Page 106 - DENG404_FICTION

Fiction

Notes Analysis: Just as jealousy over Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill, respectively, seem to motivate
romantic feelings in Emma and Mr. Knightley, Harriet Smith’s suspicions about Anne Cox
cause a rekindling of her worry over Robert Martin and whether or not she made the right
decision.
Frank Churchill is deliberately ambiguous toward Emma when she meets him on his way to
Mrs. Bates’ home. He wavers between shopping with Emma and visiting with the Bates family,
but chooses to go with his stepmother to Mrs. Bates’ home. His words favor spending time
with Emma, but his actions favor visiting with Mrs. Bates. Since Jane Fairfax is staying with
Mrs. Bates, this decision proves an obvious choice between the two. There are other indications
that Frank Churchill might match well with Jane Fairfax. Both are musical (he sings and she
is a pianist).
Chapter Twenty-eight: At the Bates’ home, Emma listens to Jane play. Mr. Knightley stops by
the Bates’ while Emma and Frank are there, but because of the numerous visitors he promises
to call another time. Miss Bates thanks Mr. Knightley for sending them his store of apples.

Analysis: At the Bates home, Jane Fairfax is the obvious center of attention. When Emma
arrives, Frank Churchill is helping her fix her new piano so that she may play. Mr. Knightley
arrives to call on Mrs. and Miss Bates, and by extension, Jane Fairfax. Austen is deliberately
ambiguous about Jane Fairfax’s courtship possibilities. The actions of both Frank Churchill
and Mr. Knightley indicate a possible romantic interest in her, but Frank disguises any possible
interest by showing such great attention to Emma, while Mr. Knightley behaves with such
dignity that no action can be perceived as outwardly romantic. The main subtlety in the
chapter is that Mr. Knightley’s behavior is consistent throughout the novel. It seems more
likely that he would treat Jane Fairfax kindly without having an ulterior motive, since he has
such a high regard for decency and benevolence.

Chapters 29-35

Chapter Twenty-nine: Frank Churchill, who so enjoyed dancing at the Cole’s party, plans
another one for Highbury. Although initially planned for Randalls, the lack of acceptable
space for dancing leads him to plan it instead for the Crown Inn.

Analysis: This chapter demonstrates the planning that goes into the various social events that
occur throughout Austen’s novels. Everyone’s tastes and opinions must be considered, even—
to a lesser degree—Miss Bates. There are deep considerations about who to invite and why,
how comfortable each person will be, whether or not a location is suitable to all. This is what
occupies most of the time of the elites in Highbury such as Emma and the Westons.
Frank Churchill differs from the other men of Highbury, as this chapter makes clear. He has
no profession, like Mr. Elton, and he does not behave with the authority or reserve that
Mr. Knightley or Mr. Weston show. His major concern is pleasure, the very reason why he
organizes a dance for Highbury. Austen shows this through the contrast between what Emma
focuses on while planning the party and what Frank Churchill considers. While Emma wants
to please everybody, Frank, who obsesses over whether or not there will be enough room to
dance, thinks more about ensuring that he enjoys himself at the ball.

Chapter Thirty: A letter arrives from Mr. Churchill to urge his nephew’s instant return due
to Mrs. Churchill’s sudden illness. This ruins the preparations for the ball, and they must
postpone the event. When Frank leaves, Emma is certain that he almost tells her that he loved
her. She convinces herself that she is in love.
Analysis: Mrs. Churchill exhibits a great influence on her nephew, essentially ordering him
home when she feels unwell. There is little sense that Mrs. Churchill’s actions are informed

100 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY