Page 98 - DENG404_FICTION

Fiction

Notes This chapter also returns to Austen’s distinctions between marriage for love and marriage for
status. It is only the very few such as Emma Woodhouse who can marry for love, while status
and security must be the overriding concern for women such as Harriet Smith. Austen also
contrasts the reputations of Emma Woodhouse and Miss Bates, both of whom are single but
are differentiated by fortune.
In addition to providing a contrast to Emma’s comfortable life, the characters of Mrs. Bates
and Miss Bates serve as comic relief in the novel. Miss Bates chatters on incessantly about any
topic, while Mrs. Bates’ hearing difficulties result in aggravating situations. Yet, Austen also
makes it clear that these women deserve pity and compassion, and that is the sole reason why
Emma frequently visits the Bates family. It is certainly not; as Emma makes clear, out of any
particular regard for the two women.
The introduction of the character Jane Fairfax gives some dimension to Emma’s vanity. With
the exception of money, Jane is presented as Emma’s equal in terms of beauty, wit, intelligence,
and talent. Emma is unsettled by this competition, and her automatic dislike of Jane is no
doubt linked to some jealousy on her part.
Chapter Eleven: Mr. John and Mrs. Isabella Knightley visit her father and sister at Hartfield.
They discuss Frank Churchill, noting that he has not yet visited the Westons since they have
been married. When discussing the Westons, Mr. John Knightley reminds Emma that she is
not a wife, and says that few think highly of the Churchill family. Emma dislikes her brother-
in-law and wishes to contradict him, thinking that his comments reflect badly on Mr. Weston.
Yet, she holds her tongue for the sake of her sister and keeping the peace.
Analysis: John Knightley’s pointed remark about Emma’s marital status is yet another reminder
that Emma has more power as a single woman than a married one. While Emma often seems
petty and self-centered in her dealings with Harriet Smith and Mr. Knightley, here she reveals
herself to be more honorable, letting her brother-in-law’s rude comments about Mr. Weston’s
social activities pass in order to keep the peace. She behaves with propriety.
This interaction also confirms Austen’s use of manners to define the value of each character.
The first descriptions of Mr. John Knightley and his wife mention their manners. While Isabella’s
manners are acceptable, her husband’s are too reserved to be pleasing, and he is too judgmental
towards other’s behavior. He criticizes Frank Churchill for qualities without possibly knowing
whether he possesses these negative qualities.
This chapter also returns to the story of Frank Churchill, foreshadowing that he will soon play
an important place in the novel. The fact that he has not yet visited his father since his
marriage is presented as an affront to propriety. However, since there is every indication that
he has proper manners, there must be a reason that why he has not visited Highbury.
Chapter Twelve: Emma decides that Mr. George Knightley must dine with them upon his
brother’s visit, as a means for reconciliation over their argument about Harriet and Mr. Martin.
Although Emma has no plans to concede the argument, she wishes to restore their friendship.
Isabella mentions Jane Fairfax in conversation, claiming that only she could be as accomplished
and superior as Emma, a more suitable companion than Harriet Smith.

Analysis: Despite Emma’s numerous faults, she has a near-faultless sense of politeness and
decorum. She will not admit that she was wrong concerning Harriet Smith and Robert Martin,
but her stubbornness is not enough to stand in the way of her friendship with Mr. Knightley.
Interestingly, Austen points out that Emma is not as worldly as she would like to believe.
While Isabella and her husband travel a great deal, Emma admits that she has never even seen
the ocean. Her father never travels, which is to be expected considering his anxiety over his
health, but it is peculiar that Emma never leaves Highbury, when there are numerous instances

92 LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY