Jane Austen, (1775-1817) was an English novelist known for her realism. Her family was part of the lower level gentry. She lived with her family and was active in church and the social activities of her gender and station. Jane used biting social commentary and irony in her works. First published in 1814, this novel tells of Sir Thomas Bertram's family who reside in Mansfield Park. The family is composed of his selfish and lazy wife and his four children. The Bertrams undertake the charge of Fanny Price, a girl of nine, who comes from a large and impecunious household. Fanny, by her modesty and honest disposition, becomes an indispensable member of the group.