Emma - Story Summary
In Jane Austen's novel Emma,
the reader is first introduced to the character of Miss Woodhouse,
"Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich with a comfortable
home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings
of existence and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world
with very little to distress or vex her" (Austen:
1986:29). She lived a quiet life in Highbury, where she lived
with her elderly father Mr.
Woodhouse, and was given everything and anything she desired.
It is easy for the reader to fall in love with Emma; she is full
of charisma always the center of attention at any social outing.
She took great pride in being the one responsible for his recent
marriage of her former companion, Ms Taylor, to a wealthy and
respected man by the name of Mr. Weston. This was the result of
the most recent attempt at matchmaking for Emma and she was quite
satisfied with the results, and therefore with herself.
Austen then introduced the reader to
Mr. John Knightley, a gentleman whose brother was married to Emma's
sister. He was a sophisticated, wealthy, well-mannered man, sixteen
years Emma's elder. It was clear that he and Emma shared a close
relationship; he lived nearby and often visited Emma and her father.
He admired Emma, however was quick to inform her whenever he felt
she is in the wrong. He found her interest in matchmaking silly
and trivial, "A straight forward, open-hearted man like Weston
and a rational, unaffected woman like Ms Taylor may be safely
left to manage their own concerns. You are more likely to have
done harm to yourself than good to them by interference"
(Austen: 1986:34).
Emma ignored Mr. Knightley's lecture and quickly turned her attention to Harriet Smith, a student of her friend Mrs. Goddard, "Harriet Smith was the natural daughter of somebody" (Austen: 1986:34). Since Miss Taylor's marriage to Mr. Weston, Emma had felt lonely and in need of a friend to confide in. She felt intrigued by Harriet and found her beautiful and refreshing. When Harriet confided in Emma that a poor farmer was pursuing her by the name of Robert Martin, Emma dismissed the man and told Harriet that although she was certain he was a nice man, she could do better. Emma quickly became determined to introduce her 'new' friend to her upper middle class society. Emma decided that her friend Mr. Elton would be a perfect match for Harriet, he was wealthy and she was beautiful. She focused much of her time and effort on trying to push the two together. . Elton's true feelings came out at the annual Christmas party, where Harriet was absent as a result of bad cold. It was obvious to Austen's readers that Mr. Elton favoured Emma; however she did not realize his feelings until the moment they were alone together in the carriage ride home, where he blatantly professed his love and admiration for her. Emma was distraught at this news - she wanted Harriet and Mr. Elton to marry and she is fearful of how Harriet will react to the news.
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