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!
I agree Jaclyn- Mr. Knightley and Emma had a great impact on each other, but this relationship most significantly affected Emma. In the beginning of the novel Emma was immature and obsessed with herself, but once she realizes her feelings for Mr. Knightley she is no longer conceited. I think their relationship is a symbol of growth in every way possible; they grow as people bringing them closer together in their relationship. As you mentioned, Emma tries to create Harriet into a minion of herself which Mr. Knightley doesn't approve of. His criticism of her is unique, and even though Emma would never admit it I think she is happy in the end to realize she’s not perfect with the help of his condemnation. The match between Mr. Knightley and Emma was, in every respect, "so proper, suitable, and unexceptionable" that they were bound to end up together (446)! However, I was unhappy with the way the story ended because there were not many details. I wish there was an Emma 2 as well!
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