“What strange creatures brothers are!”
This single, exasperated line comes from the pen of Jane Austen, a master of social observation. Featured in her 1814 novel Mansfield Park, the quote captures a feeling many people with brothers know well. It speaks to a unique blend of love, frustration, familiarity, and utter bewilderment. Indeed, the relationship between siblings, especially brothers, is a complex tapestry. Austen, with her characteristic wit, distills this complexity into one memorable phrase.
This sentiment resonates because it is so honest. Brothers can be your staunchest allies and your most infuriating rivals. They can understand you without words, yet their actions can seem completely alien. Therefore, exploring this quote reveals not just a character’s fleeting thought but a universal truth about family dynamics that remains relevant today.
The Meaning Behind the Words
When Mary Crawford exclaims, “What strange creatures brothers are!” she isn’t necessarily being malicious. Instead, the word “strange” points to something unpredictable and foreign. It suggests a creature whose motivations and behaviors are difficult to fully comprehend. Brothers often occupy this dual space. They are intimately known, yet they can remain profoundly mysterious. This paradox is the heart of the quote’s power.
Furthermore, the line highlights the inherent contradictions in the sibling bond. A brother can be fiercely protective one moment and relentlessly teasing the next. He might offer profound wisdom and then make a bafflingly poor decision. This inconsistency is what makes them “strange.” They defy easy categorization. Consequently, the relationship is a constant source of both comfort and confusion, a dynamic that Austen expertly captures.
Context in Mansfield Park
To fully appreciate the quote, we must look at its context within Mansfield Park. The speaker is Mary Crawford, a witty and worldly character. She is talking about her own brother, the charming but morally flexible Henry Crawford. Throughout the novel, Henry’s actions constantly surprise and frustrate Mary. He pursues the novel’s heroine, Fanny Price, with an intensity that seems genuine. However, he later engages in an adulterous affair that causes a massive scandal.
Mary’s exclamation comes from her inability to reconcile her brother’s good qualities with his destructive impulses. She loves him and sees his potential for goodness. Yet, she is repeatedly baffled by his choices. Her statement is a sigh of resignation and a recognition of his incomprehensible nature. In this light, the quote is not just a general observation. It is a deeply personal and pained reflection on a specific, complicated relationship that shapes the entire plot of the novel.
The Universal Sibling Experience
While born from a specific fictional context, the sentiment has a universal appeal. Many people see their own brothers in Henry Crawford’s contradictions. This feeling of loving someone deeply while being completely mystified by them is a common part of the sibling experience. Researchers have found that sibling relationships are incredibly influential. In fact, they often shape our personalities, social skills, and future relationships. Source
This connection is often a mix of shared history and separate paths. You grow up with the same inside jokes and family stories. Yet, your brother becomes his own person, with thoughts and motivations you may never fully grasp. For example, sibling rivalry and support can coexist, creating a dynamic that is both competitive and loving. This duality is precisely what Austen labels as “strange.” The percentage of adults reporting positive relationships with their siblings is high, yet nearly a third also report experiencing rivalry.
Austen’s Enduring Insight
Ultimately, “What strange creatures brothers are!” is a testament to Jane Austen’s genius. She had an unparalleled ability to observe human nature and articulate its complexities in a simple, elegant prose. The quote is more than just a witty line; it is a profound insight into the beautiful, messy, and often confusing reality of family.
It reminds us that the people closest to us can also be the most enigmatic. This timeless observation ensures that Austen’s work continues to connect with readers centuries later. The strangeness of brothers, it seems, is an enduring part of the human condition. Therefore, we continue to nod in agreement with Mary Crawford, sharing in her affectionate bewilderment across the ages.