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| Romola Garai as Emma (2009) |
READINGS FOR THIS WEEK:
T 23 Emma, Chs. 5-13 (pp.129-185)
R 25 Emma, Chs.14-(Vol.III) Ch.7
(pp.185-253)
Answer ONE of the following…
1. Analyze the character
of Mrs. Elton: how is she, in many ways, a foil for Emma and even perhaps her
mirror image (in the sense of a mirror that distorts, rather than truly
reflects)? Why does Emma take such an
immediate dislike to her, particularly in Chapter XIV, where she is pronounced
an “Insufferable woman!”
2. Why does Emma gradually
fall in love (however loosely we might use that term) with Frank
Churchill? Remember that she initially
claimed that marriage was not for her, since she could never find a man who
could treat her as well as her father (nor a house where she could have more
freedom than at home). What qualities or
marks of character does she perceive in him?
Does Austen mean for us to “see” the same Frank Churchill? On a related note, why does Knightley despise
him and suspect his morals? Is it just
jealousy?
3. Jane Fairfax is a
peripheral character in these chapters, seen only in glimpses; yet Austen is
careful to lay great weight on these moments.
What are we made to see in her brief interactions with Frank, Emma, and
Miss Bates? What kind of character is
she? Do we agree with Emma’s comment,
“this amiable, upright, perfect Jane Fairfax was apparently cherishing very
reprehensible feelings”? (168).
4. When Emma learns of how
Frank rescued Harriet from the gypsies, she muses, “a fine young man and a
lovely young woman thrown together in such a way, could hardly fail of
suggesting certain ideas to the coldest heart and steadiest brain” (230). Why would a woman so conscious of class
relationships (remember, she scorns Elton’s proposal) even consider this
match? Frank is light years above
Harriet, and is seen throughout more as Emma’s equal. Why is the ‘blind’ in this matter, and what
might it say about her view of the world in general—or her character/role in
the novel?
In Emma's case, the very fact that she said that she was never going to get married is but one of her many preposterous and immature thoughts. To not marry means to not love or be in a relationship with another person. Marriage is the only good way to consummate feelings. Cheating is bad today, but it was a lot worse during her time. Essentially, when she said she wasn't going to get married, she was also saying that no man would ever steal her heart; she would never be tempted by marriage because love wasn't something she would ever feel towards another man.
ReplyDeleteIn the beginning, when Emma and Knightley only knew Frank by his name and had not yet met him, he represented an idea rather than a person, especially to Emma. Emma could have came up with any fantastical idea and have it apply to Frank, because in having not met him - not knowing what he looked like, or what he acted like – she gained the ability to create her own “Frank.” Emma let her imagination grow wild, which sculpted Frank's identity and character into something she could admire and adore. When she met him, she should have realized how much of a dick he was, especially when he interacted with Harriet, but at that point, he mattered less to her, because she didn't have to wonder anymore; there he was, in front of her, all flesh and blood.
Given that Emma liked Knightley, Frank was the perfect person to use to manipulate their relationship. It's typical for a person who likes someone else to pretend to like another person, so that they can see how the person they like reacts. Emma knew Knightley hated Frank, so she used Frank to get under his skin. Knightley hated Frank because he was essentially an unchained man free from the shackles that bound men like Knightley; Frank had very few responsibilities; he could do and act like he pleased with no worrying required. It's easy to hate or be jealous of a man like that. Of course, Knightley also hated Frank because of his relationship with Emma (and Emma's supposed infatuation with Frank.)
Jane is a shy girl. She harbors up her emotions when people are around. Austen showed this when the party argued on if it was acceptable for Jane to go talk a walk because it was damp out. Poor Jane just wanted to be alone for a little while, possibly let out emotion. I feel Jane despite being in the room full of people still felt alone. Within the rooms dynamic Jane was not a substantial character. When in the room she hardly says a word. (Whither this is of her own accord or from being around Ms Bates is up to interpretation. ) I can only imagine her sitting there listing to everyone ramble on while she daydreams of getting away from them all. If you feel alone you don’t wish to stay in a room full of rambling people. Hence the desperate need for the walk to get the mail.
ReplyDeleteJane is just the girl you use to compare all other girls too, for example the way Knightly compares Emma to her. Jane is to be an example to Emma but Emma should never fully be Jane. This makes Jane perfect. She is the ideal but should they take the time to examine how lonely and bottled up she is she would surly fall from prefect, at least if a women were examining her. No girl would want to be that oppressed, especially head strong Emma. I just don’t feel Jane’s feelings are reprehensible. Emma so freely voices her feeling and opinions. Ms bates at least voices everything on her mind.
It changed profiles on me, This is Janne
ReplyDelete