Jane Austen discussion

So what do you think happened here with Mr. Elton and Emma? Was Emma completely clueless or did her "class snobbery" make her blind to Mr. Elton's suit? Did Mr. Elton think he had it made with Emma being so attentive? Did he think his good looks and charm would really win Emma?

I think it's hard to answer this question. Since the story is often told in way that gives insight into Emma's mind, and not much insight into anyone else's, I think she was clueless. She just had her mind on the idea of Harriet ending up with him that she didn't see how much more attention he was giving her.

As far as Elton goes, he definitely seems vain to me, so he thought he could charm his way to her heart, with his good looks and overwhelming praise.

He did think a little flattery would go a long way. So funny that he was a social climber in Emma's eyes, but she never thought the same about Harriet.

That is a very good question. I'm of the opinion that Emma was definitely clueless but also blinded by her class snobbery. She does have a lot of class snobbery. I just finished reading the passage about the Cole's party and how she was planning on refusing them but was upset that they would think her refusal was merely because of her father and NOT because she believed them to overreaching their place.

Mr. Elton, being very vain, probably thought Emma was interested in him. I don't think he would have ever thought of marrying her if not for her encouragement and her attitude towards. Yes, he is a social climber, but I think he knew Emma was out of his league.

Yes, I agree with you Meredith.

Mr. Elton was mislead by Emma's attentions towards him while she was trying to get his affection to Harriet. He thought he had a chance and went for it.

I think he would not have attempted it without Emma's pronounced attentions. But, I think his ego was big enough to think he was a suitable match for Emma. I see this in the way Mrs. Elton interacts with Emma. See certainly thinks that she moves in the highest circles, with her brother-in-law, Mr. Suckling. (what a name!)

Jeannette wrote: "He did think a little flattery would go a long way. So funny that he was a social climber in Emma's eyes, but she never thought the same about Harriet. "

I think she didn't think the same of Harriet because Harriet would never have thought of it without Emma's influence. Emma sees it as taking Harriet under her wing.

Yes, it just makes Emma's actions and opposite reactions all a bit more absurd. Part of the fun of this book!