps, begun."
Questions moving forward: What will happen in Portsmouth? What will happen if/when Edmund goes to London?
Who wins the chapters? Fanny!!!
Glossary of Terms and Phrases:
Vicissitude (n): the quality or state of being changeable
Glossary of People, Places, and Things: Avatar: The Last Airbender, JASNA New York Metro
Next Episode: Mansfield Park Volume III Chapter 7 or Chapter 38
Our show art was created by Torrence Browne, and our audio is produced by Graham Cook. For bios and transcripts, check out our website at podandprejudice.com. Pod and Prejudice is transcribed by speechdocs.com. To support t
Fanny Price remains unknowable to the people around her. Edmund tries to get Fanny to talk about her feelings, Mary and Fanny have a heart to heart and we learn that Mary’s friends have all wound up in bad marriages. For the first time ever, Fanny reveals what she saw happen between Henry and Maria. And then, the Crawfords are no more. Topics discussed include being “taken in” to a bad marriage, the truth about the necklace, and Bare Minimum Twitter.
Patron Study Questions come from Linnea. Topics discussed include the way Janet Fraser is used to warn Fanny about the possibility of a bad marriage.
Becca's Study Questions: Topics discussed include Edmund’s treatment of Fanny’s choice to reject Henry, the moments of friendship vs. manipulation between Mary and Fanny, Mary’s love of ALL the Bertrams, and what’s next for Fanny at Mansfield.
Funniest Quote: “Miss Crawford made us laugh by her plans of encouragement for her brother. She meant to urge him to persevere in the hope of being loved in time, and of having his addresses most kindly received at the end of about ten years’ happy marriage.”
Questions moving forward: Who’s going to London? Is Mary ever coming back?
Who wins the chapters? Fanny!
Glossary of Terms and Phrases:
Exigeant: French for demanding, strict
Glossary of People, Places, and Things: Fiddler on the Roof, Sleepover
Next Episode: Mansfield Park Volume III Chapter 6
Our show art was created by Torrence Browne, and our audio is produced by Graham Cook. For bios and transcripts, check out our website at podandprejudice.com. Pod and Prejudice is transcribed by speechdocs.com. To support the show, check out our Patreon! Check out our merch at https://podandprejudice.dashery.com.
Instagram: @podandprejudice
Twitter: @podandprejudice
Facebook: Pod and Prejudice
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Henry Crawford perseveres, despite Fanny's repeated rejections, and the aunts learn about the proposal. Edmund returns, and he has opinions about the proposal as well. Henry reads some Shakespeare aloud, and Fanny thinks it's hot.
Topics discussed gray morality, growing out of being Team Jess, Sir Wobbles's gender, surprise proposals, Shakespeare as a part of English society, and actions speaking louder than words.
Patron Study Questions come from Avi and Angelika. Topics discussed include Lady Bertram's offer of a puppy for Fanny, gender-neutral icon Mx. Wobbles, the significance of Henry VIII, and Edmund's behavior after finding out about Henry's proposal.
Becca's Study Questions: Topics discussed include the aunts' response to the proposal, Fanny's enjoyment of Henry's acting, and what Henry means about his actions speaking for him.
Funniest Quote: Lady Bertram took it differently. She had been a beauty, and a prosperous beauty, all her life; and beauty and wealth were all that excited her respect. To know Fanny to be sought in marriage by a man of fortune, raised her, therefore, very much in her opinion. By convincing her that Fanny was very pretty, which she had been doubting about before, and that she would be advantageously married, it made her feel a sort of credit in calling her niece.
"Well, Fanny, I have had a very agreeable surprise this morning. I must just speak of it once, I told Sir Thomas I must once, and then I shall have done. I give you joy, my dear niece.” And looking at her complacently, she added, “Humph, we certainly are a handsome family!”
Questions moving forward: Will something happen with Julia? Will Henry go away? Will he prove himself?
Who wins the chapters? Lady Bertram and Mx. Wobbles
Glossary of Terms and Phrases:
importunity (n): persistence, especially to the point of annoyance.
Glossary of People, Places, and Things: Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Schitt's Creek, The Good Place, Gilmore Girls, Henry VIII, The Thing About Austen
Next Episode: Mansfield Park Volume III Chapters 4-5
Our show art was created by Torrence Browne, and our audio is produced by Read Transcript
Sir Thomas has a full-on crashout when Fanny reveals that she wishes to refuse Henry Crawford. He cross examines her until she cries, and she narrowly escapes him finding out about her crush on Edmund. But after absolutely tearing her to shreds, he still gets a fire going in the East Room. The next day, Fanny finds herself alone with Henry Crawford.
Topics discussed Fanny's empty fireplace, the "little privations" the Bertrams have bestowed on Fanny, Becca's 1-4 scale for categorizing peoples' morals vs. how good a hang they are, the conditionality of Fanny's position at Mansfield Park and the transactional nature of her relationship with the Bertrams.
A COURT OF MIST AND FURY SPOILERS AT 42:40
Patron Study Questions come from Ghenet and Avi.l Topics discussed include whether Sir Thomas would have believed Fanny if she told him about Henry's debauchery and Fanny's refusal to break her convictions about Henry.
Becca's Study Questions: Topics discussed include how Sir Thomas and Fanny's relationship shifted during the fight and the result of the mismatch between them, the symbolism of the fire, and why this chapter reads more like Proposalgeddon than the last chapter.
Funniest Quote: She was preparing to obey, when Mrs. Norris called out, “Stay, stay, Fanny! what are you about? where are you going? don’t be in such a hurry. Depend upon it, it is not you who are wanted; depend upon it, it is me” (looking at the butler); “but you are so very eager to put yourself forward. What should Sir Thomas want you for? It is me, Baddeley, you mean; I am coming this moment. You mean me, Baddeley, I am sure; Sir Thomas wants me, not Miss Price.” But Baddeley was stout. “No, ma’am, it is Miss Price; I am certain of its being Miss Price.”
Questions moving forward: Will this be a love story? What's going to happen in this conversation between Henry and Fanny? Why are they unchaperoned?
Who wins the chapters? Fanny
Glossary of Terms and Phrases:
imputing (v): giving the blame or credit for to some person or cause.
misapprehension (n): an understanding or belief about something that is not correct
Glossary of People, Places, and Things: Fire Island, A Court of Thorns and Roses
Next Episode: Mansfield Park Volume III Chapters 2-3
Our show art was created by Torrence Browne, and our audio is produced by Graham Cook. For bios and transcripts, check out our website at Read Transcript
We have a PROPOSAL (Graham, the sound effect)!!! We learn the real reason Henry went to London, Fanny doubts Henry's intentions, Henry comes to dinner, and Mary and Fanny exchange letters.
Topics discussed include the Crawfords' breeding and capacity for change, Fanny's sleep paralysis demon, leaving unpleasant conversations, Lady Bertram's privilege, Fanny's OOO message, and the ultimate question of why Henry is in love with Fanny.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms spoilers 39:55-42:15!!!
Patron Study Questions come from Avi, Linnea, and Emily. Topics discussed include Mary's intimacy with Fanny and whether it's genuine, William's promotion and whether Henry is using it to manipulate Fanny, and whether the family will find out about the proposal.
Becca's Study Questions: Topics discussed include how this proposal is different from other proposals, why Henry proposed at this moment, what William's promotion means for Fanny, and the end of Volume II.
Funniest Quote: While her heart was still bounding with joy and gratitude on William’s behalf, she could not be severely resentful of anything that injured only herself; and after having twice drawn back her hand, and twice attempted in vain to turn away from him, she got up, and said only, with much agitation, “Don’t, Mr. Crawford, pray don’t! I beg you would not. This is a sort of talking which is very unpleasant to me. I must go away. I cannot bear it.”
Questions moving forward: Will Henry try again? Will he change? What will happen with Mary and Edmund?
Who wins the chapters? Fanny AND William!
Glossary of People, Places, and Things: Avatar: The Last Airbender, A Midsummer Night's Dream, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, The Mandalorian, Aladdin, Falling For Christmas, The Good Place
Next Episode: Mansfield Park Volume III Chapter 1
Our show art was created by Torrence Browne, and our audio is produced by Graham Cook. For bios and transcripts, check out our website at podandprejudice.com. Pod and Prejudice is transcribed by
Fanny has the post-party comedown, Edmund and Mary maybe break up, and HENRY CRAWFORD IS IN LOOOOOOVE!
Topics discussed include Mr. Wobbles at the party, cribbage, Edmund and Mary as the regency era Ross and Rachel, the threat of the Owen girls, and of course, Henry's feelings for Fanny and whether they're pure.
Patron Study Questions come from Emily, Avi, Spring, Angelika, Emily, Linnea, and Flying Cupcake. Topics discussed include the fact that Edmund has never written Fanny a letter, the Crawfords' kindness, Edmund's affection toward Fanny, whether Henry Crawford can be redeemed, "I can fix him" vs. "She can fix me," whether Henry's love is lasting, Mary's POV, and why Henry thinks Fanny loves him.
Becca's Study Questions: Topics discussed include Mary's jealousy, whether Henry will make a better husband than his uncle, why Henry fell for Fanny, Henry's perception of Fanny with the Bertrams, and whether people can change.
Funniest Quote: "Oh yes! missed as every noisy evil is missed when it is taken away; that is, there is a great difference felt. But I am not fishing; don’t compliment me."
Questions moving forward: Will Henry propose? Will Fanny say no? Will Edmund and Mary ever see each other again?
Who wins the chapters? Henry!
Glossary of Terms and Phrases:
alacrity (n): promptness in response : cheerful readiness
Glossary of People, Places, and Things: Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Lord of the Rings, Wishbone, Friends, Artemis II, Project Hail Mary, The Grinch
Next Episode: Mansfield Park Volume II Chapters 13-14
Our show art was created by Torrence Browne, and our audio is produced by Graham Cook. For bios and transcripts, check out our website at podandprejudice.com. Pod and Prejudice is transcribed by speechdocs.com. To support the show, check out our Patreon! Check out our merch at https://podandprejudice.dashery.co
It's the day of the ball! Edmund gifts Fanny a SECOND chain, and Fanny decides to get over Edmund just as Edmund starts to doubt his feelings for Mary. Henry offers to take William to town and flirts up a storm with Fanny (respectfully). Fanny is the belle of the ball, despite her wishes.
Topics discussed include pasta necklaces, our In Defense of Edmund Drinking Game, Fanny's cup size, what Mary Crawford sees in Edmund, pros and cons of Henry and Edmund, and Regency ragers.
Becca's Study Questions: Topics discussed include angel hair vs. bucatini (or the Mary necklace vs. the Edmund necklace), Edmund's feelings about Mary's flaws now vs. the beginning of the book, Fanny's coming out, whether she's softening on Henry, and whether Edmund and Mary are over.
Funniest Quote: "She had all the heroism of principle, and was determined to do her duty; but having also many of the feelings of youth and nature, let her not be much wondered at, if, after making all these good resolutions on the side of self-government, she seized the scrap of paper on which Edmund had begun writing to her, as a treasure beyond all her hopes, and reading with the tenderest emotion these words, “My very dear Fanny, you must do me the favour to accept” locked it up with the chain, as the dearest part of the gift."
Questions moving forward: Is this the end of Mary and Edmund? What will happen between Henry and William on the carriage ride?
Who wins the chapters? Fanny!
Glossary of Terms and Phrases:
a la mortal (phrase): to the death
chequered (adj): marked by fluctuations in fortune
negus (n): a beverage made of wine, hot water, lemon juice, sugar, and nutmeg,
Glossary of People, Places, and Things: Avatar: The Last Airbender, Dawson's Creek, Hamilton, Hot N Cold
Next Episode: Mansfield Park Volume II Chapters 11-12
Our show art was created by Torrence Browne, and our audio is produced by Graham Cook. For bios and transcripts, check out our website at podandprejudice.com. Pod and Prejudice is transcribed by speechdocs.com. To support the show, check out our Patreon! Check out our merch at http
The families gather for a game night, and shenanigans ensue. Henry pays a visit to Edmund's future home, which sparks some feelings in Fanny and Mary. Sir Thomas catches on to Henry's intentions with Fanny and decides to throw a ball. Mary gives Fanny an unexpected gift.
Topics discussed include falling in love for the bit, Molly's competitive side, whether Henry can change, predictions for William's hotness, Sir Thomas's Pinterest board, our first male pre-proposal POV, and team Hanny vs. team Fanmund.
Patron Study Questions this week come from Avi. Topics discussed include William's cross being modeled off a gift Jane Austen received from her own brother.
Becca's Study Questions: Topics discussed include Sir Thomas's interest in Henry and throwing a ball, the discussion of Edmund's estate, Edmund's internal monologue, the purpose of the ball, and why Mary gave Fanny her chain.
Funniest Quote: “No, I never inquire. But I told a man mending a hedge that it was Thornton Lacey, and he agreed to it.”
Questions moving forward: Who will dance with each other at the ball?
Who wins the chapters? Sir Thomas!
Glossary of Terms and Phrases:
Avarice (n): extreme greed for wealth or material gain.
Glossary of People, Places, and Things: Ten Things I Hate About You, She's All That, Pygmalion, My Fair Lady, Cruel Intentions, Catan, Heated Rivalry
Next Episode: Mansfield Park Volume II Chapters 9-10
Our show art was created by Torrence Browne, and our audio is produced by Graham Cook. For bios and transcripts, check out our website at podandprejudice.com. Pod and Prejudice is transcribed by speechdocs.com. To support the show, check out our Patreon! Check out our merch at https://podandprejudice.dashery.com.
Instagram: @podandprejudice
Twitter: Read Transcript
Surprise, bitch, bet you thought you'd seen the last of Henry Crawford. Fanny goes to dinner at the parsonage, it's revealed that Edmund will be taking his living sooner than Mary thought, and Henry decides he's going to woo Fanny. Plus, the return of William Price!
Topics discussed include Fanny's place in the parsonage, how many cats Fanny will have in her Brooklyn apartment, whether Henry is a dog person, and the danger of horseback riding vs. being in the navy.
Patron Study Questions this week come from Avi, Ghenet, Linnea, Angelika
Topics discussed include Fanny's new position at Mansfield, Mary and Maria's situations, Mary's culpability in Henry's plan, whether Henry has met people like the Prices before, Henry's jealousy, and sibling pairs.
Becca's Study Questions: Topics discussed include Henry's POV and Henry's sincerity.
Funniest Quote: "No, I will not do her any harm, dear little soul! I only want her to look kindly on me, to give me smiles as well as blushes, to keep a chair for me by herself wherever we are, and be all animation when I take it and talk to her; to think as I think, be interested in all my possessions and pleasures, try to keep me longer at Mansfield, and feel when I go away that she shall be never happy again. I want nothing more.”
Questions moving forward: How long is William staying? Will Henry and Fanny fall in love? Will William and Mary fall in love?
Who wins the chapters? William!
Glossary of Terms and Phrases:
menu plaisirs: minor pleasures
Glossary of People, Places, and Things: Oh, Mary!, How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days, 27 Dresses
Next Episode: Mansfield Park Volume II Chapters 7-8
Our show art was created by Torrence Browne, and our audio is produced by Graham Cook. For bios and transcripts, check out our website at podandprejudice.com. Pod and Prejudice is transcribed by speechdocs.com. To support the show, check out our Patreon! Check out our merch at https://podandprejudice.dashery.com.
Instagram: @podandprejudice
Twitter: @podandprejudice