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Fiction

Notes Mr. John Knightley indicates that Emma cares too much for social functions and amusements.
Although this fits with his dour character, it nevertheless wounds Emma’s pride, for her
brother-in-law has suggested that her social activity takes precedence over her family.
Mr. Knightley made a similar criticism about Frank Churchill, which foreshadows his later
concerns about Frank Churchill’s influence over Emma.
Chapter Thirty-seven: Emma’s attachment to Frank Churchill has subsided, but she is now
concerned that he is in love with her. When Frank returns, he and his aunt and uncle decide
to stay a house nine miles away from Mr. Weston. He begins preparations for a ball at the
Crown Inn, and Emma is surprised that he only visits her once in ten days.
Analysis: Emma’s concern for Frank Churchill distresses her because she believes that he
must be in love with her even though she does not share his feelings. The likelihood that he
is in love with her is slim, considering his lack of attention to her in the two months since he
left Highbury, but she still worries. When he does arrive, she is convinced that he is no longer
infatuated with her - if he ever was—but this does not worry her. If her belief that Frank
Churchill must love her indicates some vanity and self-delusion, her reaction to his apparent
indifference to her shows some improvement. She does not feel slighted to have less attention.
Chapter Thirty-eight: Frank Churchill behaves oddly towards Emma at the ball at the Crown
Inn. During the first dance, Emma and Frank dance second to Mr. Weston and Mrs. Elton, and
Mrs. Elton is completely gratified by this. Emma wishes that she could like Frank better than
she actually does. When Mrs. Weston encourages Mr. Elton to dance with Harriet, he blatantly
refuses, much to Harriet’s humiliation. To recover Harriet’s dignity, Mr. Knightley asks her to
dance. After the ball, Mr. Knightley tells Emma that the Eltons’ intention was to wound both
Emma and Harriet. They cannot forgive her for wanting Harriet to marry Mr. Elton.

Analysis: Although Emma enjoys Frank Churchill’s company and his attention during the
Crown Inn ball, this is the extent of her feelings. The only regret she feels is that she cannot
feel more towards him. The two can now be completely comfortable with each other’s company.
Nevertheless, all is not right with Frank Churchill. He is in an uncharacteristically bad mood
during the ball, yet the reason remains as yet unclear.
The Eltons’ actions in this chapter continue to develop the theme of propriety and the difference
between overt behavior and subtle signals. Mr. Elton does not do anything outwardly rude
toward Harriet, but it is clear that he intends to snub and humiliate her. The Eltons hide
behind the façade of propriety, but their behavior is anything but well-mannered. It is important
that Harriet is the victim of the snub rather than Emma because she is an easy target. They
can snub the socially inferior Harriet with few consequences, but a similar snub against Emma
could not be tolerated.

In rescuing Harriet Smith from humiliation, Mr. Knightley is the paragon of behavior for
Emma. For the first time he exhibits a change of behavior toward Harriet: he admits her
positive qualities and takes pity on her situation. This is not the only change in Mr. Knightley:
his feelings toward Emma become more clear. He dismisses the idea that Emma and he are
like siblings, giving greater indication of possible romantic feelings.
Chapter Thirty-nine: Frank Churchill and Harriet arrive at Hartfield the day after the ball.
The night before, when Harriet was walking home, a party of gypsies approached Harriet and
her companions and chased them. Harriet was assaulted by a group of them and was saved
by Frank Churchill, who was on his way to return a pair of scissors to Mrs. Bates. Emma still
wonders if Harriet and Frank Churchill might make a good couple but vows not to meddle.
Soon the news of Frank’s heroism is known throughout Highbury.
Analysis: The story that Harriet Smith tells about Frank Churchill is a reminder that there are
less reputable elements outside of the genteel estates of Hartfield and Randalls. The story is

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