The final chapter sums up the consequences of the characters’ actions throughout the story.

Sir Thomas laments that he has not properly raised his children, particularly Tom, Maria, and Julia. He allowed Mrs. Norris too much influence with his offspring. She spoiled them and made them think more of themselves than other people.

Since his suffering through a fever and illness, Tom has come to new understandings about life. Prior to his ill health, he lived frivolously. Since his physical struggles, his thinking has become clearer, and he is more helpful and useful to his father.

Sir Thomas hopes Julia still has a chance. This might be a result of Mrs. Norris’s favoritism toward Maria; Julia felt second best. It has made Julia more humble. She repents for having hurt her father by eloping and disregarding his authority. She makes amends with Sir Thomas and returns home. Sir Thomas accepts her and Mr. Yates, the man she has married. Yates would not have been Sir Thomas’s choice for his daughter, but he has more merits than Sir Thomas had first thought.

Sir Thomas cannot bring himself to forgive Maria. He blames himself and especially Mrs. Norris for Maria’s failure to consider anyone else’s feelings but her own. She is a highly passionate woman, Sir Thomas concludes, and should have been better disciplined. Maria cannot be talked out of living with Henry for several months following their affair. Maria hopes to persuade Henry to marry her. Finally, when she realizes the folly of her wishes, she leaves him. Although Mrs. Norris implores Sir Thomas, he will not take Maria back. So Mrs. Norris quits Mansfield Park and moves to another part of the country, taking Maria to live with her.

Henry Crawford is not greatly harmed. Neither his business nor his reputation is affected by his scandalous behavior, although his heart does not bear up so well. Too late he realizes how good Fanny had been for him. He will never find another woman to match Fanny’s merit.

Edmund is the only child who does not disappoint Sir Thomas. With Fanny’s help, Edmund becomes less depressed, his spirit lightening with every day. Edmund is heading for the post at Thornton Lacey, a parish not far from Mansfield Park. Before he goes, he realizes that he has never met a more genuine woman with honest feelings and thoughts than Fanny. He asks her to marry him. Sir Thomas could not have been happier to have Fanny as a daughter.

Just after the announcement of their marriage, Dr. Grant is offered a new job in Westminister. He, along with his wife and her sister, Mary Crawford, leave Mansfield Park. This opens the pastor position at Mansfield, and it naturally goes to Edmund.

The story ends with a glimpse into Susan’s new life. In many ways, she replaces Fanny in the Bertram household. Lady Bertram appreciates Susan’s attention, strength, and forbearance. In turn, Susan is grateful for the elegance and gentility that has been added to her life.