Page 103 - DENG404_FICTION

Unit 8: Jane Austen—Emma

Emma assumes that Mr. Elton’s acquaintance with Miss Hawkins must not be very long. Later, Notes
Harriet comes to Highbury in the rain, with news that she saw Robert Martin and his sister
while shopping at the Highbury linen shop. They were polite to each other, but Harriet was
extremely embarrassed. Emma is relieved that Harriet has little opportunity for contact with
the Martins.
Analysis: This chapter continues to develop the contrast between Mr. Woodhouse and
Mr. Knightley in terms of their interactions with Emma. While the former has an incredibly
idealized picture of Emma, even going as far as to praise her for deep kindness towards Jane
Fairfax, the latter is realistic and perceptive. Although he compliments Emma for treating Jane
Fairfax kindly when they dined together, he indicates that he is aware of Emma’s true jealousy
towards Jane Fairfax. Yet again, Emma has demonstrated great tact and manners toward a
person she dislikes.
In this chapter, both of Harriet Smith’s prospective suitors return to some prominence in the
plot, and each one makes Harriet ill at ease. Mr. Elton’s imminent marriage to Miss Hawkins
demonstrates the true reason for his vacation from Highbury and confirms what Mr. Knightley
had suspected was true. He did have a prospective marriage possibility elsewhere and immediately
set upon this prospect once he realized that he could not have Emma. Harriet must now
realize how badly Mr. Elton treated her and how badly she treated Robert Martin, yet there
is a crucial difference. The supposedly coarse Martins remain kind and cordial, honorable
where Mr. Elton is cruel and deceptive. Nevertheless, despite how kind the Martins remain to
Harriet Smith, Emma has not moved past her prejudice against them and is relieved that they
are unlikely to have much contact with Harriet.

Chapters 22-28

Chapter Twenty-two: Not a week after Miss Augusta Hawkins’ name had been mentioned
among Highbury, she had already been revealed to be handsome, elegant, accomplished and
highly amicable, although Emma notes that she has no truly respectable family connections.
Mr. Elton returns to Highbury with renewed spirits as he is to be married shortly. Harriet’s
spirits worsen upon Mr. Elton’s return, although she has now resumed contact with Elizabeth
Martin. Emma suggests that Harriet visit the Martins out of considerations for propriety.

Analysis: Wealth is the primary motive for Mr. Elton’s marriage to Miss Hawkins. She has a
fortune that she brings to the marriage, but certainly not the social status that Emma has. It
is here that Austen makes the distinction between wealth and status. Miss Hawkins is certainly
wealthy, but the source of this wealth is important. Her family’s fortune comes from the
somewhat disreputable trade industry, not from the ownership of property, which is the
source of the income for the Woodhouses and Mr. Knightley.

For the first time, Emma assents to Harriet’s contact with the Martins. It is significant that
Harriet is so dependent upon Emma for her decisions, virtually unable to decide anything
without first checking with her friend. In addition, Harriet’s preoccupation with Mr. Elton
borders on obsession. She has a limited attention span. If she does not think or speak about
Mr. Elton, the subject is Mr. Martin. This may be part of the reason that Emma suggests that
Harriet visit the Martins, if only to give her an opportunity to think of something other than
Mr. Elton. An additional concern, as always, is propriety. Whatever embarrassment there may
be between Harriet and the Martin family, she must be kind and civil to them.
Chapter Twenty-three: Harriet gives Emma the details of her visit with the Martins. Fatigued
by the business of Harriet, the Martins, and Mr. Elton, Emma visits the Westons. Frank Churchill,
a very good looking man, finally arrives in Highbury, and Emma immediately likes him, for
he is quite charming and well spoken. Emma, Mr. Woodhouse and the Westons socialize with

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 97