EMMA by Jane Austen PLOT

Although convinced that she herself will never marry, Emma Woodhouse, a precocious twenty-year-old resident of the village of Highbury, imagines herself to be naturally gifted in conjuring love matches. After self-declared success at matchmaking between her governess and Mr. Weston, a village widower, Emma takes it upon herself to find an eligible match for her new friend, Harriet Smith. Though Harriets parentage is unknown, Emma is convinced that Harriet deserves to be a gentlemans wife and sets her friends sights on Mr. Elton, the village vicar. Meanwhile, Emma persuades Harriet to reject the proposal of Robert Martin, a well-to-do farmer for whom Harriet clearly has feelings. Harriet becomes infatuated with Mr. Elton under Emmas encouragement, but Emmas plans go awry when Elton makes it clear that his affection is for Emma, not Harriet. Emma realizes that her obsession with making a match for Harriet has blinded her to the true nature of the situation. Mr. Knightley, Emmas brother-in-law and treasured friend, watches Emmas matchmaking

efforts with a critical eye. He believes that Mr. Martin is a worthy young man whom Harriet would be lucky to marry. He and Emma quarrel over Emmas meddling, and, as usual, Mr. Knightley proves to be the wisest of the pair. Elton spurned by Emma and offended by her insinuation that Harriet is his equal, leaves for the town of Bath and marries a girl there almost immediately. Emma is left to comfort Harriet and to wonder about the character of a new visitor expected in HighburyMr. Westons son, Frank Churchill. Frank is set to visit his father in Highbury after having been raised by his aunt and uncle in London, who have taken him as their heir. Emma knows nothing about Frank, who has long been deterred from visiting his father by his aunts illnesses and complaints. Mr. Knightley is immediately suspicious of the young man, especially after Frank rushes back to London merely to have his hair cut. Emma, however, finds Frank delightful and notices that his charms are directed mainly toward her. Though she plans to discourage these charms, she finds herself flattered and engaged in a flirtation with the young man. Emma greets Jane Fairfax, another addition to the Highbury set, with less enthusiasm. Jane is beautiful and accomplished, but Emma dislikes her because of her reserve and, the narrator insinuates, because she is jealous of Jane.

Suspicion, intrigue, and misunderstandings ensue. Mr. Knightley defends Jane, saying that she deserves compassion because, unlike Emma, she has no independent fortune and must soon leave home to work as a governess. Mrs. Weston suspects that the warmth of Mr. Knightleys defense comes from romantic feelings, an implication Emma resists. Everyone assumes that Frank and Emma are forming an attachment, though Emma soon dismisses Frank as a potential suitor and imagines him as a match for Harriet. At a village ball, Knightley earns Emmas approval by offering to dance with Harriet, who has just been humiliated by Mr. Elton and his new wife. The next day, Frank saves Harriet from Gypsy beggars. When Harriet tells Emma that she has fallen in love with a man above her social station, Emma believes that she means Frank. Knightley begins to suspect that Frank and Jane have a secret understanding, and he attempts to warn Emma. Emma laughs at Knightleys suggestion and loses Knightleys approval when she flirts with Frank and insults Miss Bates, a kindhearted spinster and Janes aunt, at a picnic. When Knightley reprimands Emma, she weeps. News comes that Franks aunt has died, and this event paves the way for an unexpected revelation that slowly solves the mysteries. Frank and Jane have been secretly engaged; his attentions to Emma have been a screen to hide his

true preference. With his aunts death and his uncles approval, Frank can now marry Jane, the woman he loves. Emma worries that Harriet will be crushed, but she soon discovers that it is Knightley, not Frank, who is the object of Harriets affection. Harriet believes that Knightley shares her feelings. Emma finds herself upset by Harriets revelation, and her distress forces her to realize that she is in love with Knightley. Emma expects Knightley to tell her he loves Harriet, but, to her delight, Knightley declares his love for Emma. Harriet is soon comforted by a second proposal from Robert Martin, which she accepts. The novel ends with the marriage of Harriet and Mr. Martin and that of Emma and Mr. Knightley, resolving the question of who loves whom after all.

MAJOR CONFLICT

Emma struggles to shed her vanity and her fear of confronting her own feelings, both of which cause her to misunderstand those around her and to meddle harmfully in the lives of others.

SETTINGS
Hartfield: The Woodhouse home. Emma has never been more than a few hours journey from it, and she hopes to never leave. Highbury: The town in which most of the story's characters live. It is a small, close-knit town, where news travels fast and there is little privacy. Randalls: The home of the Westons, where Miss Taylor moves after her marriage. It is not even a mile away from Highbury, and the Woodhouses visit often. Backgammon: A board game which Emma often plays with her father. She loves him very much, and one proof of her love is her willingness to spend so many of her evenings at home alone with him, playing board games. Brunswick Square: The area in London where Mr. John Knightley and his wife live. Mr. Woodhouse hates that his daughter lives so far away, and in such an unhealthy city. Enscombe: The Scottish home of the Churchill family. They are forced to move south due to the aunt's ill health, and this move brings the family, including Frank, closer to Highbury.

Wedding cake: The left-over cake from Miss Taylor and Mr. Weston's wedding becomes a symbol of Mr. Woodhouse's distaste for change. Mr. Woodhouse is a hypochondriac, and he hates any rich foods, which he sees as unhealthy. Therefore he was full of worries when the cake was in his home. He did not want anyone to eat it, but he also wanted it to be gone. He calms down after the cake is finally eaten. Donwell Abbey: The home of Mr. George Knightley. It is a beautiful home, which Mr. Knightley agrees to give up in order to marry Emma. She cannot leave her father, so Mr. Knightley agrees to move to Hartfield and live with her there as her husband. Donwell: The area of Highbury where both Mr. Knightley and the Martins reside. They are neighbors. Gruel: A thin porridge, which Mr. Woodhouse believes is a cure and a prevention of illness. Isabella agrees, but her husband finds this interest annoying. Harriet's portrait: Emma, in another scheme to connect Miss Smith with Mr. Elton, suggests Harriet sit for a portrait. This was popular among the upper classes, and Emma agrees to paint it herself. Mr. Elton is properly excited, and

Emma is sure he is falling in love with Harriet. But his interest lies only in the painter, though she knows nothing of his affections. Mr. Elton only interests himself in Harriet because she is Emma's friend, and he is only interested in the portrait because Emma is painting it. Riddles/charades: A game in which a word is expressed in a puzzling verse. Harriet is collecting some for a book, and she and Emma ask Mr. Elton for one. Harriet is too dull to get it, but Emma explains it to her. So intent in making them a couple, Emma imagines clues of affection in the charade. She later realizes that the praises were meant for her, not Harriet. Vicarage: The home of the town preacher, in this case, Mr. Elton. Southend: Area of south east England, also called Southend on the Sea. Bathing was a popular health remedy at the time, and Isabella and Mr. John Knightley had spent some time there with their children. Mr. Woodhouse criticized the trip, his comments causing tension between himself and Mr. Knightley. Surrey: County in south east England, south of London. This is the county in which Highbury is located.

Weymouth: The town where Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax met and fell in love. They are both quiet and unwilling to talk much about their time there. Ford's: The town store where everyone shops. Frank Churchill buys some gloves here soon after he arrives; knowing that buying from Ford's will increase his reputation in town. Crown Inn: An old building in Highbury that was intended to be a ballroom, but the lack of proper persons has left it standing vacant and unused for years. Frank Churchill, who loves dances, convinces the Westons to hold a dance here. During the dance, he and Emma dance together, but it is Harriet who has the special night. When without a partner, Mr. Elton snubs her; but Mr. Knightley comes to her aid. His kind act makes her fall in love with him. Fop: A vain or silly person, usually a man who is conceited about his appearance, also called a dandy or coxcomb. Frank Churchill engages in foppish behavior when he takes one day out of his two week visit to Highbury to travel to London to get his hair cut. It is not a short trip, and he does not feel ashamed of his impulsiveness. This lowers him in the eyes of Emma and especially Mr. Knightley.

Pianoforte: A piano. An anonymous patron sends Jane Fairfax one as a present. Everyone wonders who sent it, though the most likely person is Colonel Campbell, Jane's benefactor. But there are many other suggestions. Emma thinks Mr. Dixon sent it. Mr. Dixon married the daughter of Colonel Campbell, but Emma thinks Jane and Mr. Dixon were in love. Mrs. Weston suspects Mr. Knightley sent the piano, but Emma thinks this is ridiculous. Only Mr. Knightley, who guesses the secret attachment between Miss Fairfax and Frank Churchill, is correct. The mystery sender was Frank Churchill. Maple Grove: The home of the Sucklings, Mrs. Elton's sister and brother-inlaw. Mr. Suckling is wealthy and has a lovely home, and Mrs. Elton never tires of talking about it. She compares everything to Maple Grove, and holds it to be perfection. The Suckling's carriage: Mrs. Elton is very proud of her sister's carriage, which is a barouche-landau. This type of carriage has four wheels, with extra seats, and is very elegant. Seeing material things as proof of gentility, Mrs. Elton constantly brings up Mr. Suckling's carriage, assuming mention of it will elevate her. Bath: City in south west England. It is a popular vacation spot, and Mrs. Elton offers to make introductions if Emma decides to go. Mrs. Elton is trying to be

friendly, but Emma is offended by the suggestion that she would associate and be affiliated with any friend of Mrs. Elton's. Richmond: Area of south west Greater London. Mrs. Churchill moves here because of her poor health. It is only nine miles from Highbury, which will allow Frank Churchill to visit more often. Harriet's parcel: The parcel that Harriet shows to Emma contains small remembrances of Mr. Elton. Harriet prized them, but they are just trash. Realizing her folly, Harriet wants to burn them. The items are a piece of court-plaster, left over from when Mr. Elton cut his finger, and a pencil without lead. For her to have kept such insignificant trinkets is very embarrassing. Box Hill: A destination a few hours ride away. The group decides to make a visit here, but the trip is a disaster. Frank Churchill, who had a fight yesterday with Jane Fairfax, his secret fiance, is in a strange mood. He tries to stir up some excitement, but only ends up offending. Emma blunders too, when she insults the chatty Miss Bates. In private Mr. Knightley strongly reprimands Emma, and she deeply regrets her error. She is also upset that Mr. Knightley's opinion of her has been lessened.

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CHARACTERS DESCRIPTION
Emma Woodhouse: Emma is a beautiful, high-spirited, intelligent, and 'slightly' spoiled young woman and the twenty-one year old daughter of a wealthy gentleman accustomed to "having her own way" and cursed with a "disposition to think a little too well of herself." Although a meddler who demonstrates a maddening self-confidence, Emma is generally well intentioned. The novel is essentially a story of how Emma matures from a clever young woman to a more modest and considerate woman, able to accept the idea of love. Mr. George Knightly: He is unfailingly honest but tempers his honesty with tact and kindheartedness. Almost always, we can depend upon him to provide the correct evaluation of the other characters behavior and personal worth. He intuitively understands and kindly makes allowances for Mr. Woodhouses whims; he is sympathetic and protective of the w omen in the community, including Jane, Harriet, and Miss Bates; and, most of all, even though he frequently disapproves of her behavior, he dotes on Emma. Harriet Smith: The pretty but dull young woman whom Emma adopts as a sort of remodeling project. A short, plump and fair girl of seventeen, she is of somewhat dubious origins. Emma is mostly responsible for bringing

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Harriet into Highbury society and constantly instructs and advises her, although not always to her benefit. Emma fills her with a pretension that is inappropriate for her status. Frank Churchill: Frank epitomizes attractiveness in speech, manner, and appearance. He goes out of his way to please everyone, and, while the more perceptive characters question his seriousness, everyone except Knightley is charmed enough to be willing to indulge him. Like Emma, Frank develops over the course of the novel by trading a somewhat vain and superficial perspective on the world for the seriousness brought on by the experience of genuine suffering and love. He is a complex character because though we know we should judge him harshly in moral terms, we cannot help but like him more than he deserves to be liked. Jane Fairfax: An orphan, the only child of Mrs. Bates' youngest daughter. Janes beauty and accomplishment immediately make her stand out, but she is likely to follow Emmas lead at first and judge Jane uninteresting on account of her reserve. As Jane gradually betrays more personality and emotion, she indicates that she harbors some secret sorrow. The contrast between Janes delicate sense of propriety and morality and the passionate nature of her feelings is much more dramatic than any of the

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conflicts that Emma experiences. Janes situation too is much direr than Emmas: if Jane does not wed, she must become a governess, because she lacks any money of her own. The revelation of Janes secret engagement to Frank makes Jane seem more human. Miss Bates: She is a sweet woman, and everyone loves her. Though she is not married, pretty, or rich, she has the respect and admiration of everyone.She is a pitiable character with the worst predicament. She lacks all distinguishing traits such as intellect or cleverness, yet she was mostly happy and treated others with great goodwill. She is so wonderful is this woman that she does not get angry with Emma; rather she blames herself, and thinks Miss Woodhouse wonderful for putting up with her. Mr. Woodhouse: Emma's father is a wealthy man possessed of a large estate, Highbury. Isolated in his estate, Mr. Woodhouse has few enjoyments. Although he dotes on Emma, he also indulges her more selfish tendencies and is largely unpleasant. His complaints and lack of activity make him appear a much older man than he actually is. Mr. Weston: The older man that Miss Taylor marries, Mr. Weston had been married much earlier. From this marriage he had a son, Frank Churchill, whom he sent away to be raised by his late wife's relatives who

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at the time could better provide for him. He is from a respectable family that has been progressively moving up in society, and amassed a modest fortune. Mr. Philip Elton: Vicar of the church in Highbury whom Emma chooses as a possible suitor for Harriet Smith but who only has interest for Emma herself. After Emma quickly rejects him, he marries the pretentious and rude Augusta Hawkins. Mrs. Bates: The widow of a former vicar of Highbury and a very old lady. She was considered a harmless old lady and participated in Highbury society, if largely ignored. She is the grandmother of Jane Fairfax and the mother of Miss Bates. Mr. John Knightly: A tall, gentleman-like, clever man, respectable and reserved. Emma dislikes him somewhat for his severity and lack of patience. Mrs. Goddard: The mistress of a Boarding school where girls might be sent to receive a little education. Her school was in high repute. One of her former students is Harriet Smith, who now assists Mrs. Goddard.

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Mr. Martin: The farmer who loves Harriet. He proposes to her twice, he loves her so much. Emma thinks him too low class, but Harriet finally decides to marry him, and it is considered a good match.

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