Page 124 - DENG404_FICTION

Fiction

Notes of Emma’s suggestions. When Harriet is unable to attend the Westons’ party on Christmas
Eve, however, Mr. Elton focuses all of his attention solely on Emma. When they travel home
by carriage from the party, Mr. Elton professes his adoration for Emma and dismisses the idea
that he would ever marry Harriet Smith. Mr. Elton intends to move up in society and is
interested in Emma primarily for her social status and wealth. Emma promptly rejects Mr. Elton,
who is highly offended and promptly leaves Highbury for a stay in Bath.
Emma is shocked by her poor judgment of the situation and belief that Mr. Elton would be
a good match for Harriet. She realizes that Mr. Knightley may have been correct in some of
his advice to her, but she is still not convinced that Harriet should demean herself by associating
with Robert Martin. After Mr. Elton’s departure, Emma is forced to break the news to a
broken-hearted Harriet.
The village of Highbury is impatiently anticipating the visit of Frank Churchill, Mr. Weston’s
son from his first marriage. After the death of his wife, Mr. Weston sent the child to be raised
by his wife’s family, acknowledging that he did not have enough wealth to provide for the
boy. Frank is thought to be an ideal match for Emma and, without having met him, Emma
agrees that his age and breeding make him a good suitor for her.
Another character who occupies Emma’s thoughts is Jane Fairfax, the granddaughter of Mrs. Bates,
the impoverished widow of the former vicar, and the niece of Miss Bates, a chattery spinster
who lives with her mother. Jane is equal to Emma in every respect (beauty, education, talents)
except for status and provokes some jealousy in Emma. Jane will soon visit Highbury because
the wealthy family who raised her after her parents’ death has gone on vacation.
In the meantime, Mr. Elton returns from Bath with news that he is engaged to a Miss Augusta
Hawkins. This news, along with an awkward meeting with the Martins, greatly embarrasses
poor Harriet.
Frank Churchill finally visits the Westons, and Emma is pleased to discover that he lives up
to her expectations. Emma and Frank begin to spend time together, but she notices that he
seems to be somewhat insubstantial and immature. He makes a day trip to London for the sole
reason of getting his hair cut; an act that even Emma acknowledges is superficial. As Frank
and Emma continue to spend more time in each other’s company, Mr. Knightley becomes
somewhat jealous. He disapproves of Frank, convinced that he is not to be trusted, especially
with Emma’s heart. Emma in turn becomes jealous as she suspects that Mr. Knightley might
be in love with Jane Fairfax.
Emma’s friendship with Frank Churchill is bolstered by his seemingly shared disdain for Jane
Fairfax. Frank confirms Emma’s suspicions that Jane might be involved with Mr. Dixon, a
married man, even though this is only idle gossip. Soon afterward, Jane Fairfax receives a
pianoforte from London, and Emma and Frank conclude that it was sent to her by Mr. Dixon.

Task Which character accompanies the Emma’s thoughts in the novel?

Frank Churchill must abruptly leave Highbury when he learns that his aunt is unwell. She is
an insufferable woman, proud and vain, and she exercises great authority over her nephew.
Thinking that Frank is ready to process his love for her, Emma convinces herself that she is
in love with him but is uncertain how to tell if her feelings are sincere. Finally, she realizes
that she must not be in love with him because she is as happy with him absent as she was with
him present.

118 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY