Vol. I Discussion I:  James

     In Chapter 7, Harriet Smith consults Emma concerning a marriage proposal from Mr. Martin. To this point, Harriet is described as impressionable incapable of thinking for herself. read their conversation on pages 63-69. How is their conversation ironic? And what does this irony reveal about Emma? Now focus on the parts where Emma contradicts herself, denying to offer an opinion, yet through her denial, ironically insinuating that very opinion on Harriet. How does this compare to your earlier reading? I offer that Emma is oblivious to her peers because she believes to know more than they do. I also contend that by placing herself above Harriet, Emma proves manipulative, which does not bode well for her happiness as the book wears on. -James

     Emma offers her opinion in a passive aggressive middle school girl way.  She automatically assumes that Harriet will reject Mr. Martin, leading to a slightly awkward situation when Harriet hesitates.  Emma then points out that Harriet's hesitation proves that she is not committed.  Harriet depends on Emma's approval to the point where she won't marry someone without it.  Emma seems to like having this kind of power over her friend.  Emma also tries to discredit Mr. Martin's intelligence (and says it is unsuitable for Harriet) even though Harriet isn't the brightest crayon in the box either. This is a reversal of Emma's previously self-proclaimed role as "matchmaker" because she purposely prevents her friend from marrying a man.  Maybe Emma is peeved because she did not arrange the match and therefore disapproved from the beginning.  -Emily

     Emma does boast of herself being quite the match-maker; she references her earlier match for Miss Taylor and is pleased with her work. Emma views it as just that, work; she has set herself up on this pedestal, believing her judgement to be better than those of her peers. She is a mirror image of the world in that she confuses differing opinions with inapt judgments, assuming that others are wrong simply because they have a different perspective. Simply put, Emma is full of herself, and her egocentric point of view supports the middle school mindset mentioned above, in which she passively imposes her beliefs on Harriet, Mr. Woodhouse, and tries to do the same to Mr. Knightly. Mr. Knightly is an interesting character. He is the only character who finds fault in Emma, and is not bashful or reserved in calling her on it. I look forward to seeing the relationship between he and Emma develop, as polarized players always make for a good show. -James

     Although Emma is incredibly self-satisfied with her imagined role as matchmaker to Miss Taylor, she proves to be rather unsuitable for the task.  Although Emma does posses the manipulative flair to push people together or apart, as evidenced by the subtle control she exerted on Harriet Smith when Miss Smith came to Emma regarding Mr. Martin's proposal of marriage, Emma is too self-centered to make good matches.  In a later conversation with Mr. Knightly, Emma is reprimanded for ruining what have might otherwise been a suitable marriage. Mr. Knightly explains to Emma that she probably doomed Harriet to a life of spinsterdom by giving the girl an inflated opinion of herself. Due to her own egotism Emma overestimated Harriet Smith's appeal and worth since the girl had become her protege, and so she prevented Harriet from marrying a man whom Emma considered to be beneath any of her acquaintances. The irony being that while Emma sought a better, happier, marriage for her friend, she actually prevented what might have been a perfect coupling. I imagine that her self-centeredness will eventually disappear as the story goes on and her character matures. However, if she stays the way she is right now, I dearly hope she spends the rest of her fictional life alone. -Chris

Vol. I Discussion II:  James

     It did not take Emma long to disprove herself as a matchmaker; Mr. Elton did write his charade of courtship, but to her instead of Harriet.  Too busy fitting the clues to her own preconceptions, Emma did not see that Mr. Elton was in fact courting her until Mr. Knightley warned her, and then Mr. Elton himself sexually advanced upon her. However, not all is bad for Emma. At the end of the volume, she finally presents some true insight, beginning with an admission of her own foolish blindness and ending with this thought:

     "To take a dislike to a young man only because he appeared to be of a different disposition from himself was unworthy the real liberality of mind which she was always used      to acknowledge in him; for with all the high opinion of himself which she had often laid to his charge, she never before for a moment supposed it could make him unjust to the      merit of another" (144-145).

Although Emma is describing Mr. Knightley, she is ironically listing her own vices. Despite this continued obliviousness, her realization that one's bias can change the interpretation of another's actions leaves me with some semblance of hope that she may grow up and gain some sensibility. Although this is only the end of volume one, I ask you to examine the psychological changes Emma has undergone since the book's opening, and speculate on how this has and will affect her behavior. -James

     In the beginning of the novel, Emma determines to help Harriet find an appropriate suitor.  Emma is concerned for superficial aspects, like wealth and popularity.  It seems as though she tries to mask the superficial reasons with legitimate ones, like judging men on their intelligence and their intentions.  She initially writes Mr. Martin off as socially inferior and supposedly unintelligent.  Emma later discovers that Mr. Martin can speak well, which proves Emma wrong, although she rejects to admit that.  Emma begins to accept her errors especially after the Mr. Elton experience.  I think she is secretly flattered by his confession, even though she has denounced him so many times she could not possibly be affiliated with him.  I think this opens Emma up to realize other instances where she has been wrong so she can avoid future mistakes.  It’s possible that her attitude takes a 180 degree turn when Frank enters the picture.  Generally, Emma rejected most men, but soon she’ll fall for Frank.  I kind of hope he doesn’t return the feelings, just to reverse the roles.     -Emily  (PS, this may not have answered the question. oh well)  

     Emma's repeated failures at matchmaking, first with Mr. Martin and Harriet and then with Mr. Elton and Harriet, have at least made her more aware of other people.  Earlier in the story Emma doesn't even consider the personalities of other people when she tries to pair them off, she simply tries to make couples based on her own delusions about them. At least by the end of volume one she is willing to admit to her mistakes, which is an improvement over her initial pigheadedness. The advances of Mr. Elton, coupled with Mr. Martin's own well spokenness, provides Emma with undeniable proof that she is not always right. Although she hasn't entirely abandoned the business of matchmaking, Emma does acknowledge her mistakes, which gives me hope she will continue to mature throughout the novel. Emma's main problem is that she is egotistical, however, by the end of volume one, she does seem at least somewhat humbled. -Chris

Vol. II Discussion I:  Chris

     One of the character's who really stood out to me in the first half of Volume Two was the verbose, dull, and painfully foolish Miss Bates, I would quote her, except she is simply too draining to actually transcribe word for word from the text onto the wiki page.  I suggest you turn to page 162, bottom paragraph, to develop an understanding of Miss Bates the person, as it is indicative of her character as a whole. I believe that Miss Bates, aside from being somewhat tedious comic relief, helps draw out certain aspects of Emma's character we otherwise would not see. Does Miss Bates provoke similarly revealing reactions from other character's aside from Emma? What does each character's attitude towards Miss Bates reveal about their personalities? Why do you think Jane Austen included Miss Bates in this novel at all? -Chris

     Miss Bates does seem to have Emma quite perplexed. While most of the characters have proper diction and manner, Miss Bates speaks in tumbling streams of words, fragments, and exclamations, which raises the question of whether Miss Bates has time to breathe at all amidst her endless stream of chatter. While she speaks with a breathless, stumbling tone, Miss Bates has a pointed way of speaking that packs large portions of information into abbreviated packets, barely allowing time to process one piece of knowledge before another slew of fragments follows.  While many characters such as Emma herself complain of Miss Bates's fast-paced speech, there are several points in volume two where all the main characters find themselves together with the Bateses, implying that they are more fond of Miss Bates than they let on. This comes farther into light when Mrs. Weston consults Miss Bates on the appropriateness of the Crown Inn for a dining and dancing night.  Jane Austen provides Miss Bates to illuminated the proper mannerisms that everyone else is supposed to uphold, rather to say, Miss Bates is the contrast of proper speaking that catches the reader's attentions. Ironically, by this difference in manner, the other characters are drawn to her, so Miss Bates also acts as a catalyst for interaction between the many potential couples throughout the novel. -James

     Although Miss Bates does little to further the plot of the novel, the way other people treat indicates their own personalities and motives.  I think Jane Austin included her to further develop the personalities of other characters.  It’s ironic that Emma, who appears to be proper and lady like in other ways, has so little patience for Miss Bates and is blatantly rude to her.  Jumping ahead to chapter seven of the third volume, Emma insults Miss Bates at the Box Hill party by saying that Miss Bate’s will have no trouble making only three un-clever comments.  Even though Emma has a very good point, she probably shouldn’t have said that aloud...  The insult is a new low for Emma, but characters who defend Miss Bates, including Mr. Knightly and (indirectly) the Eltons demonstrate their protectiveness of the friends.  Mr. Knightly, again, prove that he has more grace and class than Emma.  Mr. Woodhouse, on the other hand, treats everyone in a friendly manner seems to have a positive view of most people, including the Bates.  By acting indifferently towards her, Mr. Woodhouse shows his general good nature.  -Emily

     Emma does seem to be uniquely short tempered with Miss Bates, while everyone else treats the breathless woman with a air of indulgence, Emma has little time for Miss Bates and her rambling speeches. In an ironic twist, perhaps Emma is so short with Miss Bates because she thinks she will later become like Miss Bates. She does not intend to marry, much like Miss Bates, and she may fear she will become like Miss Bates, intensely focused on the minor trivialities that occur in Highbury, but far too foolish to actually have an impact on them, simply watching from the sidelines. This interpretation makes sense when one considers that Emma only recently found out how poorly her attempt to pair Harriet off with Mr. Elton fared. Therefore, Miss Bates' mannerisms, longwindedness, and foolishness might grate more on Emma than other characters.  It is also possible that Emma is simply more self centered than the other chracters, and so might find Miss Bates especially irritating.  Mr. Knightley on the other hand, treats Miss Bates indulgently, although when he talks about the woman with Emma he does seem to have a condescending opinion of Miss Bates.  Mr. Knihgtley thinks of Miss Bates as an annoyance to be tolerated, rather than a person to be listend to.  Although he is correct in this instance, this does reveal Mr. Knightley's high opinion of himself. -Chris

Vol. II Discussion II:  Chris

     In Chapter 15 Mrs. Elton decides to take a similar interest in Jane Fairfax as Emma did in Harriet earlier in the novel. Mrs. Elton goes so far as to say "Jane Fairfax is absolutely charming, Miss Woodhouse. I quite rave about Jane Fairfax. A sweet, interesting creature. So mild and ladylike- and with such talents! I assure you I think that she plays extremely well." How does Mrs. Elton's statements mimic Emma's earlier in the novel? How does Emma's reaction to these statements help the reader understand how her character has matured? How is this ironic?

     Well, for starters, I do not agree that Mrs. Elton mimics Emma because Emma found many faults in Harriet, while Mrs. Elton finds Jane a prime example of excellence and talent.  I submit, however, that there are commonalities between the "mentor's" persuasive techniques. Both women are stubborn: Emma saw only her own perspective, misleading herself to believe Mr. Elton to be in love with Harriet; Mrs. Elton refuses to take no for an answer, imposing her will on Jane to take leave for the Bates's home for Mrs. Smallridge's near Maple Grove. Both women place their own opinions so far above that of others that common sense flies the coop for want of more romantic theories of who should marry whom. Basically, each woman is in need of a reality check.  Emma's saving grace is that she dislikes Mrs. Elton, and disapproves of her character. However, may people dislike seeing their own vices in others, so do not be surprised to see Emma meddling in relationships in the near future.  -James

     Mrs. Elton seems to be channeling Emma from earlier in the novel, but rather than fawning over Harriet, she focuses on Jane Farifax.  Mrs. Elton could almost be seen as satirizing Emma's earlier actions, she says many of the same things about Jane Emma did about Harriet, only much more extravagently and in a much shorter period of time. This provides Emma with a chance to understand how her actions appeared to others, which is fortunate, as Emma seems almost completely incapable of introspection. She reaches the same conclusion about Mrs. Elton and Jane as Mr. Knightley did when he was observing Emma and Harriet.  Although she does not realize it at the time, this does allow Emma to understand Mr. Knighley's reprimands in volume I. The irony is that while Emma is extremely capable of interpreting and judging the actions of others, she still cannot do the same for herself. Hopefully there will come a time when she recognizes the error of her ways and correct it, but it'll probably take the whole rest of volume III to do so. -Chris

     I think James brought up a good point that Emma pointed out Harriet's flaws while Mrs. Elton points out Jane's talents.  Emma has this need to constantly feel superior to others (The Martins, the Eltons, the Coles) that she tends to have a negative image of most people, even those she's friends with.  Mrs. Elton does not seem to have to insult others to elevate herself.  The way Mrs. Elton speaks of Jane is similar to how Emma spoke of Harriet; as if she is a pet project.  Emma reacts by saying that the "kindness and protect of Mrs. Elton...is beyond the punishment you have merited" and that Emma would dislike the same attention.  I think it shows maturity on Emma's behalf that she can recognize that Jane does not need Mrs. Elton's help.  However, it is ironic that she cannot recognize how similar she was to Mrs. Elton.  Emma could have shown more maturity and wisdom if she had admitted to acting that way.  This is another example of Emma's flaws being displayed through others.  When Emma encounters these flaws in people, she strongly dislikes them....so I doubt she'd like the way she used to act.  It hardly seems to matter, though, because she's moving in the right direction.  -Emily   

Vol. III Discussion I:  Emily

     Ever since Emma met Frank, she agrees that he would be a suitable match, even though she doesn't truly love him.  She does not go out of her way to convince people that they are not an item.  She allows him to flirt with her and show mild affection, even though she knows it's an act.  Why does Frank pretend to have feelings for Emma?  Why does Emma allow it?

     As the novel unfolds, we learn that Frank and Jane are secretly engaged (even though everyone knows it).  Mr. Knightley catches on to this and tries to warn Emma, who he thinks actually loves Frank.  Mr. Knightley recognizes that there is something going on between Frank and Jane and want to protect Emma's feelings.  I think Frank tries so hard to disguise his relationship with Jane that he outwardly flirts with Emma.  Emma puts up with it because he's a respectable man, and social status means everything to her.  If the community thought Emma rejected a perfectly respectable suitor, they would wonder why.  It is also possible that Emma fakes the relationship with Frank to distract herself from people she might have real feelings for.  In chapter eleven, Emma shows remarkable maturity by admitting to herself that she loves Mr. Knightley.  It's certainly interesting that two characters pretended to be interested in each other to distract themselves or other characters from who they actually liked.  -Emily 

     Emma is projecting her own feelings for Frank onto Harriet.  Emma admits to loving Frank on several occasions, and therefore, during his absence, she sets about convincing herself that said love is trivial.  Upon Frank's return, Emma has fully convinced herself that she not only feels no love toward Frank anymore, but also that she should be wary of her actions connoting such feelings of attachment. Since Emma's first thoughts always turn to Frank, I believe that she is still very much in love with him, but in order to rationalize this, Emma needs to claim that she thinks of him only for Harriet's sake.  After Mr. Elton, this is the second time Emma has cast aside Harriet to satisfy her own conjectures. Emma allows Frank to flirt with her because deep down, it's what she wants; she shows it in her flirtatious actions, though she refuses to admit it to herself. I agree that Frank flirts to hide his relationship with Jane Fairfax. However, I also suggest that there is a level of practicality in flirting with Emma, as opposed to Miss Bates or Mrs. Elton: Emma tends to be near Jane during parties, so geographically, by standing with Emma, Frank is allowed to fawn over Jane's every word and gesture without being perceived (or so he thinks).  -James

     Emma probably tolerates Frank's flirtations because she finds some sort of satisfaction in the attention bestowed upon her by an attractive man. Although Emma claims that she knows Frank's advances are all in sport, I think she has some sort of hidden hope that maybe Frank actually does like her. However, Emma is too clever to actually believe that Frank does like her, but the thought may make her more amenable to his advances. What interests me more is why Frank even feels the need to flirt with Emma at all.  His relationship with Jane is an open secret, so why does he feel the need to disguise it?  Either Frank is too oblivious to realize that most everyone else already knows the true object of his affections, or he is just trying to enjoy his final days of bachelordom before he becomes engaged to and marries Jane.  Unlike Emma, who may simply be trying to distract herself from her attraction to Mr. Knightley, Frank already knows he has secured Jane's affections, so he probably isn't attempting to distract himself from an unattainable love.  The man is a mass of contradictions. -Chris

Vol. III Discussion II:  Emily

     When Harriet discusses Frank and Jane's engagement with Emma, she opens up about having feelings for Mr. Knightly.  Harriet has changed significantly since the beginning of the novel.  Look specifically at pages 348 and 349.  Discuss.

     Previously, Harriet was concerned about having Emma's approval for her possible love interests.  She seemed passive, slightly fearful, and very needy of her friend's opinion.  Emma reinforces the understanding that Harriet cannot marry anyone of a higher social class than her.  Emma is in control of their friendship.  Later, though, Harriet reveals her interest in Mr. Knightley in a matter-of-fact way.  She does not seek Emma's approval.  Emma had mistakenly assumed Harriet had feelings for Frank (which she had no problem with).  But when Harriet admit she likes Mr. Knightley, Emma withdraws, and Harriet asks if Emma would have intervened if she had known this information earlier.  It seems like she's calling Emma out- like she's if Emma would have really tried to prevent her friend from being with the man she loves.  The earlier Harriet would never have been so forward with Emma.  I'm glad Harriet has gained some confidence. -Emily 

     Truly, Harriet is not so naive as she once was. As the books begins, Harriet is beautiful of face, but no so bright of mind; Miss Smith has since grown to a woman capable of thinking for herself, standing up to Emma, and choosing her own man.  Harriet challenges Emma's agitated reaction to discovering that Harriet feels for Mr. Knightley. I believe this demonstrates her ability to read people instead of taking them at their generally false words. Ironically, Emma is duped by the very skill of sensibility she taught Harriet. Similarly, upon Emma's word, Harriet rejected a certain Mr. Martin. However, in new independence, Harriet dines with Mr. Martin and accepts his second proposal with not only no consultation from Emma but also a complete lack of knowledge on Emma's part; how is that for maturity? The new Mrs. Martin has done quite well for herself, despite the best efforts of a manipulative Emma. Such success is indicative of future happiness and enduring strength of character that most people would be lucky to possess.  -James

     By the end of the novel Harriet seems to have become more like Emma was at the beginnign of the novel, and Emma seems to have become a little more like Harriet was at the beginning of the novel. Harriet, after enduring Emma's repeated attempts to meddle in her life, has matured and become a great deal less naive.  When she reveals her interest in Mr. Knightley she asks Emma if she would have interevened if given the chance; this shows that Harriet is not only more assertive but also less naive, she seems to have realized that Emma made attempts earlier to manipulate her. Although Harriet does abandon her interest in Mr. Knightley and decides to marry Mr. Martin, she doesn't seem to be 'losing' the better man to Emma.  The irony is, Harriet, although she selected the man of less wealth and lower position, seems to have surpassed Emma; Harriet essentially allows Emma to pursue her interest in Mr. Knightley, rather than Emma forcing Harriet to abandon her attraction to Mr. Knightley.  Emma on the other hand, as a result of her many failures as a matchmaker, seem to have become more like Harriet was, more passive and perhaps a little more innocent. Certainly Emma has become less self assured. In the end, both characters seem to have improved as a result of this drama, Emma finally gained some much needed humility and Harriet has learned how to stand up for herself. -Chris