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Unit 8: Jane Austen—Emma

Analysis: Although it is obvious to all that Emma dislikes Mrs. Elton, she is forced to invite Notes
the Eltons to dinner at Hartfield for reasons of propriety. There may be subtle signs and
indications of animosity between the two women, but Emma cannot allow such a public
statement of dislike. Propriety takes precedence over true feelings and emotions.
In light of Mr. Knightley’s earlier comment about how others have snubbed Jane Fairfax,
Emma attempts to remedy the situation. Her invitation to Jane, unlike inviting Mrs. Elton, is
genuine and sincere. She invites Jane Fairfax as a way to right her earlier wrongs, but she is
also interested in unraveling the mystery of Jane and Mr. Dixon. She still suspects that Jane
is somehow involved with Mr. Dixon, even though she has no real evidence. All of the real
evidence points to Frank Churchill instead. (This chapter also reinforces Mr. Knightley’s dislike
of Frank Churchill, which goes beyond the objections that he states). This suggests a different
motive for Emma’s interest in Jane Fairfax. It is now less jealousy and more an idle curiosity.
Jane is hiding some important information. What that entails will soon be clearer to Emma.
Chapter Thirty-five: During the later part of the party, Jane mentions that she must become
a governess, which she compares to the slave trade. Mr. Weston arrives at the party after a day
of business in London and gives Mrs. Weston a letter from Frank Churchill, who is returning
to Highbury since his aunt’s health improved.
Analysis: This chapter reveals the likely fate of Jane Fairfax—since she is not from a wealthy
family, although raised by one, she must go into a profession as a governess. This is a sharp
step down the social ladder. As raised by the Campbells, she was part of the elite and lived
as Emma does now. While Emma is an heiress who will be at the center of society even if she
remains single, Jane Fairfax, despite her equal talents, must depend on a good marriage (the
solution Mrs. Weston found to increase her status in society) or else she will be forced into a
demeaning life as a spinster, much like her aunt, Miss Bates. The comparison between the
governess trade and the slave trade highlights this injustice.

The chapter also indicates that Frank Churchill will soon return to Highbury. His aunt’s health
was not the reason for his absence, as Mr. Weston indicates. It was rather her need to exert
control over Frank and demand his loyalty. Now that she has flexed her authority over Frank,
he is temporarily free to return to Highbury. This is an additional reminder that Frank Churchill
is not able to act without considering his aunt’s demands. This may explain whatever reluctance
he has to admit his feelings or emotions with regards to Emma or anyone else.

Chapters 36-42

Chapter Thirty-six: Mr. Weston discusses Frank Churchill and his aunt with Mrs. Elton and
reveals more about the Churchill family. They are proud people and, while his pride is harmless,
her pride manifests as arrogance and insolence, even though she has no great familial connections.
Mr. John Knightley leaves his sons, Henry and John, to stay with Emma, although he worries
that they will be a burden to her, considering her increasing social life. He notes that Emma
has been more social in the past six months and spends time with more different people.
Mr. Knightley suggests that the children stay with him instead, but Emma reminds him that
he has as many social functions as she does, for they attend the same ones, and that she is
never absent from her estate.
Analysis: Just as Mr. John Knightley serves as the voice of things that one cannot properly say
in Emma, Mrs. Elton serves as the voice for questions that normally would be too rude to ask.
Through her persistent questioning about Frank Churchill, we learn more about the ill feelings
that Mr. Weston has toward the Churchill family. Mrs. Elton even makes the comparison
between Mrs. Suckling (her low-born relative in Maple Grove) and Mrs. Churchill, which is
apt considering they are both somewhat low-born but exert influence through ‘new’ money.

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