How does Jane Austen present the themes of love and marriage in the novel Emma?
Emma
Question: How does Jane Austen present the themes of love and marriage in the novel Emma?
Answer: Jane Austen's novels incorporate her observations on the manners of her time and class, and while they often relate courtship, love, and marriage, Austen herself never married. In the essay below I will be discussing how the author, Jane Austen, presents the themes of love and marriage in the novel Emma. The novel Emma is about a young woman who is interested in matchmaking. Emma is the central character, who is the daughter of wealthy gentleman, her mother died when she was young leaving her to be brought up by Miss Taylor. The novel is essentially a story of how Emma matures from a clever young woman to a more modest and considerate woman. By using Emma as the central character, using authorial comments, beginning the novel with an example of what makes a perfect marriage and through couples who get married and couples who might have got married, Austen has chosen to present the themes of love and marriage.
At the novels beginning Jane Austen introduces things she sees as the fundamentals of a marriage, which are always echoing in the back. In the first chapter the novel's title character, Emma Woodhouse is introduced. She is the youngest of two daughters. She has no mother and a father who imposes no limits on her behaviour or self-satisfaction. While her mother died long ago, Emma was brought up by Miss Taylor. Just as the novel begins Miss Taylor has just married Mr Weston leaving Emma short of a companion. Emma feels the loss of Miss Taylor, who was "peculiarly interested in herself, in every pleasure, every scheme of hers - one to whom she could speak every thought as it arose, and who had such an affection for her as could never find fault" (page 6).
Emma tries to take credit for the marriage claiming she matched Miss Taylor and Mr Weston.
"And you have forgotten one matter of joy to me, said Emma, and a very considerable one - that I made the match myself. I made the match, you know, four years ago; and to have it take place, and be proved in the right, when so many people said Mr Weston would never marry again, may comfort me for anything."
Emma says this to Mr Knightly and her father about the marriage of Miss Taylor and Mr Weston. This quote gives the reader a hint of Emma's character, and a glimpse of the major marriage and matchmaking themes of the novel.
Within the first few paragraphs of the book, Jane Austen praises Emma while she is "handsome, clever and rich," she is also spoiled and self-centred, less concerned with Miss Taylor's happiness than her loss of a companion. Throughout the novel Emma identifies matches which as reader we know will not work which makes the reader think, what does make a good marriage? (In mind the cameo example of the Weston's marriage).
Chapter two begins telling us all about Mr Weston. Mr Weston married Miss Churchill, who was of a higher social status than him. An important consideration in Emma is social status especially when it concerns marriage. The reason why Mr Weston's first marriage failed was partly because he married a woman who was of a higher social status than him. She was familiar to living a life beyond what they could afford and she could not lower herself down to her husband's level. Though the marriage benefited Mr Weston, socially, it did not benefit Miss Churchill.
In chapter three a number of characters of a lower social status are introduced including the poor Mrs Bates, Miss Bates, her daughter; Mr Elton, a local vicar; Mrs Goddard, the mistress of a boarding school and Harriet Smith an illegitimate child who was placed at Mrs Goddard's school. Parentage becomes important to determine a characters social status, which is important for Harriet's character as she does not know which family she belongs to, preventing her from a higher place in status; social status being an important consideration when concerning marriage.
In chapter four Emma and Harriet become quite good friends. Emma realises that one of the Martins has a romantic interest in Harriet. By asking Harriet questions about the Robert Martin, she criticises and tells Harriet clear that he is not a suitable match for her. Emma tells Harriet to compare him to better men such as Mr Weston or Mr Elton. She decides Mr Elton would suit Harriet, as he is from a higher social class than Robert Martin. The reason Emma persuades Harriet against romance with Robert Martin he lacks proper manners. Robert Martin lacks with what Mr Weston or Mr Elton have. But the real reason why Emma persuades Harriet against romance with Robert Martin is because of his social status for Emma manners actually mean status. This brings up the theme in the novel: the relationship between status and manner which is considered in marriage.
Chapter five is about the concern of Mr knightly about the friendship between Emma and Harriet Smith. The harm in the friendship is that Harriet will indulge Emma in her worst qualities, while Emma will teach Harriet to be so refined that she will not fit among her true social class. Again, status becomes important: Harriet, given her undoubtful birth has a low place in society and a friendship with a woman from a high place in society would confuse her.
Chapter six is all about irony. Harriet Smith is interested in Mr Elton, but Mr Elton is interested in Emma. This chapter creates a number of ambiguities. Emma decides to draw portrait of Harriet for Mr Elton. Mr Elton accepts the portrait, but is not clear whether he accepts it because of Harriet or Emma. Emma plays matchmaker between Harriet and Mr Elton. She cannot assume her plans would go wrong. Harriet is so trusting in Emma that she cannot see the signals that Mr Elton gives. The novel is about the growth of Emma's knowledge. She uses high authority to make what she believes. Emma only looks at situations from one point of view which is probably why the matches she makes never work out except for the Weston's marriage.
In chapter seven Robert Martin sends a letter to Harriet Smith proposing to her. Letters in 'Emma' are not only the major means of long-distance communication, but symbolise the worth of the person. Though Emma is impressed with the letter, she still continues to criticise Robert Martin. The nature of the letter tells us that Robert Martin is serious about Harriet smith and that he loves her though Emma disagrees, she does not fully understand and produces misguidance. She suspects that one of his sisters must have written the letter for him. Emma's interest is not in Robert Martin's manners, but his status, again status being important when concerning marriage. Harriet cannot make her mind up whether or not to accept the proposal she comes to Emma for advice though she says she will not give her any advice she says if Harriet is in doubt she should refuse it which is what Harriet does. She writes a letter to Robert Martin refusing his proposal.
Chapter eight is about Mr knightly's rage of anger with Emma because of Harriet's refusal to Robert Martin's proposal which he thinks is all down to Emma's doing. Because Harriet is an illegitimate child unsure of which family she belongs to, she is unlikely to marry well and must rely on a husband to pledge her a place in society. Again, class is the primary consideration for marriage. Emma's fault or some what misguidance is making Harriet Smith believe that she can expect a man of high status. Mr Knightly believes that Mr Martin is a good match for Harriet as he is close to her social class. When Mr Knightly and Emma discuss Harriet's possibilities for marriage, they do not mention love. For the characters in novel, the primary consideration is marrying for status not for romance. Mr Knightly feels that Harriet should marry Robert Martin because he would provide for her and give her a place in society. Mr knightly also mentions Mr Elton and how he would want to marry someone who will bring him decency through her status which explains his interest in Emma. He may want to marry her because of her status and wealth.
In chapter nine Mr Elton gives Emma a poem, which Emma thinks is intended for Harriet. When the poem is read it is interpreted to be a love poem to Harriet. The poem is a riddle with the answer 'courtship'. Games and riddles dictate this chapter of the novel. The title of the poem is "Charade," and its solution is romance. Jane Austen gives the reader a reminder that Harriet is intellectually inferior to Emma when they attempt to solve the riddle. Harriet gives only silly answers, while Emma easily guesses the answer. This a hint to Emma that the "Charade" is not for Harriet but for her but she wrongly assumes that Mr Elton is so madly in love with Harriet and the fact that she is not as intelligent as him does not bother him. Harriet's mind and Mr Elton's mind is not one of equivalence; Jane Austen demonstrates this through the "Charade".
In chapter ten the reason that Emma is unmarried becomes clear. As a greatly independent woman she does not need to marry and can marry only for love and when she finds a suitable partner. Marriage entitles many sacrifices. Emma would lose her authority and have to give in to a husband, while as a single woman she has the power to do whatever she pleases. This chapter also returns to Jane Austen's distinctions between marriage for love and marriage for status. It is only the very few people such as Emma who can marry for love, while ...
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In chapter ten the reason that Emma is unmarried becomes clear. As a greatly independent woman she does not need to marry and can marry only for love and when she finds a suitable partner. Marriage entitles many sacrifices. Emma would lose her authority and have to give in to a husband, while as a single woman she has the power to do whatever she pleases. This chapter also returns to Jane Austen's distinctions between marriage for love and marriage for status. It is only the very few people such as Emma who can marry for love, while status is the major concern for women such as Harriet Smith. Jane Austen contrasts single women such as Emma and Miss Bates, because of Emma's status; she can remain unmarried without becoming like Miss Bates. Jane Austen has includes feminine characters who don't get married in order to show the importance of marriage in a woman's life.
In chapter eleven we get a sense of a perfect marriage. The marriage of Isabella and Mr John knightly, Isabella adores her husband and is completely devoted to him. The first description of Mr John knightly and Isabella mention their manners; once again manners define the value of each character.
At the Weston's Christmas Eve party in chapter fourteen, Emma has to put up with Mr Elton and Mr Knightly. Mr Elton is too keen to please Emma, while Mr John Knightly is unwilling to please her because of their previous argument. Despite her growing dislike for Mr Elton, she remains civil to him. When Emma hears about Frank Churchill, she thinks about marrying him considering his age, character and condition. This is the first part in the novel in which Emma actually considers marriage for herself. It is significant that even Emma, who can marry anyone she wants, thinks of marriage in realistic terms. At no point is love mentioned. It is remarkable how Emma decides that Frank Churchill would be a suitable husband for her without even meeting him. She knows only his age, his status, and his familial connections. Other information does not bother her. So yet again here we get a few fundamentals of what Jane Austen sees as what a marriage consists of.
In chapter fifteen, Mr Elton asks Emma about Harriet Smith as she has taken ill, but he is more concerned that Emma might fall sick. By the end of the visit at Randall's, it started to snow, and Mr Woodhouse feared that they would not be able to leave Randall's. The snow settles and the carriages are brought to take the guests home. Emma finds herself in the same carriage as Mr Elton, who professes his love for her. When Emma brings up Harriet Smith, he mocks her for her low level in society, and tells Emma he only spent time with Harriet to be close to her. His dismissal of Harriet was because of her status which recalls similar objections that Emma made in regards to Harriet and Robert Martin. What Emma finds acceptable behaviour for Harriet she finds unacceptable for Mr Elton because of his status.
Chapter sixteen is about the day after Mr Elton professed love for Emma. Emma is upset about Mr Elton's behaviour towards her for a number of reasons. Emma is insulted that a person as low as Mr Elton would consider her as a wife for him. This shows Emma to be some what arrogant as Mr Elton is too low for Emma but good enough for Harriet. She rejects Mr Elton because he doesn't come from a decent family, the same reason that he rejects Harriet Smith. Mr Elton uses Harriet to get to Emma, and behaves with no polite manners (as when he expresses his feelings in the carriage). Another reason why Emma is upset is that her plans do not go as accorded. Emma wants everything to go as accorded and in this situation nothing has gone as she planned. Emma shows some new signs of maturity. She accepts the blame for the situation and realises how she went wrong.
Though Emma has not yet met Frank she decides he is a wonderful person (chapter eighteen), she argues with Mr Knightly about Frank, and assumes that Frank has good intentions. Mr Knightly, suspects Frank Churchill. He tends to echo Austen's views. Again, social status and good manners are important considerations. Mr Knightly thinks that one of the Churchill's mistakes with Frank is making him believe that he is above his actual connections, too proud, luxurious and selfish.
She visits the Bates; which is an attempt to correct one of her faults that she is neglectful towards. Miss Bates receives a letter from Jane. In the letter she says how she will be visiting next week. To satisfy Emma's jealousy towards Jane, she invents the idea that Jane may be involved with a married man. From this we learn that even in Jane Austen's time there was jealously between the women when concerning marriage.
This chapter tells us all about Jane Fairfax (Chapter twenty-one), the granddaughter of Mrs Bates, whose mother died when Jane was small. Jane was brought up by the Campbell's, Colonel Campbell had served in the army with Jane's father, and Jane had been well educated and now was better in beauty and acquirements. When Jane visits, Emma is polite to her, despite her jealousy, and she even gets some information about Frank Churchill.
Jane Fairfax is an example of the self-made woman, whose respect in society comes not from her familial connections with the Bates but from her talents and charm. Except for status, she equals to Emma in every way. Yet Emma and Jane Fairfax differ considerably. Although Jane is equal to Emma in all regards, she lacks status. This serves as a reminder that it is not Emma's sharp intelligence make her the head of Highbury society, but instead her family and fortune.
Also worth noting are the parallels between Jane Fairfax and Frank Churchill, both are somewhat mysterious visitors connected to Highbury through ancestral connections, but were raised outside of it by families after their mothers had died. They share the doubt of belonging to one social group by birth but living within a higher one by breeding.
In this chapter both of Harriet Smith's possible suitors return in the novel, and both serve as embarrassments. Mr Elton's awaiting marriage to Miss Hawkins displays the true reason for his vacation from Highbury and proves what Mr Knightly had suspected was true. He did have a potential marriage possibility elsewhere and immediately set this once he realised that he could not have Emma.
Mr Elton returns to Highbury with changed spirits (chapter twenty two). He was to be married soon, the wedding required little planning. Harriet gets worse upon Mr Elton's return, although she has got back in contact with Elizabeth Martin. Wealth is the major reason for Mr Elton's marriage to Miss Hawkins. She has a fortune that she brings to the marriage, but not the social status that Emma would have bought if he had married her. It is here that Austen makes the distinction between wealth and status. Miss Hawkins is wealthy, but the source of this wealth is important. Her family's fortune comes from a somewhat disreputable trade industry, not from the ownership of property.
Emma's good opinion of Frank Churchill is taken back when she hears that, he has gone to London simply to get a haircut (chapter twenty five). Frank Churchill's trip to London for a haircut reveals a doubt about him and to go to London simply for a haircut is a huge waste of time but Emma thinks only slightly less of him for it. Emma is persistently forgiving Frank Churchill. She made up her mind that she would like him, and perhaps marry him, far before she actually met him, and vain, lenient actions such as this are ignored. This resembles how she ignored Mr Elton's faults until it was too late. However, in this situation it is Emma herself risks humiliation and heartbreak.
The Coles, a family of low origin involved in trade, invite the superior families of Highbury to have dinner with them. Although Emma thinks that this is an insult to her high place in society. She accepts the invitation. The chapter also returns to the idea that different parts of society have different forms of acceptable behaviour. The class structure is basic in 'Emma'. The responsibilities and behaviour of each class are generally known and accepted.
Frank Churchill returns from London. At the Coles' party, Mrs Cole tells everyone Jane Fairfax received a new piano from a mysterious person. Frank Churchill is amused by the story. Emma tells Frank that she suspects it is a gift from Mrs Dixon, and Frank tells her that Mr Dixon has more than likely something to do with it. Frank mentions to Emma that Mr Knightly must have provided a carriage to transport Jane Fairfax and Miss Bates to the party. Emma becomes upset when she thinks this may be a sign that Mr Knightly is interested in Jane Fairfax and may want to marry her. Emma speaks with Mr. Knightly to make herself at ease.
Emma shows a liking towards Mr Knightly for the first time when she thinks that he might be romantically interested in Jane Fairfax and might want to marry her. In return, Mr Knightly appears quite jealous of Frank Churchill.
Harriet Smith visits Emma and tells her that she thinks Robert Martin is involved with Anne Cox. They shop at Ford's together, and Emma sees Mrs Weston and Frank going to visit Miss Bates. Though Emma and Harriet continue to shop, Miss Bates invites them to hear Jane Fairfax play at her new piano. Frank Churchill is deliberately confusing towards Emma when she meets him on his way to Mrs Bates house. He varies between possibilities with either shopping with Emma or visiting the Bates family, but chooses to visit the Bates. His words favour spending time with Emma, but his actions favour visiting with Mrs Bates. There are other indications that Frank Churchill might match well with Jane Fairfax. Both are musical (he sings and she plays the piano).
When Emma arrives at the Bates house, Frank Churchill is helping Jane fix her new piano. Mr Knightly also arrives. Jane Austen is deliberately unclear about Jane Fairfax's courtship possibilities. The actions of both Frank Churchill and Mr Knightly indicate a possible romantic interest in her, but Frank disguises any possible interest by showing such great attention to Emma, while Mr Knightly behaves with such decency that no action can be supposed as romantic.
A letter arrives from Mr Churchill to urge his nephew to return instantly, for Mrs Churchill is not well. This ruins the planning for the ball. When he leaves, Emma is certain that he almost told her that he loved her. She convinces herself that she is in love. He speaks of his high regard for Hartfield. It is this moment in which Emma believes that Frank Churchill may be in love with her. However, whether or not Frank is interested in Jane Fairfax or Emma is still unclear.
Emma finds herself believing that Frank might love her and convinces herself that she might be in love with him. Emma, who has earlier thought of romance in practical terms, finds herself considering actual love. However, she has no real idea what love actually involves. The fact that she is unsure whether or not she is in love is a good suggestion that she is not.
After Emma has opened herself to the idea of falling in love with Frank Churchill, she realises that she does not in fact love him. She does not love Frank Churchill because she exists so well with him and without him. Still, although she does not love Frank Churchill, she enjoys all his attention. However, Emma continues to make the same mistakes. She has not learned from the match between Mr Elton and Harriet and fancies the idea of making a match between Frank Churchill and Harriet.
Mr Elton has found a perfect match in Augusta Hawkins: a woman as dull and socially conscious as he is. Mrs Elton constantly offers her own superiority and treats the members of Highbury society with much less respect. As bad as Mrs Elton's manners are, they are made worse by her position in society. Her snobbery and comparisons of Hartfield to Maple Grove are made worse by the fact that her connections in Maple Grove are wealthy but lower class. She even calls Mr Knightly by his first name. This continues the idea found in Emma that social class determines proper manners. Mrs Elton does not know her proper rank in society.
Emma is quite crucial about whom she likes and dislikes, and once she decides that she dislikes Mrs Elton, there is little chance that she will change her opinion. In fact her opinion of Mrs Elton does change: it becomes worse. Once again status plays a consideration. Emma dislikes Mrs Elton because she presumes herself to be higher in society than she actually is, believing that her connections at Maple Grove make her quite respectable.
This chapter (35) reveals the fate of Jane Fairfax, since she is not from a wealthy family, although was raised by one; she must go into a profession as a governess. As raised by the Campbell's, she was part of the elite and lived as Emma does now. While Emma is a woman from the centre of society even if she remains single she still would have the same status, Jane Fairfax, despite her equal talents, must depend on a good marriage.
The chapter tells us that Frank Churchill will soon return to Highbury. Emma's attachment to Frank Churchill had settled down, but she is worried that he is in love with her. When Frank returns, he doesn't visit her as much. Frank Churchill, his aunt and uncle have found a house nine miles away from Mr Weston. They begin preparations for a ball at the Crown Inn. With his return, the ball at the Crown Inn can finally happen.
Frank Churchill behaves strangely towards Emma at the ball at the Crown Inn. Dance is a metaphor for marriage in many of Jane Austen's novels. In the society in these novels a woman does not have many means by which to judge her suitors, and dance is one of the major ones. It is also important it these novels to see whom is dancing with whom, and what dance they are dancing. In Emma, Emma's major trial to see if Mr Knightly is really interested in Jane is to observe whether he asks her to dance. Frank Churchill continues pretending to not care for Jane by telling Emma he does not want to dance with her. Mr. Elton's ignorance of Harriet at the dance at the Crown Inn parallels his refusal to consider her for marriage.
Mr Elton refuses to dance with Harriet when Mrs Weston prompts him. To recover Harriet's dignity, Mr Knightly asks her to dance. Although Emma enjoys Frank Churchill's company and his attention during the Crown Inn ball, this is the degree of her feelings.
In rescuing Harriet Smith from humiliation, Mr Knightly is the model for behaviour in Emma. For the first time he shows a change of behaviour in this chapter (38) towards Harriet: he admits her positive qualities and takes pity on her. This is not the only change in Mr Knightly. In this chapter Mr Knightly's feelings for Emma become more clear. He rejects the idea that Emma and he are like brother and sister, giving greater hint of his romantic feelings towards her.
Frank Churchill and Harriet arrive at Hartfield together the day after the ball. The night before, when Harriet was walking home, a party of gipsies approached Harriet and her friends and chased them. Harriet was assaulted by a group of them and was saved by Frank Churchill while he was on his way to Miss Bates. Emma considers that Harriet and Frank Churchill might make a good couple.
Harriet Smith shows her more silly and immature side in this chapter, revealing a childish obsession with Mr Elton that did her no good. Harriet vows she will never marry which makes it clear that Harriet does not have a very good judgement. In this declaration, Harriet continues to reflect Emma, vowing never to marry just as Emma did. Yet while Emma refused to marry because she felt she could never find someone who would measure up to her, Harriet refuses to marry because she feels she will never measure up to the unknown man she adores.
Emma, Frank, Harriet and Jane play word games in which they must guess words. The word that Frank gives Jane to guess is Dixon, which greatly annoys Jane, who leaves the game. Mr Knightly tells Emma about his suspicions about Frank and Jane, but she thinks that there is no romance between them.
Even though Emma is convinced that Frank Churchill has no romantic interest in her and she has no interest in him, Mr Knightly is concerned that he is pretending to have an interest in her while in fact he is having an affair with Jane Fairfax. This suspicion is important evidence for Mr Knightly has been time and again correct in judging others actions. During the game, Frank teases and taunts Jane Fairfax to the point that she must leave the game.
This chapter (41) echoes the earlier incident in which Mr Elton uses the riddle "Charade" to declare his feelings to Emma through Harriet Smith. Emma finds herself yet again in the middle of a romantic game in which true feelings and emotions cannot properly be put across.
Mrs Elton plans a picnic, and Mr Knightly offers Donwell Abbey as the location. She presumes to make all of the invitations herself, even though it takes place at his estate, but Mr Knightly tells her that only one woman can invite anyone to Donwell Abbey, and that is the future Mrs Knightly, whoever she may be.
Mrs Elton receives a long-awaited retribution in this chapter (42) when her assumptions and breaks of etiquette reach a difficult level. Her great mistake was is to insist the power to invite whoever she pleases to Donwell Abbey, a power that only Mr Knightly has. Mr Knightly's reproach of Mrs Elton contains an interesting comment. When he says that only Mrs Knightly, whoever she may be, may invite whoever she chooses to his estate, he gives the first indication that he would consider marriage.
This chapter (42) supports the suspicions that Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax are involved, considering both are unhappy during their separate visits to Donwell Abbey's picnic, Frank arrives late and Jane leaves rather early.
Also, Harriet spending time with Mr Knightly is a major change in events. This is a reminder of Harriet's earlier claim that she was in love with a man of great status. Harriet has shown no interest in Frank Churchill, so it must be assumed that Emma was mistaken and Harriet has fallen for Mr Knightly.
As Mr Knightly reminds Emma, she made a great mistake at Box Hill when she puts down Miss Bates. As one of the highest members of Highbury society, Emma has a duty to treat those of lesser rank with kindness and to take pity on those such as Miss Bates who have little to offer. This is a turning point in Emma's behaviour. Although she has thought ill of a number of Highbury residents, this is the first time in which Emma does not behave politely to one of them.
This parallels the events of the last chapter, in which Mr Knightly acts as the voice of propriety and good manners. He reproaches Emma just as he does with Mrs Elton. When he speaks to Emma about her mistake, he points out how admired and warmly considered Emma is. His wish is to improve Emma and not to put her in her place, as he did Mrs. Elton.
There is news that Mrs Churchill has died. Emma realises that there is no barrier between Frank and Harriet Smith. She also hears Jane has fallen ill after taken a walk in the meadows.
In this chapter, Emma has agreed to set right her previous mistake towards Jane Fairfax, attempting greatly to visit. Not only does she think well of Jane, she now wishes to do something about it. Emma acts with a new found reserve.
Mr Knightly's romantic attentions toward Emma become more obvious in this chapter (45), although he remains reluctant. He is at the edge of expressing his love for Emma, but still hesitates.
The death of Mrs Churchill is a truly unexpected event in the novel. Now the major obstacle for Frank Churchill is now removed. He no longer is prevented from declaring his love for anyone. Yet despite the overwhelming evidence that he must be in love with Jane Fairfax, Emma carries on believing that he could love Harriet Smith.
Mr Weston urgently requests Emma to come to Randall's; because Mrs Weston has important news. When Emma arrives there Mrs Weston looks quite distressed. She has news that Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax have been secretly engaged. Emma criticises Frank for pretending to show affection for her when he was engaged to Jane, even when Jane was present. Mr Churchill did give Frank his permission to marry Jane without difficulty.
He did deceive his friends and family, by hiding his engagement to Jane. Even before he arrived, Frank Churchill was mysterious and deliberately misleading. And although he gave the appearance that he had an interest in Emma, she realised almost instantly that this was not the case. Also, Mrs Churchill made it impossible for him to make his romance public without retribution.
Emma realises that Harriet might be upset by the turn of events; for this is the second time that Emma has suggested that someone might be interested in her. Emma is angry with Frank Churchill for the dishonesty, but is at least relieved that Jane will not sink into a single life. She admits that she disliked Jane out of jealousy. When Emma sees Harriet, Mr Weston had already told her about Frank Churchill. Harriet denies that she ever had an interest in Frank Churchill and, in fact, she did never name the man she claimed to have affection for. Instead, Harriet was keen on Mr Knightly. Emma finally realises that nobody should marry Mr Knightly but herself, and that she has lead Harriet to believe that Mr Knightly could be in love with her. Emma has raised Harriet Smith to believe that her claims are greater than they actually are. She has made the poor Harriet now vain.
Mr Knightly's words to Emma, "you have been no friend to Harriet Smith," prove to be predictive in this chapter, as Emma herself realises. She believes that she has yet again misled Harriet Smith into thinking of the wrong partner. Emma did not damage Harriet Smith by setting her up for another heartbreak. Rather, Emma's great fault is that she made Harriet believe that she could desire an unreasonable social status.
Emma realizes that part of her vanity dwells in believing to know the secrets of everybody else's feelings, when in fact she has been proven consistently wrong on this account. She has viewed the world as she would like it to be. She assumed that Mr Elton loved Harriet because she wanted it to be so. As her own feelings for Frank Churchill grew, she was convinced that he loved her; as they faded, she believed that his did as well.
Jealousy once again motivates romance in this novel: it takes Frank Churchill to make Mr Knightly show greater affection toward Emma, and now it is Harriet Smith who makes Emma realise that she loves Mr Knightly. The great horror of the possible match between Mr Knightly and Harriet Smith is that, from his actions, Emma believes it to be possible. But, the match must be prevented, for it would cause Mr Knightly constant difficulties and expose him to extreme mockery.
Class once again enters into discussions of marriage. Even if Mr Knightly does love Harriet Smith, Emma cannot imagine the marriage taking place. Whatever love the two of them have would be troubled with such difficulties that there is virtually no possibility of success.
Emma has no hope that Mr Knightly could be in love with her, and even if it was the case, her father's need for constant attention would prevent marriage. Mrs Weston tells Emma how Jane Fairfax regretted being involved in a suspicious private engagement and wishes that she handled the situation with greater etiquette.
Emma Woodhouse has this far been completely satisfied with the conditions of her life. In her mind she has everything that she desires; fortune, status, and a comfortable social circle. Yet in this chapter she realises that an important part of her happiness depends on Mr Knightly's affection towards her. Although they have no romantic attachment, it is important to Emma that she is the most important woman in his life. Realising that she might lose this position to Harriet Smith makes Emma aware how deeply she cares for him. 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 suffered a great deal of pain during their secret engagement and risked their reputation among society by deceiving their friends and family. Both Jane and Frank did behave rudely. Since all turned out well for the two of them, they hurt nobody during their dishonesty. Jane and Frank are to be married soon.
At this point Emma stands outside the social communications of her friends. Among her social circle in Highbury, she is alone. Everyone else has married (the Weston's) or plans to (Frank and Jane). She may always have her wealth and status, but Emma still may risk loneliness.
Mr Knightly 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 such as Frank Churchill, but hopes that she will improve him. Mr Knightly admits that he envies Frank in one respect, and Emma fears that he will mention Harriet, but Mr Knightly professes his love for Emma. Both are now reassured of their love for one another.
Once again, manners and propriety obscure the true emotions of a character and causes dangerous mixed signals. Mr Knightly is a curious lover. When he professes his love, he is utterly noble. This is very different from the way that Mr Elton bombarded his love on Emma in the carriage. When Mr Knightly and Emma declare their love for one another, it is occasion for relief. The match between the two was predictable. They are the two highest members of society, and Mr Knightly's attention to her seemed as though he was preparing her to make her his wife.
Emma now has two obstacles to her marriage with Mr Knightly: Harriet Smith and her father. Emma can not marry Mr Knightly while her father lives, any marriage would greatly trouble him, and Emma wonders how to give the news to Harriet. Emma gets Harriet invited to stay with Isabella in London, where she would be distracted.
The letter from Frank Churchill explains some of his behaviour and solves some of the mysteries. Frank sent the piano to Jane Fairfax, and he ordered it when he was in London supposedly to get his hair cut. When he was on the verge of admitting something to Emma before he left to return to the Churchill's, he was ready to tell her the secret of his engagement.
Mr Knightly and Emma discuss Frank Churchill's letter and they come to the same conclusion: Frank Churchill did not behave well, but he had some reason and there was no final harm. They consider the various options to deal with her father. He could move with her to Donwell, but it would likely cause the old man great discomfort, but they settle on Mr Knightly coming to Hartfield instead.
This chapter makes very clear that Mr Woodhouse is more than just harmless who takes pleasure in his complaints. He is an stubborn obstacle for Emma, too concerned with his own comfort to allow his own daughter to marry.
Austen also returns to the theme that Emma Woodhouse has the communal power of a man and not that of a single young woman. The relationship between Emma and Mr Knightly reverses traditional gender roles. Mr Knightly is the one who makes sacrifices and must modify his customs and behaviour. It is he who must give up his home to move elsewhere upon marriage.
Harriet finally finds out about Emma and Mr Knightly, and takes the news quite well. 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 Knightly. Emma learns that Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax will marry soon.
With Harriet gone from Highbury, Emma is free to enjoy Mr Knightly's company. 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 Knightly well. Unlike her situation with Mr Elton, Harriet was entirely to blame for any pain she has suffered. Since Mr Knightly did not mislead her, Harriet's belief that he might love her is entirely a product of her developing pride.
The chapter also supports the earlier theme that marriage does not simply affect the potential husband and wife. Just as Emma and Mr Knightly 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 cause offence to her memory.
Mrs Weston gives birth to a little girl, Anna. Emma tells Mr Knightly that she cannot call him by his first name, but promises to call him George after they are married. The two share the news of their engagement. Mr Woodhouse dislikes the idea of Emma marrying Mr Knightly simply because it would force him to change his habits, but time and reassurance will eventually soften him.
Austen explores the dynamics of marriage and courtship in this chapter with the reminder that, even at birth, parents already plan for their child's marriage. Just barely after she has been delivered, Anna Weston already seems a possible match for Henry Knightly.
Mr knightly will be Emma's fiancé until the marry and only then will she says she will call him George. She still considers it improper to use his first name, even though they are engaged. Also, there is proper manners for revealing news of the marriage that Emma and Mr Knightly must follow. Mr Woodhouse, the most difficult case, must know almost immediately, and it is also important that the Weston's know.
Harriet Smith is to be married to Robert Martin. Emma is somewhat disappointment, as Mr Knightly suspects, but he reminds her that she will be happy and well provided for. When Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax visit Highbury, Emma realises what a suitable choice she has made in Mr Knightly.
This chapter ends Harriet Smith's romantic suitors, as she agrees to marry the man who she was originally supposed to marry at the novel's beginning. She has given up the pretence that Emma instilled in her. This emphasizes the negative effect that Emma had on Harriet. If not for Emma's interference, Harriet Smith would have married Robert Martin sooner and been happy, yet by giving Harriet a sense of pride, Emma postponed her happiness and caused Harriet to suffer a succession of heartbreaks.
Emma has changed in this chapter considerably; she accepts that Robert Martin is an appropriate suitor for Harriet. She is a bit disappointed, for she still wishes that Harriet could find a more higher class husband, but she realises that Harriet's connections are worse than Robert Martin's and that Harriet can only benefit from the match. Emma has come to agree with Mr Knightly's earlier view that, for Harriet, a marriage to Robert Martin is the most sensible choice.
The similarity between Emma Woodhouse and Frank Churchill become more obvious in this chapter, these similarities are made to suggest that they are unsuitable for one another. Both require partners who will bring out their best qualities while controlling their worst qualities. Frank Churchill and Emma indulge each other's pride and immaturity, but with the influence of Jane Fairfax and Mr Knightly, Frank and Emma become more sensible and decent persons.
In Emma the relationships that work best are those in which the partners complement each other but do not resemble one another; Mr and Mrs Elton share a vulgar attention to social status and an utter lack of consideration for others feelings. But Jane Fairfax counters Frank's frail character with a reserved manner, Robert Martin is sensible where Harriet Smith is foolish and gullible, and Mr Knightly is observant where Emma misjudges situations.
Harriet writes to Emma about Robert Martin, and admits that she was stupid to consider Mr Knightly. Harriet learns about her parents: her father was a respectable tradesman who could provide for her stay at Mrs Goddard's school. Emma meets Robert Martin and becomes convinced that Harriet will be happy with him. Harriet marries Robert Martin, and later, after Mr Woodhouse has agreed, Emma marries Mr Knightly.
Everything is set right in this chapter: Harriet becomes a respectable member of society when she learns of her family connections and finds happiness with Robert Martin. She is, as Emma had hoped, from a decent family.
Not surprisingly, Mr Woodhouse becomes supportive of his daughter's marriage when he thinks it will benefit his own comfort. He agrees to the marriage after a number of robberies, for he thinks that Mr Knightly's presence at Hartfield will keep him safe. Emma finally marries Mr Knightly after the wedding Mr and Mrs knightly go on vacation to the ocean the first instance in the novel in which Emma leaver Highbury.
Overall the ways in which Jane Austen presents the themes of love and marriage on the novel 'Emma' is significant. She shows them through a number of ways and portrays them significantly.