“Oh, no! Certainly not too tall; not in the least too tall.”
Austin’s use of repetition, in this quote, emphasizes the fact that Mr Elton is backing up Emma in every way possible. She almost makes it unrealistically obvious, but keeps it at a level that just fits into reality. Austin also hints at the fact that Mr Elton has not fallen for Harriet as well. When Mrs Weston makes a criticism of Emma making Harriet less beautiful than she really is, he rejects it.
“Miss Woodhouse has given her friend the only beauty she wanted.”
His reply is defending Emma and also hints at the fact that he does not like Harriet in the way that Emma wishes him to.
“I cannot agree with you.”
Mr Elton though is not the only character that hints at the rest of the novel. Austin uses all the other characters, in this passage, as well. In fact, although he says very little, Mr Knightly’s comment is very important.
“You have made her too tall, Emma.”
This illustrates the friendly relationship he has with Emma, as it is not meant as a harsh criticism. Austin uses it to show how Mr Knightly and Emma joke with each other, and this is very significant as to the end of the story. Also, the fact that he uses her name at the end of his line adds to the familiarity between the two characters.
Towards the end of the passage Austin also brings in Mr Woodhouse. His speech is very important, but it is also exactly what you would expect him to say. Austin portrays Mr Woodhouse as a character that always has a pattern of speech when talking about his daughter. He always fills her with praise, repeating the same phrases over and over; “It is very pretty.” But he always finishes off by saying how she could have improved it; “The only thing I do not thoroughly like is.”
Austin uses this whole chapter to drop hints as to what will happen. It is hard to grasp these hints when reading the novel for the first time but once it ahs been read once these hints become very apparent. The main method Austin uses is the way she makes her characters repeat words and phrases that are important, for example, making Mr Elton repeat words of praise to Emma, which signifies his love for her and not for Harriet.
“Certainly not too tall; not in the least too tall.”
Austin also makes Mr Elton increase the meaning of what he says when he repeats it. This emphasizes his feelings for Emma and the way he pushes away any criticism made against her.
