Blog Post #5

Communication is Key

~Blog Post #5~

Topic A

May 15, 2015

By: Rose Poplawski

          Towards the end of the novel in chapter 29, Jane Austen adds in an important quote by writing, “Seldom, very seldom does complete truth belong to any human disclosure; seldom can it happen that something is not a little disguised, or a little mistaken; but where, as in this case, though the conduct is mistaken, the feelings are not, it may not be very material” (Austen 436). This quote is able to explain why the conflicts in the novel occurred. Austen writes that conflicts occur when one doesn’t speak the whole truth. She makes it apparent that the whole truth is rarely spoken and important details are left out which could affect one’s opinion on the subject. For example, the misunderstanding between Mr. Elton was due to misunderstandings between not only Emma and Mr. Elton, but also Harriet. Emma did not tell Harriet the whole truth, which led Harriet to falling for Mr. Elton. Likewise, Emma didn’t tell Mr. Elton all of Harriet’s feelings for him. These details Emma left out might have seem small and redundant, but they could’ve changed both Mr. Elton’s and Harriet’s view of each other. Throughout the novel, Austen makes the communication between the characters important because that’s where their problems form. 

Blog Post #5

It Takes Two to Tango- and Transform

~Blog Post #5~

Topic B

May 15, 2015

Lily O'Gorden

           At the end of Jane Austen's novel Emma, the main character Emma Woodhouse has experienced immense changes making her an improved and more openhearted woman. This transition comes with the lessons she learned through her experiences, but most importantly her complicated relationship with Mr. Knightley. When Emma is first introduced, she is described as a girl who had little in her life “to distress or vex her” (3). Emma had grown up in a society where everyone treated her as perfect, and as a result she is egotistical and consumed in her own upper-class world. The only sign of Emma's future change in the early parts of the novel is through her friendship with Mr. Knightley because instead of doting on her, he challenges her. When Emma convinces Harriet to reject Mr. Martin’s proposal and seek Mr. Elton as a husband, Mr. Knightley is distressed with Emma’s decisions; this makes Emma upset and she wants Mr. Knightley to approve of her, showing her “habitual respect for his judgment in general” (61). After her failed matchmaking with Harriet and Mr. Elton, Emma is ashamed when she realizes Mr. Knightley was right after all, making her look at her matchmaking more carefully. Once Mr. Frank Churchill arrives in town, Emma’s new self disappears and she reverts back to her manipulative ways. Emma believes she is in love with Mr. Churchill solely because of his social class and the fact she is trying to suppress her feelings for Mr. Knightley. Mr. Knightley is a much more open man who is in touch with his feelings and obviously cares for Emma; however, Emma is consumed with her own vanity for most of the story. In the end, she comes down to earth and gets in touch with her emotions. After Harriet tells Emma she is in love with Mr. Knightley, Emma cannot bear the thought of him with anyone other than herself; she is in love with him and he confesses his love to her as well. Mr. Knightley’s honesty has transformed Emma into a sincere woman and “all her views of happiness” originate with him (459). Emma changes into a compassionate woman who can finally look to others for a source of happiness rather than her old, conceited self.

Blog Post #5

Counting on Change for a Change

~Blog Post #5~

Topic B

May 13, 2015

   Throughout Emma, readers knew there would have to be a change in our main character, Emma. From the very beginning we were introduced to characters, but the two that Jane Austen made most apparent were none other than Harriet, Emma’s best friend and Mr. Knightley, Emma’s future love interest. These two characters have the most obvious growth throughout the novel, but it is their drastic change that collaboratively creates the ultimate change. Emma intended to “create” Harriet into a companion for herself, but instead makes her a minion. In other words, Harriet is everything Emma is and worse. In the end, when Harriet has finally had enough of Emma’s meddling she confronts her. With the newly built confidence that Emma has constructed, Harriet says “I seem to feel that I may deserve him; and that if he does choose me, it will not be anything so very wonderful,” speaking of her feelings of Mr. Knightley. This causes a “spontaneous burst of Emma’s feelings” and she finally realizes that she turned Harriet into a person even Emma does not want to be around (421). Emma’s growth is finally revealed here in these last chapters. Of course, the greatest change of all has to come from Mr. Knightley. As it was evident throughout that Mr. Knightley was in love with Emma, he seemed to be the only person that was not aware of his own love. Once he finally grows into his love Emma grows into her life. This event marks the conclusion to her growth. Emma has achieved love for a human being besides herself and she is mature enough to grow from the past and continue on her journey and love others.. maybe even kids?? If only there was an Emma 2!

Blog Post #4

Set in a Small Town

~Blog Post #4~

Topic E

May 8, 2015

   Jane Austen skillfully sets Emma in a tiny little town to communicate that the characters know all about each other and everything they do. Specifically In chapter 38, a Londoner speaks of Emma's small town and says "Time will generally lessen the interest of every attachment not within the daily circle" (332). This rings true at the dance in that chapter. Secrets were actually developed in earlier chapters and Emma and Mr. Knightley reveal what was concealed. The setting of the dance, like many others in earlier chapters, represents the beacon of the major events. This setting is also interesting because it makes a clear distinction between upper classes and lower classes. In this chapter, Mr Elton even says "I am a great advocate for timidity—and I am sure one does not often meet with it.—But in those who are at all inferior, it is extremely prepossessing" (337). Most of the main characters are of higher class and they all speak of people like Mr. Elton calling them "inferior." The parties also bring in major themes of foolishness and folly. Emma learns to mature at this dance when Mr. Knightley finally convinces her of her childish ways which lastly ties in the last themes of the chapter. At the parties everyone has their own reputation and upper class receives respect for theirs. Reputations are given and they are hard to change, but no one seems to judge. Emma is an airhead but being upper class she has a certain amount of respect, so no one calls her out for being quite foolish sometimes. Parties are a huge part of Emma and one of the main settings, I predict there will be one last big change at one last big party in their small little town.

Blog Post #4

Oh What a Night

~Blog Post #4~

Topic D

May 7, 2015

By: Rose Poplawski

      Throughout the novel, Austen uses parties as motifs. Parties in the book are not just gatherings of people, but are actually organized by social classes. Austen uses the parties to bring attention to important character details or thought changing information to the reader. For example, in the first party in the novel, Emma finds out that Mr. Elton actually has feelings for her and not Harriet. From this experience, Emma is humiliated and the reader is able to interpret that she isn’t just a pretty face. Parties are significant events throughout the novel and occur often. Towards the end of the novel, Emma and her friends reschedule a ball; Austen uses the ball to show the growing relationship between Mr. Knightley and Emma. During the ball a song comes on and everyone has a dance partner but Harriet and Mr. Elton. Mr. Elton refuses to dance with Harriet, which causes her to be humiliated, but Mr. Knightley steps in and dances with Harriet. From his actions Austen reveals that Mr. Knightley is a down-to-earth man and cares for others’ well being. Emma witnesses Mr. Knightley’s good dead and thanks him. After thanking him Emma confesses that she was wrong about Mr. Elton. Mr. Knightley then asks Emma to dance and she says, “Indeed I will. You have shown that you can dance, and you know we are not so much brother an sister as to make it all improper” (Austen 315). They then seal their newly formed relation with a dance. Without the ball it would be hard to reveal Mr. Elton’s true character, thus Emma and Mr. Knightley would not have come to an agreement, which forms a healthier relationship between them.

Blog Post #4

Wild Words

~Blog Post #4~

Topic G

May 7, 2015

Lily O'Gorden 

                   The word game played in Chapter 41 of Emma represents the intertwined and confusing relationships among most of the characters. Literally, the game is played for entertainment at a party but the specific game Frank Churchill chooses has a deeper meaning. In this scene, he suggests that a game is played and introduces the idea of something with words because he wants to “puzzle Emma again” (330). Metaphorically, this brings up the puzzling relationship between Frank and Emma from the beginning of the story. The other people present at this gathering, Jane Fairfax and Mr. Knightley, are also involved in what makes this friendship so mysterious. As the game starts off, Frank writes the words “blunder" and “Dixon,” which to Emma seem like a jab at Jane; however, Frank laughs as if it is a joke and makes these first words seem like flirting. Mr. Dixon is the man who Emma believed Jane was having an affair with, and Frank’s game seems to be making fun of Emma, his “blind companion” for thinking this (331). In addition, this event is important because it foreshadows all of the future relationships that finally surface at the end of the novel. Mr. Knightley is worried when Emma is confident that Frank dislikes Jane, but readers know that Emma should take Mr. Knightley’s warning about their relationship. He is concerned with making sure Emma doesn't get hurt, something that foreshadows his love for her. This is also the first time that it is obvious Frank likes Jane through his jokes and subtle flirting. All the previous misunderstandings between Frank, Emma, Jane, and Mr. Knightley reach their peak at this party, specifically because of Frank's word game. 

Blog Post #3

Crazy Carriage Ride

~Blog Post #3~

Topic E

May 1, 2015

By: Rose Poplawski

       Through out the novel, Emma by Jane Austen, the main character, Emma believes she is never wrong and has wonderful talents. However, Austen adds a significant scene in which Emma self-doubts herself. From the beginning of the novel Emma has been trying to match Harriet with Mr. Elton, believing they would make a wonderful match. Even though Harriet was originally attracted to Mr. Martin, Emma convinced Harriet that Mr. Elton was the one for her. Emma, being manipulative only saw Mr. Elton’s money. She believed Harriet deserved a man with money instead of a man with personality. When Austen writes the scene with Emma in the carriage with Mr. Elton she shows that Emma does have some sense and can be humbled. After Mr. Elton professes his faith to Emma, Austen writes that, “ Every part of it brought pain and humiliation of some sort [to Emma]” (Austen 126). Through Mr. Elton’s actions in the carriage scene, Emma is taken back. Emma cannot stand that she was wrong and re-evaluates her matchmaking skills she claims to posses. From this Emma is more aware of how her actions affect people and the repercussions that come along with them. After reading this scene the reader gets an almost “I told you so” feeling towards Emma. Austen made it clear that Emma is not a perfect girl.

Blog Post # 3

Mix & Match: Relationships

~Blog post #3~

Topic H

May 1, 2015

    From the beginning of Emma, Mr. Knightley and Emma share an interesting relationship that takes readers through their many twists and turns. Comparatively, Mr. Knightley and Emma have a lot in common with Much Ado About Nothing's Benedick and Beatrice. Beatrice and Benedick joke around like a brother and a sister do. "Mr. Knightley loves to find fault with me, you know - in a joke," Emma says in an earlier chapter. Back then, their relationship seemed light-hearted with a hint of childish flirting. Though, as the story progresses, so does their relationship. Similar to Much Ado, the love interest is revealed as others get involved. Beatrice and Benedick were lied to by their friends, but in Emma I believe the love is sparked by Frank and Jane causing jealousy among the two. Emma has always expressed her jealousy of Jane and as Mr. Knightley seems interested she constantly needs proof that he does not. In return, Mr. Knightley says, "Hum! Just the trifling, silly fellow I took him for" about Frank (333). Emma and Mr. Knightley fight over Frank and have immersed themselves into a jealous and competitive relationship. My prediction, as for all comedies, is that this book will end in a marriage or some sort of romantic, dramatic huge ending. Beatrice and Benedick put all the lies and past fighting aside because they found love. If Emma and Mr. Knightley can find a way to end the constant fighting, they may soon find that they both love each other more than the fake loves they share with Frank and Jane, who could even still be in love with each other!

Blog Post #3

Real CLASSy

~Blog Post #3~

Topic D

April 30, 2015

Lily O'Gorden

            Throughout section 2, the significance of social hierarchy to Emma is made apparent by her actions. From the beginning of this novel it has been obvious that class is a big deal, particularly to Emma and her family. When Emma becomes companions with Harriet, her main focus is to promote her social status and assist her in marrying someone prosperous and settled. While people in modern society may believe that the importance of class within this culture is normal, it is emphasized by other characters that this is not true. Mr. Knightley is ashamed of the fact that Emma would attempt to stop two people who like each other, Mr. Martin and Harriet, from marrying because of status. The subject of social class remains relevant throughout the story, and there is a major conflict involving this in Chapter 25. When Emma receives an invitation the Cole’s party, she hesitates to accept because of their social rank. Although they are nice people according to Emma, they are “low of origin, in trade, and only moderately genteel” (195). Emma feels the need to decline in order to show them it is improper to invite superior families to dinner. This situation stresses Emma’s immaturity and lack of consideration towards others feelings. In the beginning of the novel, Mr. Woodhouse, Emma’s father, describes her as a caring girl who never thinks of herself “if she can do well to others;” however, Emma’s actions contradict his comment (11). Not only does Emma want to reject their invitation because of her own reputation, but she deliberately wishes to make the Coles feel insulted by her. When Emma finds out other “high class” individuals are attending the party, she feels the need to go. Not only does this situation bring out the strongest egotism within Emma, but also proves that social status will be a reoccurring theme in this novel.

Discussion #4

Discussion Post #4 

April 29, 2015

Leader: Rose

Notes: Regan

1. By teasing Jane, Emma gets the image that Frank doesn't like Jane, but in reality he was her ex-fiance. Could he still have feelings for Jane?

Jaclyn- Yes he could, Emma thinks that they still have feelings for each other 

Lily- Frank tries to cover up his feelings for Jane by being friends with Emma

2.  Emma seems to be pretty oblivious to about Jane and Franks relationship. Do you think this is on purpose or has to deal with her ego?

Lily- She doesn't know that they were together yet.

Rose- What if she finds out?

Regan- I think if she found out she would be jealous and would give her more of a reason to dislike Jane.

Jaclyn- It would also make her insecure

3. Why is Mr. Weston concerned for Emma, Harriet, and Mrs. Weston when it comes to Frank? What does he think of Frank?

Lily- Mr. Weston thinks that Frank has become a big part of their lives and he knows that he has to leave eventually. 

Regan- He's probably afraid that Frank won't come back again to visit.

Rose- Mr. Weston thinks that Frank is manipulative and that he might just be using them.

Jaclyn- Franks past isn't talked about much, so it's possible that Mr. Weston knows something that they don't. 

4. Why does Frank make Emma promise him the first two dances at the ball?

Lily- To make other people jealous, such as Jane.

Jaclyn- It's also a tradition 

5. Why does Frank let his Aunt, Mrs. Churchill, have so much control over him? What does this say about Franks personality?

Lily- He's very manipulative, like Emma. It seems like Emma's getting better and he's getting worse. 

6. Could Mr. Knightly not be interested in the ball because Frank will be there? Could he be jealous?

Jaclyn- He's definitely jealous of Frank because he really likes Emma

Lily- Mr. Knightly is more in touch with his feelings than Emma and Emma is just oblivious to the fact that she even likes Mr. Knightly.

Regan- I agree. If someone would ask her if she liked Mr. Knightly she would say no. But her actions and underlying thoughts about Mr. Knightly 

7. What do you think Frank was going to say to Emma? Was he going to propose?

Jaclyn- He was going to tell her that he loves her

Lily- I think he was going to tell Emma about Jane, not that he wanted to marry Emma. 

8. Do you think Emma's feelings for Frank are real or that she's just trying to convince herself?

Jaclyn- She's trying to convince herself because she thinks he's going to propose and she wants to get married. 

Regan- She wants to get married not for love but almost for wealth or social status. 

9. By making Harriet  forget about Mr. Elton do you think Emma shows a more selfish side of herself?

Lily- The only reason Emma  wanted to set up Harriet with Mr. Elton in the first place was because of selfish reasons 

Rose- She said she doesn't want to be blamed for causing Harriet to be sad about Mr. Elton. 

10. Mr. Elton's new bride and Emma seem to have a lot in common. Can this be why Emma doesn't like her? Is she jealous?

Lily- Both Emma and Mrs. Elton are very superficial and Mr. Elton was looking for someone like Emma. 

Discussion #3

~Discussion #3~

April 28, 2015

Leader: Lily

Notes by: Rose

1.    There has been a lot of buildup to the arrival of Frank Churchill in this story. What are your first impressions of him despite what we already know from his background? Do you have any predictions about his and Emma’s relationship?

Rose- Frank seems to be kind of spacey. He doesn’t really have strong opinions and goes with the flow

Regan- Emma wants people to believe that she and Frank are dating so that she can improve her image.

Jaclyn- With people believing that she’s dating Frank, a higher class man it’ll make her more popular

Lily- Emma is only concerned with her image while Frank doesn’t really notice he’s being used.

2.    What happens in chapter 25 that sparks a slight change in Emma, but ultimately ends up showing her emphasis on social status?

Jaclyn- I think that Emma’s indecisiveness on whether to attend the Cole’s party brings forward her thinking social status is more important than anything.

Lily- I agree, Austen is really showing the emphasis on social class in this scenario. On page 195, Austen writes how the Cole’s are poor so that makes Emma uneasy going to their party.

Rose- I definitely see that Emma cares more about social classes than the actual people she’s around.

Regan- Yeah, for Emma to even question whether or not she wants to go to a party in which her other friends are going really show her negative views on lower class people and that she needs to keep her image.

3.    Where do you believe Emma’s harsh feelings towards Jane Fairfax stem?

Rose- I believe that Emma is jealous of Jane.

Lily- A lot of people believe that Emma and Jane should be good friends because they are very similar. They are both pretty and are considered upper class.

Jaclyn- I agree with Lily in the fact that they are similar, so then Emma might see Jane as “competition” and that she needs to be better than her.

Regan- Emma is always in the spotlight and I think Jane definitely poses a threat to taking away Emma’s spotlight.

4.    Frank Churchill also acts like he has very strong feelings of dislike towards Miss Fairfax. Any ideas/thoughts on why this is?

Regan- Maybe he sees the flaws in her

Jaclyn- Or maybe they had past relations and it didn’t work out well.

Rose- Yeah, maybe he’s mad about something she did to him

Lily- Austen kind of left this part fuzzy. I think she’s letting the reader interpret what happened but then later she’ll reveal why Frank has these feelings towards her.

5.    When the possible relationship between Mr. Knightley and Jane is mentioned, Emma does not believe it and opposes it. What does this foreshadow?

Rose- I thought Mr. Knightley liked Emma?

Jaclyn- Yeah I thought that too. Maybe this will get Emma to reveal her true feelings for Mr. Knightley.

Regan- I think Mr. Knightley is trying to make Emma jealous.

Lily- I agree. Also, maybe he wants a girl like Emma so he’s settling for Jane because she is so similar, and Emma has vowed to not marry.

6.    Frank proves himself to be untrustworthy in Chapter 28. Is this why Mr. Knightley doesn’t like him or do you believe it has to do with Jane? How do these men differ in personalities?

Rose- Mr. Knightley is a truthful man and tells people how it is. His quality of being truthful is the opposite of Frank’s untrustworthy quality.

Regan- Frank doesn’t really argue he’s more passive. For example, when Frank was supposed to visit his father Mr. Weston he didn’t because his mother didn’t want him too. Mr. Knightley was surprised that a man couldn’t make a decision for himself.

Lily- Frank always agrees with Emma’s gossip and just takes it in. He doesn’t challenge it like Mr. Knightley does.

Jaclyn- Frank is similar to Emma. They both just go along with gossip and don’t try to challenge a statement. They are both focused on class and gossip.

7.    After Harriet hears about Mr. Martin’s possible suitor, she is very upset and Emma feels the need to protect her. Why do you think this is?

Rose- I think Harriet might get mad at Emma for not letting her having relations with Mr. Martin.

Lily- Yeah, Emma knew Harriet liked Mr. Martin from the beginning and so I guess Emma might be afraid that Harriet will blame her for not letting her see Mr. Martin.

Jaclyn- Definitely, Emma was more worried about class when it came to finding Harriet a match.

Regan- Emma didn’t really take into consideration Harriet’s feelings during this, so that also might upset Harriet.

8.    Emma has been the manipulator throughout the novel so far, but this is changing it; How so?

Regan- Emma really took a step back when Mr. Elton proposed to her. Her eyes were opened to that maybe she isn’t right all the time.

Rose- I think Emma is being manipulated.

Lily- I think there is foreshadowing going on. I believe that there might be more to Jane and Frank’s relationship than we know currently. We don’t know where his dislike

Jaclyn- I agree with Rose. I think Frank might be manipulating Emma to make Jane jealous.

9.    Do you think Frank has romantic feelings for Emma & vice versa?

Jaclyn- Well Emma doesn’t have feelings for him. I think Austen gives hints that Emma might like Mr. Knightley

Rose- But then why does Emma want to make people believe she and Frank are dating?

Regan- I think it’s for status. She wants to be recognized.

Lily- I agree, but I also think she might be using Frank to make Mr. Knightley jealous.

Jaclyn- I don’t think Frank likes Emma. I think he is also using Emma to make Jane jealous.

10.  There are many instances of Emma’s focus on classes through these chapters. Do you find this feature negative and why? Does this reflect on Jane Austen and the time?

Jaclyn- Yeah, I definitely think that this might have to do with the time. Emma envisions herself as royalty and she’s visiting her subjects

Lily- on page 217 Emma says that she must have delighted the Coles when she came to their party

Rose- So she thinks she did them a favor by going to a party? I think Emma thinks to highly of herself

Regan- Emma is very self-absorbed and doesn’t really look around her to see what’s going on.