Emma's flaws
~Blog Post #1~
Topic A
April 17, 2015
by Rose Poplawski
From the beginning of the novel Emma by Jane Austen, Austen is quick to
point out Emma’s flaws. She does this through the character, Mr. Woodhouse,
Emma’s father. Mr. Woodhouse is quick to defend Emma, but when it comes to her
matchmaking “skills” he begins to criticize her. As Emma talks about her gift
of matchmaking, Mr. Knightley, a man who is never impressed by Emma, makes a snappy
response to her that it (her matchmaking) is just luck. Emma takes great pride
in her skills, but is still denounced by Mr. Knightley. Mr. Woodhouse persists
that Emma needs to stop her matchmaking because it could ruin relationships,
“Ah! my dear, I wish you would not make matches and foretell things, for
whatever you say always comes to pass. Pray do not make any more matches”
(Austen 9-10). Austen adds this quote in order to allow the reader to
foreshadow future conflicts that will occur. Through this quote one can
foreshadow that Emma will try her luck once again and attempt to make another
match. This quote also helps the reader
understand the character, Emma, more. By disregarding her father’s plea, Emma
comes off as ignorant and egotistical. She feels that she is right and no one
can tell her different. Austen is also able to allude to numerous conflicts
that will later arise. When Mr. Woodhouse says, “…for whatever you say always
comes to pass…” he means that when Emma speaks, the things she say are normally
just gossip and rumors, thus leading into the conflict of Emma spreading rumors.
Through the use of her characters, Austen is able to help readers foreshadow
future occurrences and give insight to the characters themselves.
Rose, I also noticed that Austen points out Emma's flaws and I'm still trying to figure out the purpose of her personality. The narrator definitely wants us to notice that she is very full of herself. I also agree that Mr. Woodhouse is there to highlight people's feelings toward Emma, as a person who is really just a home wrecker. He says "..do not make any more matches, they are silly things, and break up one's family circle grievously" (11). There is no question that Austen is foreshadowing that Emma will tangle up some relationships. This attribute of her always getting involved may be her biggest flaw!
ReplyDeleteRose, I would give this blog an A. Your content is accurate and points out important qualities of the most important character in this novel. In addition, you give a thorough anaylsis that shows insight and mentions a part of the relationship between Emma and Mr. Woodhouse that I didn't pick up on before reading your post. Your evidence backs up all your comments, and your grammar is all correct. The only thing I would take points off for is the fact that your quote is not weaved in. Good job Rose!
ReplyDeletePoint Value: 24.5/25