Discussion #2

Discussion #2

April 23, 2015

Lily O'Gorden

Jaclyn’s question/comment: Emma didn't go a chapter without her manipulation which may be a possible theme. Which act of manipulation shocked you the most or which was most important?

-Rose says that Emma manipulating Harriet to get her to like Mr. Elton is the most significant. Even after Harriet’s rejection and Mr. Elton’s proposal to Emma, Emma still tries to make Harriet reject Mr.Martin.

-Regan pulls out the quote, “If a woman doubts she should be with a man, there is no doubt that she should not.” Emma uses this comment to make herself seem wise and make Harriet doubt herself.

-Lily says that of course Harriet agrees with everything Emma says because she seems so sure of herself. This is the major manipulation that I think will occur throughout the entire story.

-Jaclyn agrees with all the comments and says that Emma is manipulating Harriet for her own good. She makes Harriet sad by making her feel bad about her obvious feelings for Mr. Martin, just so that she can be happy with her companion.

Jaclyn’s question: What does Emma do in Chapter 10? Does it work?

-Lily says Emma takes Harriet with her on a walk, and her plan is to make up a story so that the two can go to the Elton’s home. She tries to get Harriet alone with Mr.Elton. However, he shows no interest for her and Emma simply thinks he is “cautious, very cautious” (85).

-Rose thinks Emma believes Harriet still has a chance after this experience.

-Regan thinks it adds on to Mr. Elton’s affection for Emma because it appears to him that she came to see him. This plan definitely backfires.

Jaclyn’s question: Let’s back track a little bit... The scene’s where Emma’s sister and family arrive as well as the Christmas party are important parts of the story. Why is Isabella’s character significant to the story?

-Jaclyn points out that clearly she is her sister, but they are not much alike.

-Lily says Isabella shows the opposite of Emma. Isabella is a very family-oriented woman who is dependent on her husband and family. Emma is dependent and thinks that she doesn't even want to get married!

-Rose agrees and believes Isabella is not necessarily significant, but shows a different type of Woodhouse woman

-Regan says that Isabella is very much like Mr. Woodhouse because she is safe and gets nervous easily. She shows the side of her father, while Emma must show the traits of their mother.

Jaclyn’s question: Do you think that Emma making herself “useful” is actually the beginning of growth? Is her growth going to be sneaky and gradual or fast and all at once?

-Rose thinks that Emma is going to grow and realize she needs to stop making matches. However, this is not apparent yet because at the end of Chapter 22 Emma says she feels obligated to continue helping Harriet.

-Jaclyn says her matches are clearly not useful. She agrees with what Mr. Knightley said in the beginning of the book about Emma’s matches being “lucky guesses” (10).

-Lily says it will take a lot to change Emma. She does not see anything wrong with herself and it will take someone else to help change her, making this a gradual growth.

-Regan thinks Mr. Knightley may be this person to change her.

-Jaclyn acknowledges that Emma is oblivious to her own damage at this point in the story by bringing in the quote about her noticing her harm… “And yet who can say how soon it may vanish from my mind,” however she does not change (133).

Jaclyn’s question: Even after Mr.Elton proposes, Emma still thinks there is hope for Harriet. It’s confirmed that he truly loves Emma, but what did Mr.Elton think Emma did to pursue his love?

-Regan says that the painting in the beginning that Mr. Elton took to London for Emma made him believe he had feelings for her. Even though it was a painting of Harriet, he was doing it for Emma.

-Lily says everything Emma did for Harriet to get Mr. Elton was mistaken as an act to impress him. On page 123, Mr. Elton even says that he “never thought of Miss. Smith in the whole course of my existence- never paid her any attention, but as your friend.”

-Rose says Emma realizes some of these things might have led him on and that Mr. Knightley’s comment about Mr. Elton being in love with her was totally true.

Jaclyn’s question: The way Austen writes the feelings shared between Emma and Mr. Elton are very confusing. I didn't like how it was written and I couldn’t understand their feelings. Thoughts?

-Rose says that when talking about Mr. Elton’s proclamation of love, Austen never goes in to depth. In the following chapter, she talks about how they make Emma feel but never during the real event.

-Regan thinks it is stated poorly. She recognizes why there could be controversy about the writing of this section.

-Lily agrees that she never goes into depth, just brushes over the surface. This is confusing because it seems like an important part in the book.

-Jaclyn continues saying Austen switches from dialogue and third person which makes it hard to see characters thoughts and emotions.

Jaclyn’s question: What does Emma finally realize and what does it lead to? Is this a possible turning point for the book?

-Regan says she, finally, realizes that her matchmaking skills are not good. They are really hurting people.

-Rose says that she can see that her matches are creating havoc and nothing good.

-Lily says this could be a possible turning point if she actually stops matchmaking and Jaclyn agrees.

Jaclyn’s question: How do Harriet’s emotions toward Mr. Elton after she finds out of his love for Emma reflect on Emma’s matchmaking skills?

-Lily says Harriet is hurt afterwards and Emma realizes her matches are causing more harm than good.

-Regan and Rose agree that Harriet’s sweetness and kindness towards Emma after the situation shows how highly she thinks of her.

-Jaclyn says that Harriet is definitely really sad and Emma should realize how bad her “matchmaking skills” are, but Harriet has to keep her emotions in because she wants to seem the best around Emma and Emma does not even recognize Harriet’s feelings.

-Everyone agrees that this is not a true friendship

-Regan says that Harriet’s feelings toward Mr. Elton might also suggest that she likes Mr. Martin since she wasn't very upset about the incident.