Reading Mansfield Park, I was struck by the idea of a girl being “out” in society, and how it relates to Mary Hays’ novel. Part of a girl growing up at this time was waiting to be introduced into society. In Mansfield Park, Miss Crawford questions whether Fanny is “out” in society. She explains a girl “not out” wears the same dress style and is quiet most of the time (Austen 76). As the conversation continues, they establish that Fanny is not out because she doesn’t attend balls. This ritual determines the acceptance of girls into society as women, and if they fail to make a good impression, they could remain unmarried.
Thinking about this with Mary Hays, I wondered whether Mary Raymond was introduced into society before her father died. Hays and Austen are only separated by twenty years, making it possible that this ritual spanned both of their careers. Would it have made a difference if Mary Raymond was introduced into society before her father died? Could she have met a reasonable marriage partner? Would she have been saved from ruin? I don’t know that any of this would have helped her, but it raises more questions than it answers. Mr. Raymond’s parenting choices are again scrutinized because Mary was ruined by the society she knew nothing about.
Romantic--with a Capitol 'R'--Poetry 
I like your application of social rituals in Mansfield Park to A Victim of Prejudice. (I know these should be italicized and it’s making me cringe, but I’m not sure how to do that in a comment!) I think this relates to the question of whether or not ignorance is bliss. If Mary had been introduced to society earlier, she would have been made aware of the expectations and oppression of women and I think this would result in a very different Mary. How would a woman that had been educated as Mary had be able to conform to the societal expectations others would have of her? Would she have been able to be introduced into society and marry an acceptable man and still be happy? Would she have been able to forget the fact that she was just as intelligent, if not more so, than all the men that she is supposed to submit to? Would she have been able to live happily for so long knowing what kind of life was awaiting her?
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