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Unit 8: Jane Austen—Emma

again must bear the pain of rejection from a man who is too socially superior for her to Notes
rightfully consider.
Chapter Fifty-two: Harriet finally learns about Emma and Mr. Knightley and bears the news
well enough. Emma visits the Bates in order to see Jane Fairfax. Mrs. Elton is also there and
tells Emma that she knows the good news about her and Mr. Knightley. Emma learns that
Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax will marry soon, after an appropriate period of mourning for
Mrs. Churchill.
Analysis: With Harriet gone from Highbury, Emma is free to enjoy Mr. Knightley’s presence.
This chapter emphasizes the inappropriateness of Emma’s friendship with Harriet Smith. Harriet
is a burden to Emma with her consistent heartbreaks and fragile nature, but in this case she
bears the news about Mr. Knightley well. Austen gives the sense that Harriet’s disappointment
is necessary and even appropriate in order to force her to settle on a man who has an equal
status. Unlike her situation with Mr. Elton, Harriet is entirely to blame for any pain she has
suffered because of her feelings for Mr. Knightley. Since Mr. Knightley did not mislead her,
Harriet’s belief that he might love her is entirely a product of her developing vanity.
The chapter also reinforces the earlier theme that marriage does not simply affect the prospective
husband and wife. Just as Emma and Mr. Knightley have to think about others’ desires and
emotions, Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill must show the proper respect to others. Marrying
so soon after Mrs. Churchill died would be an affront to her memory, since it would indicate
how the ill-tempered old woman prevented Frank from doing as he pleased.

Chapter Fifty-three: Mrs. Weston gives birth to a little girl, Anna, and begins discussing the
possibility of marrying her to one of Isabella’s sons. Emma and Mr. Knightley publicly share
the news of their engagement. Mr. Woodhouse dislikes the idea of Emma marrying Mr. Knightley
because it would force him to change his habits. Still, he inevitably assents to the marriage,
and Emma hopes that time and reassurance will inevitably soften the old man. Emma tells Mr.
Knightley that she cannot call him by his first name but promises to call him George after they
are married.
Analysis: Austen explores the dynamics of marriage and courtship in this chapter with the
reminder that elite parents immediately plan for their child’s marriage. Just barely after she
has been delivered, Anna Weston already seems a possible match for Henry Knightley. Also,
the birth of Anna Weston gives additional light on the role of the governess. Emma notes that
Miss Weston will be performing essentially the same job for her daughter that she did when
she taught Emma at Hartfield.
Other details of the formality of courtship emerge. To Emma, her fiancé will be Mr. Knightley
until they marry, and only then will she call him George. She still considers it improper to use
his first name, even though they are engaged. Also, there is proper etiquette for revealing
news of the marriage that Emma and Mr. Knightley must follow. Mr. Woodhouse, the most
difficult case, must know almost immediately, and it is also proper form to tell the Westons.
However, there are few members of Highbury society who can be ignored; it would even be
impolite not to tell Jane Fairfax and Miss Bates the news.
Chapter Fifty-four: Harriet Smith is to be married to Robert Martin. Emma is somewhat
disappointed by Harriet’s decision, as Mr. Knightley suspects, but he reminds her that Harriet
will be happy and secure. When Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax visit Highbury, Emma
realizes that Mr. Knightley was the most suitable choice for her.
Analysis: This chapter concludes Harriet Smith’s romantic pursuits, as she agrees to marry the
man whom she was originally meant to marry. She has given up the pretensions that Emma
instilled in her and finally accepted her devoted suitor. This emphasizes the negative effect
that Emma had on the young woman. If not for Emma’s interventions, Harriet would have

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