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Unit 8: Jane Austen—Emma

Chapter Forty-eight: Emma gives up hope that Mr. Knightley is in love with her. Even if he Notes
were, she would still not be able to marry him because of her father’s need for constant
attention. Mrs. Weston tells Emma that Jane Fairfax regrets being involved in a suspicious
private engagement and wishes that she had handled the situation with greater decorum.
Emma feels disheartened and alone, since the pregnant Mrs. Weston will soon be preoccupied
with her child and Frank Churchill will no longer visit frequently.
Analysis: Emma Woodhouse has thus far been completely satisfied with the condition of her
life. In her mind she has everything that she desires: fortune, status, and a comfortable social
circle. Yet in this chapter she realizes that an integral part of her happiness depends on
Mr. Knightley’s affections. Although they have no romantic attachment as of yet, it is important
to Emma that she is the most important woman in his life. Realizing that she might lose this
position to Harriet Smith makes Emma aware how deeply she cares for him. This helps to
explain why no attachment between Emma and Mr. Knightley has been formed earlier. Both
already realized that they were the most important person in the other’s life.
The discussion between Mrs. Weston and Emma concerning Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax
brings up the important point that the two must certainly be in love with one another. Both
endured a great deal of pain during their secret engagement and risked their reputation
among society by deceiving their friends and family. As Emma states, “her affection must
have overpowered her judgment.” Yet love cannot entirely excuse deception; both Jane and
Frank behaved improperly. Since all turned out well for the two of them - they hurt nobody
during their deception and will be properly married soon - Austen’s major point is that their
behavior was wrong for reasons of manners. Even without any negative consequences, the
deception was wrong as a breach of decorum.
At this point in the novel, Emma is alone, outside the social interactions of her friends. Everyone
else has already married (the Westons) or plans to (Frank and Jane). She may always have her
wealth and status, but Emma still may risk loneliness by clinging to her self-absorption. This
isolation will not come from becoming a social pariah but will instead occur if she remains
immature and vain among responsible adults with greater responsibilities to consider.
Chapter Forty-nine: Mr. Knightley stops by Hartfield to see Emma, and they discuss Frank
Churchill and Jane Fairfax. He fears that Jane will be miserable with a man as intolerable as
Frank Churchill but hopes that she will improve him. Mr. Knightley admits that he envies
Frank in one respect. Emma fears that he will mention Harriet, but Mr. Knightley then professes
his love for Emma. The two are now reassured of their love for one another.
Analysis: The final decision on Frank Churchill’s actions comes when Emma discusses his
engagement with Mr. Knightley. While Mr. Knightley has always held a low opinion of Frank
Churchill out of jealousy for his apparent affection for Emma, he now realizes how he underrated
him. Mr. Knightley serves as the final judge of character in the novel, and, when he comes to
forgive Frank Churchill this is a cue from Austen that Frank, for all of his faults, should not
be considered disreputable.
Once again, manners and etiquette obscure the true emotions and cause dangerous mixed
signals. The great propriety that Emma shows in dealing with Frank Churchill makes it unclear
what feelings she may have. Mr. Knightley from this concluded that she might be in love with
Frank. It is necessary to discern what each character does or does not feel under the heavy veil
of polite behavior. In believing that Emma might love Frank, Mr. Knightley made his one
major error.
Mr. Knightley professes love in a measured and utterly dignified manner that is very different
from the fawning adoration that Mr. Elton showered upon Emma in the carriage ride. When
he and Emma declare their love for one another, it is occasion for relief, rather than for

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