Emma in Review

Emma is a classic character and exudes the essence of a proper woman, written by Jane Austen. Emma grows in demure throughout the story and exhibits this growth greatly throughout the marriage of her prior governess Miss. Taylor, now Mrs. Weston. She has depended on Miss. Taylor greatly throughout her life, and she now has had to gain her own independence, shape her own friendships, and climb her own ladder in the social hierarchy. Emma ends up being quite the natural in all of these regards, and is able to hold her own in all areas, specifically the social hierarchy.

Emma also shows great growth in the area of marriage. In the beginning of the story she denies any reason to want to marry and believes that she should help provide for her father as he ages. In Book Two, Emma states, "I do not find myself making any use of the word sacrifice," (248 Emma), in regards to relationships and being happy. By the end of the book, her views on happiness and the ability to be emotionally volatile and connected have eroded. She has overcome her need for exclusion when it comes to her being with someone else and marrying, which is conveyed through her close relationship to Mr. Knightly. Often throughout the story, information is misconstrued as Emma misinterprets feelings or concludes her own assumptions, specifically when it involves her friend Harriett. She misconstrues Mr. Elton's affections for her, to her friend Harriett, which becomes a sore issue for her, Mr. Elton, and Harriett.

Emma's emotional relationships are very different. Her attachment to Mr. Elton was minimal, however he had great intentions of marrying her. His affections were great and displayed through a carriage ride, where the two of them had an opportunity to be alone. Mr. Elton took the opportunity to be physical with Emma and attempt to kiss her, but was however thwarted. This act was very one-sided and blew Emma's mind, as it was not expected in the least. Her relationship with Mr. Churchill was inappropriate, since Frank was otherwise engaged. Emma however was not in the wrong, since she was unaware of the arrangement and was at one time in love with Mr. Churchill and his affections to her. This shows that Emma is quite capable of loving another individual. Her connection and marriage to Mr. Knightly takes the cake. It proves that Emma is in fact material for marriage and intimate relationships. She has always regarded Mr. Knightly with due respect and a very open relationship. The marriage suits both of them. The marriage is the peak of Emma's growth into a lady.

Austen does share with her reader's a "slice of life," in her novel, Emma. The reader is taken into the town of Highbury and into the homes of the individuals that this town represents. We can engage emotionally with these characters, both highs and lows, and in the end are happy for all of the couples as they engage in their lives. Austen portrays a working class society, with a common hierarchy that is common place even in contemporary society. Even in 2009, the story of Emma is very relatable.

References

Austin, Jane. (2004). Emma. Barnes and Noble Classics. New York.

http://angel02.gcu.edu/section/default.asp?id=114979 Acquired November 13, 2009.

http://www.bibliomania.com/0/0/22/2394/frameset.html. Acquired November 13, 2009.