The sense of comparison is not necessarily explicit but rather implicit. It seems that Fanny is a mere observant to the way in which Mary comes to life her life and to adjust to the requirements of her education, both in a spiritual manner as well as in a financial one.
The education of the individual at the time consisted of different aspects, but most importantly, it had one aim which was a good marriage. Especially for the women who did not belong to the higher society education and beauty were the only assets they possessed. Mary Crawford had them and exploited them to the fullest. Therefore, education was not conducted out of spiritual need but rather as a tool for the future. This idea is pointed out in one of the remarks made by Mary as she organizes her first high society get together in one of the most...
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