Rocky Relationships
~Blog Post #1~
Topic D
Topic D
April 17, 2015
By Jaclyn Psenka
By Jaclyn Psenka
Throughout the first of chapters of Emma by Jane Austen, the narrator introduces Emma's relationships as a motif that can further develop into major themes. Emma's first relationship presented is one with herself. This relationship reoccurs as one where she likes herself more than the average human should. Since her mother died before she could have a relationship with her, Emma formed a close-knit relationship with Miss Taylor. Her father and her generally have a pretty straight forward relationship. They certainly love each other, but Emma believes she needs a "companion" (5). As she is looking for a companion she finds a light-hearted friendship in Mr. Weston. Emma's true expectations of a companionship are shown as she adopts Harriet as her new best friend. Emma becomes a manipulative matchmaker for her friend and her relationships. Emma wants her friend to be set up with the perfect man, certainly not a farmer. The strength of Emma's feelings towards the other person in a relationship further symbolizes the importance they have in her life; therefore representing the theme of love.
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ReplyDeleteI agree Jaclyn, the author informs us of many important relationships within the first chapters. Emma's close companionship with Miss Taylor is the basis for her future friendships. Miss Taylor definitely is Emma’s mother figure since her own mother died at such a young age, and because of this Emma has grown up modeling after Miss Taylor more than her own father. Mr.Woodhouse is described as a nervous man who is “easily depressed” and does not like change (5). Emma certainly got her outgoing and self-important qualities from her mother, and these were reassured by Miss Taylor’s camaraderie and love throughout her life. It also seems like Miss Taylor put an emphasis on learning, so Emma has high standards when it comes to the education and class of others; this comes into play with Emma’s new friend Harriet Smith. No matter who the person is or what their personality is like, Emma’s adoration for her loved ones remains the same. I have the same opinion that this theme of absolute love and care will reoccur throughout the novel.
ReplyDeleteI agree that when Emma befriends Harriet her "true expectations" of what she wants her friends to be like begin to show. I believe that since Emma grew up with Miss Taylor constantly with her, Emma is so used to the type of person Miss Taylor is. That is why when she meets Harriet, she wants to "fix" her. She wants Harriet to become like Miss Taylor in a way to fill the gap that Miss Taylor left in her life. Emma's expectations seem to be someone who is proper and fits in with the upper class of society, like Miss Taylor. She is also trying to set up Harriet with a man, just like she did for Miss Taylor.
ReplyDeleteJaclyns post is very well thought out and analyzes the novel very well. It's depth and content are well put together. However, her quote is not necessarily a quote, but just a word that she could have pulled out of any sentence. I feel as if she could have found a better quote to support her ideas better. Other than that I believe she deserves a 23/25.
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