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Chapters 13-18:
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Jan 12, 2014 08:54AM
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CH 13On Christmas eve, the Westons invite the Woodhouses, the Knightleys, Mr. Elton, and Harriet to their dinner party. Unfortunately, Harriet comes down with a sore throat and a fever. Emma meets Mr. Elton on her way home, and informs him of Harriet's illness. Elton asks Emma to have Dr. Perry visit Harriet. He also advises Emma to keep herself in good health (avoid catching Harriet's infection) and, Emma asks Elton to take care of sick Harriet, and Elton willingly accepts. The weather is bad, and John Knightley offers Elton accepts a ride in his carriage. John Knightley points out to Emma that Elton's interest in with her, not Harriet. Emma states that they are only friends. The weather is now snowing, but Mr. Woodhouse is set on being at the dinner party. Jon Knightley and Emma pick up Elton and he informs Emma that Dr. Perry visited Harriet and her health is worse.
Why does Emma not recognize that Elton is in love with her? Is it because her imagination and has taken over, and what is happening in reality, has nothing to do with the "make believe" life she has made up for Harriet and herself?!
CH 14Emma tries to be in good spirits at the dinner party, but she is very upset that Elton seats himself close to her. Emma is relieved when Mr. Weston comes and sits next to her. He is concerned that his son, Frank, may cancel his planned visit for the second week of January. Emma is very unhappy that Elton sits next to her. Finally, she realizes that John Knightley was right about Elton's interest in her. To take her mind off Elton, Emma focuses her mind on a romantic relationship with Frank Churchill. (Frank also has the same social position and age as Emma.) But Emma has never seen or met Frank.
Obviously, Emma is a romantic at heart. Now she is dreaming about Frank Churchill, a man she has never met. It seems that Emma is very immature in her relationships with men. She is acting like a little school girl who has a crush on a boy who doesn't even know that she exists.
CH 15The snow in falling and they depart in two carriages. Mr. Woodhouse, John Knightley and Isabella leave in the first carriage; Emma and Elton are to ride together in the second carriage. As soon as they leave, Elton grabs Emma's hand, and states that he will die if she refuses his proposal of marriage. Emma tries to begin a discussion about Harriet, but Elton states that he respects Harriet as her friend, but he loves only Emma. He repeats his proposal, as she explains that she asked him to visit frequently to visit Hartfield because she thought he was interested Harriet. Emma is also surprised to learn that Elton thinks Harriet socially inferior to him. Really?! Emma states that she has no desire to marry, and Elton is humiliated by her refusal of his proposal.
I think that finally Emma is back into reality regarding Harriet status. I give Emma credit for be honest about having no desire to marry.
CH 16Emma feels terrible that she has persuaded Harriet to turn down Mr. Martin's proposal, and believed in Elton's love. She recalls the warnings of the Knightley brothers and understands that both brothers are better judges of human character than she. Emma is amazed that Elton presumed that she, the heiress to the fortune of thirty thousand pounds, had encouraged him. Emma determines that she will not give up on finding a husband for Harriet. She wakes in the morning to a heavy, deep snowfall which prevents her from seeing Harriet and Elton.
Even though Emma had made mistakes and admitted that she was wrong. She completely misjudged Elton's character; as well as felt ashamed at what she put Harriet through (rejection of proposal, and her belief in Elton's love for Harriet.)
CH 17&18Isabella and family depart. Elton sends note to Mr. Woodhouse informing him that he is leaving Highbury the next morning to spend a few weeks with his friends in Bath.
He apologizes for his inability to come personally to take leave of Mr. Woodhouse. (Elton doesn't deliver it in person, because he wants to snub Emma in retaliation.)
The next day Emma goes to meet Harriet in Mrs. Goddard's Boarding school and makes a frank confession of her mistakes about Elton. Harriet cannot help weeping, but she does not blame Emma for her misjudgment. Emma tries hard to console Harriet and feels that Harriet, though less intelligent, is morally superior to her.
Emma informs Harriet that Elton has gone to Bath for a few weeks. She warns Harriet to gain control over her emotions before Elton's return to Highbury so that she can attend parties without feeling embarrassed in his presence. (Emma's thoughts quickly turn to social considerations, a true product of the upper class. She tells Harriet that she must gain control of her emotions so she can attend parties without being embarrassed in Elton's presence.)
Frank Churchill postpones his visit again. Emma and Knightley discuss Frank's character, and Knightley accuses him of being selfish, indecisive, and lacking in manners. He cannot understand how this twenty-three year old man can ignore his duties to his own father. He also criticizes him for being too influenced by the Churchills. Emma defends Frank.
When Knightley correctly criticizes Frank Churchill for ignoring his duties as a son, Emma comes to his defense, even though she has never met the young man. Ironically, Frank's insensitive nature has many parallels to Emma's. Although Emma is very kind and attentive to her father, both she and Churchill think primarily of themselves and their personal desires. They do not care when they hurt others along the way.
" It seems that Emma is very immature in her relationships with men. She is acting like a little school girl who has a crush on a boy who doesn't even know that she exists. "@Carol: Have you forgotten what it was like to be young? I haven't. I always had crushes on boys, even those I hadn't met, I was always looking for The Prince, The One, my Soul Mate. I got married at 18, so I was a little younger than Emma when I did that stuff, but I've no doubt if I hadn't married I would've been still at it at 21.
"both she and Churchill think primarily of themselves and their personal desires. They do not care when they hurt others along the way. "I cannot point out what we learn later on about Frank's circumstances, since it would be a spoiler...but it's safe to say, I think, he is not entirely in control of his comings and goings.
@ Carol I think she doesn't see Elton is in love with her because of her imagination and made believe like you say but also I think she doesn't think that someone at Mr.Elton's level which IMO is not much different then Elizabeth and Darcy would dare raise his sights to Miss Woodhouse.Poor Harriet.Emma is feeling horriable about what she did and I think that shows that she has a heart and kindness in her.I feel for Harriet.I agree with Emma Harriet would never have thought of Mr.Elton if not for Emma.Emma really shows her kindness in these chapters to Harriet and this when I first really saw the good in her.I still think she is spoiled brat.
I agree Emma is very immature in her relationships with men.She has never had a serious attachment and doesn't know what it is like to really be in love.
Mr.Elton starts showing more of his true nature in his leave taking note to Mr.Woodhouse not saying good bye to Emma is ill mannered.
Mr.Knightley not liking Frank Churchill even before he meets him is his first sign of jealous about Emma and Frank might be a couple.Anyone with eyes can see the Watsons want them to make a match of it.
Mod
I do think that Emma is completely blind to Elton because she is seeing the signs she wants to see and she has it so firmly in her mind that he is to marry Harriet that even the most obvious signs which show he true feelings, Emma, in her determined state of mind, will construe the way she wishes, as a good sign for him and Harriet. Even if she is told otherwise, as she is, her mind is too set on a match between him and Harriet to see the truth which is right before her.
@Carol CH 14
I do agree that Emma is a romantic at heart, even if she insists she does not wish to marry. Although she does admit that if she were to fall in love than marriage would be an option.
Emma's 'crush' on Frank is sort of understandable. (Oh, incidentally, I do think Frank knows something of Emma from letters between him and Mrs Weston and the like) This mysterious Frank who was sent from Highbury as a young boy and has never been seen again and keeps being thwarted in his attempts to visit - I can sort of understand the appeal to Emma's romantic heart. I am 18 and although I wouldn't fall for someone in this situation, I do understand where she is coming from because I am a romantic at heart as well - the idea of Frank Churchill is what she is falling for rather than actually Frank Churchill, who she has never met.
@Carol CH 15
Emma really was blind and delusional regarding Elton and hearing it so bluntly and from Elton himself was the only way that was going to make Emma see reason and see the truth.
@Carol CH 16
I like Emma's remorse and guilt in this chapter, seeing how wrongly she handled the situation and judged Elton and also Harriet. It shows she is kind and does have a good conscience and to see her errors and feel had for her. She does have a good heart really.
@Carol CH 17&18
The whole Frank situation is interesting. Well, I think she was to defend him because she is already very interested in him and wants to like him. Also, I think she want to defend him because of his connection to Mr Weston and then more so with Mrs Weston her former governess.
Knightley's dislike and his reasons about it being disrespectful but his dislike is also a little strong and he doesn't like Emma's strong defence of Frank, a man who only exists in name to the society of Highbury! I wonder why ;)
@Nicole D
I definitely agree that Emma wouldn't think about his affections being directed at her because she wouldn't imagine Elton raising his thoughts to Emma!
Oh this is definitely the first signs of jealously and yes it is also clear the Westons want Emma and Frank to be a couple - I don't think this helps Emma's imagination regarding her feelings and ideas surrounding the mysterious Frank Churchill.
Re Ch 13Emma seems to be living in a fantasy world of delusion where she has convinced herself that Elton is in love with Harriet! Even when JKnightly (whom I am enjoying more and more) tries to clue our heroine in to the fact that Elton loves her (Emma) instead.
Even if Elton did love Harriet, what right or business is it of Emma's to try to stop him from attending the Weston party?!?!
She isn't happy with controlling Harriet (as young and stupid as she is) now she has to try to control Elton's movements, choices how to spend his time and where he should go!
What menace she is to her community! The people in her village whom are beneath her notice are fortunate indeed! In this instance snobbery is of benefit.
Re Ch 14What a build up JA has been making of This character Frank Churchill! I hope he is interesting.
When Emma finally meets him, will she (and myself as well) be disappointed?
Yes, I agree that Emma is naive about men. There is no shame in being
ignorant and/or inexperienced. Ignorance can be eliminated if one owns up to it and tries to learn. If one is ignorant, but will not face the fact that there is something to be learned, ignorance turns into stupidity.
Hopefully, Emma will realize that she is not as all-knowing as she has convinced herself that she is. As it stands now, she will not entertain the good sense of Mr. Knightly or her brother John K when she hears it.
Re Ch 15JKnightly is a naughty man-sized imp! Causing all of the trouble with a false report of a snow storm. While I like Mr. GKnightly very much, JK is funnier!
Gracious, how could Emma who is scrupulously aware of her own rank and status and her own worth that she would never consider a messalliance with an unequal partner, be shocked that Elton has exactly the same view of himself! Is there a bit of unintentional hypocrisy here by Emma? Why is an unequal marriage OK for Elton, but not OK for Emma?
Why wouldn't Emma understand that Harriet had no status, when she Emma, is so aware of hers?
Re Ch 16Emma's feeling of the harm she has done to Harriet do her credit and show good sense. Also, I credit her with realizing that Both Knightly's are better judges of character.
However, I still feel Mr. Martin was a very good match for Harriet if my understanding of the importance of family connections and social class are correct.
However, Emma still seems committed to setting up some man in a mésalliance with Harriet.
Re Ch 17 & 18I thought Emma realized in the last chapter that the brothers Knightly were better judges of character than she. This argument with Mr. Knightly indicates that she has forgot this.
Mod
No I do not think you will be disappointed by Frank!
Oh I agree about JKnightley! He is very funny! I do like his character, even if he is not always good tempered!
Emma clearly considered Elton beneath her, which he is, and in her mind she was making Harriet higher than she is, and so I think it is her imagination making her believe there is not so much of a gap socially between them, even though there really is!
I’ve been away for a few days and gotten very behind you all!I don’t think Emma is very different from any young woman in this or any other age, the only difference is that she has the influence to do something about her romantic imaginings.
@Carol
“Emma's thoughts quickly turn to social considerations, a true product of the upper class. She tells Harriet that she must gain control of her emotions so she can attend parties without being embarrassed in Elton's presence.”
– I don’t think this is indicative of her class, I’d say it’s true of anyone with a similar personality. It is not her that has a broken heart and so her thoughts turn to things that interest her. She doesn’t mean to be selfish and several times she feels guilty when she remembers what she is doing, and tries to correct herself. As for telling Harriet to get control of herself, that is for Harriet’s benefit because she would be far more embarrassed if she were to betray just how upset she was every time she saw him and had people start to talk about her.
“Although Emma is very kind and attentive to her father, both she and Churchill think primarily of themselves and their personal desires. They do not care when they hurt others along the way.”
– I think that’s a little unjust, Emma clearly does care that she’s hurt Harriet (I won’t comment on Frank just yet thought I’m sure you’ve all finished reading it by now.) The problem is not that Emma only thinks of herself but that she is used to thinking that she is right (because she has been lucky enough never to be seriously wrong before now), therefore in her head she is doing what is best for them.
@Andrea
“Even if Elton did love Harriet, what right or business is it of Emma's to try to stop him from attending the Weston party?!?!”
- She wasn’t trying to control him, she was trying to give him a way out because she believed that he wouldn’t want to attend if Harriet wasn’t going to be there, or enjoy himself knowing Harriet to be suffering. We know she is completely wrong but this is how she thinks love should work, probably from observation of others.
A few other thoughts…
The argument between Mr Knightly and Emma in the last chapter is an illustration of their relationship. She admits to herself that she is in agreement with him but will argue anyway because she likes arguing with him, and because she feels it necessary to defend Frank for the Weston’s sake… when people start discussing someone’s bad points they tend to forget their good qualities, especially when they are not close to them, I know that if I think a friend is in the wrong about something I would tell them, but I would still defend them to others.
Mr Knightly of course just sees Emma’s made up image of Frank and it disturbs him so much (though at this point he doesn’t know why,) he takes the opposite view, doing exactly what she has done in order to create a balance.
I actually think Mr Knightly is being unreasonable here. He has his view of what a gentleman ought to be and by following that view he is in fact a very good example of a gentleman. However, he seems to think that whatever Frank’s upbringing he should be able to see things just as clearly, i.e. that it is his duty to visit his father and his father’s new wife. I tend to agree with Mr Knightly that Frank could have made the visit if he had wanted to, but why should Frank put first the claims of a man who, when he was a small child, happily handed him over to someone else to raise… moreover, why should he put him before the wishes of the couple who did raise him and on whom he is dependant for his future? He also does not give him any leeway for what they might have taught him, they clearly do not like Mr Weston, but according to Mr Knightly he should see past that… how is he supposed to see past the example set by his adopted parents?
I think there is one sort of interesting thing about Emma: she is not ready to think that Mr. Elton is in love with her. Of course, he is not actually interested, but he is courting her. Even though she has her vanities, Emma does not see this. Does her blindness mean that she is not so conceited?
Mod
a very good point as well Victoria and I think you are right.
@LouiseI respectfully disagree on the matter of Mr Elton and the Weston's party. I think Emma herself decided that Elton should not attend the party if Harriet can't make it and he "should" (in her opinion) stay behind to keep Harriet company. I think there is a great deal of opinion and decision about Emma where others are concerned. She seemed to me to feel it is best for Elton to not attend the party since Harriet could not.
I understand what you mean but I don't think she perceived him as disobeying her, she was surprised that he didn't want to stay behind.
I'll have to reread that section where Emma and Elton are discussing his attendance at the Weston party. I'll admit I can be literal-minded and sometimes miss points that an author is trying make in a subtle way. I guess an author who uses subtlety is more skilled than one who uses language that hits the reader over the head when trying to convey a point.
Definitely, I think few authors come close to conveying so much, so cleverly.
Mod
Boy was Emma delusional. I guess I was just too obtusely literal in my reading to see that Emma *really* did bel Elton loved Harriet. When I read, saw Emma trying to nudge him in her friend's direction. I just did not get it that Emma bel the crap that she was feeding Harriet about Elton's feelings for her (Harriet). I saw Emma as trying to maneuver him in her friend's direction.
Mod
