A critical analysis of Emma's behaviour (Ch1-18) in Austen's novel. To what extent is Emma a character with which the reader can sympathise
Detalied analysis of the character of Emma Woodhouse - as shown through her behaviour and attitudes to others.
Throughout ?Emma? by Jane Austen, the main character, Emma Woodhouse, undergoes what has often been referred to as ?a journey of self-knowledge?. Whilst Miss Woodhouse may have had many flaws in her disposition at the beginning of the novel, these faults appear to fade into insignificance as Emma truly recognises and repents the rash actions that she has previously made. In many ways, this change for the better in Emma?s character endears her to the reader, and, in general, leads one to be sympathetic towards her. However, the main traits in Emma?s character and the fact that she ?[has] rather too much her own way and a disposition to think a little too well of herself ? can also lead one to be unsympathetic toward Emma ? particularly when put in conjunction with her selfish attitudes towards those of lesser social standing than herself.
Austen?s opening sentence appears to give the reader quite a clear description of Emma: ?Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence??. Emma?s ?happy disposition? inclines the reader to think of her as neither spoilt nor smug, but as a friendly person. However, the central use of the word ?seemed?, tends to indicate that Miss Woodhouse?s life may not be quite as wonderful under the surface. One is made aware of some of the faults and imperfections in Emma?s character in the same chapter: ?The real evils indeed of Emma?s situation were the power of having rather too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little too well of herself?. These faults are added to by Emma?s ?doing just what she liked? and being, in all things, ?directed chiefly by her own [judgement]?.
Nevertheless, one must understand that one reason for Emma?s strong-willed, dominant personality it that she has never really had to look at herself and her behaviour. ?Her mother had died too long ago for her to have more than an indistinct remembrance of her caresses?, so had no real input in her daughter?s life ? leaving her, since the age of twelve as ?mistress of the house?. Her governess, the ?gentle? Miss Taylor, was ?highly esteemed? by Emma ? yet she never had any real power over Emma other than as a friend. Emma?s doting father also liked only to think of his youngest daughter as ?perfect?. ?Mr Knightley, in fact, was one of the few people who could see faults in Emma Woodhouse, and the only one who ever told her of them?. A clear example of this is in relation to Emma?s ?matchmaking? of Miss Taylor and Mr Weston ? she boasts, ?I made the match myself? ? yet Mr Knightley reprimands her, putting her ?skills? down to ?a lucky guess?.
Miss Woodhouse?s persistence in matchmaking can be seen by the reader as an example of her need for a sense of power and control over others. Her reference to it ?being the greatest amusement in the world? and saying to her father ?I promise you to make none for myself?but I must, indeed, for other people?, seems to show that Emma looks down on others ? and feels that, being first in consequence in Highbury, she has some authority to direct their lives. However, in the first chapter, Austen offers some reasons for Emma?s actions. One reads that Emma ?was now in great danger of suffering from intellectual solitude? after the departure of Miss Taylor, and that her ?valetudinarian? father?s talents ?could not have recommended him at any time?. Emma was therefore lonely ? one is also told that ?Her sister?was much beyond her daily reach?, and that ?Highbury?afforded her no equals?. It appears to be through her attempts at matchmaking that Emma tries to focus on the lives of others rather than concentrating on her own problems and frustrations.
Emma is very caring for her father, always contriving to ?make up a card-table for him?, and arranging for ?the chosen and best to dine with him? ? yet she appears to do this at her own expense. Whilst she is invariably ?delighted to see her father look comfortable?, she describes the time as ?the long evenings [that she had] fearfully anticipated?. However, it is at one of these evenings that Emma gets to know Harriet Smith ? ?the natural daughter of somebody?. Emma appears very taken with Miss Smith, ?who she had long felt an interest in, on account of her beauty? ? and begins to plan Harriet?s future before even meeting her properly. This is an example of Emma?s domineering personality. She realises that Harriet is vulnerable in her position as an illegitimate child, and recognises that this factor (coupled with Miss Smith?s social status and dubious upbringing) gives Emma clear authority and considerable influence over her. Emma is condescending toward Harriet, deciding that the ?humble, grateful little girl? ?deserve[s] encouragement?, and that ?improving? Miss Smith ?would be an interesting, and certainly a very kind undertaking; highly becoming [Emma?s] own situation in life??. Emma appears to the reader to think that she is higher and better than everyone else is ? and has very inflated views on herself. This snobbish attitude is clearly reflected in Emma?s description of Harriet as a ?useful? walking companion; implying that she sees Harriet almost as a commodity. She de-personalises her ? ?a Harriet Smith?, ?exactly the something which her home required? ? almost makes her an object ? there to serve Miss Woodhouse?s needs. This considered however, Emma has rather contradicting and deluded views on Harriet Smith ? calling her ?A girl who wanted only a little more knowledge and elegance to be quite perfect?.
The selfish component in Emma?s character comes across particularly clearly to the reader concerning Harriet. It is obvious that Emma wants Miss Smith all to herself, and to achieve this, attempts to alienate her from all her close friends ? for example, she describes the Martins as ?coarse and unpolished? ? unfit society for Harriet to be seen in whilst Emma?s particular friend. Emma also does everything in her power to try and put Harriet off Robert Martin ? she realises that if they should wed, Emma would again be alone ? and in the same position as after Miss Taylor left. Miss Woodhouse manipulates Harriet by getting to know all the information that she can about Mr Martin, and then she turns the conversation around on its head by slyly putting Mr Martin down. In this way, Emma is using the scheming side of her character to achieve her own aims. Among other things, she says that Mr Martin, ?A young farmer?, ?is the very last sort of person to raise my curiosity?, that he ?is too young to settle?, and has an ?awkward look and abrupt manner?, which can in no way compare to the refined manners of Mr Knightley. Insult upon social insult is heaped on the farmer?s shoulders, with Emma rounding off by commenting that ?his being illiterate and coarse??, ?vulgar?and inattentive? ??need not disturb us?. (A very similar situation occurs when Robert Martin later proposes to Harriet via letter). Emma exercises her keen desire for power again in this situation ? over Harriet?s naivety and limited intelligence ? by hinting at the beginnings of a match between Harriet and Mr Elton. Emma muses to herself that ?Mr Elton was the very person?for driving the young farmer [Robert Martin] out of Harriet?s head?.
As has been already mentioned, Mr Knightley is the only person who openly criticises Emma. He particularly criticises the relationship that she has formed with Harriet Smith, saying that ?I think they will neither of them do the other any good?, and that she is ?the very worst sort of companion that Emma could possibly have?. Mr Knightley also dwells on the important question: ?How can Emma imagine that she has anything to learn herself while Harriet is presenting such a delightful inferiority?? This is an significant reflection on Emma?s character, as Mr Knightley has known Emma well since birth ? and the reader can therefore rely upon his judgement.
In contriving the match between Mr Elton and Miss Smith, Emma (unknowingly at the time) increases the potential for emotional pain on Harriet?s part. Emma becomes so wrapped up in her own fantasies for Harriet and Mr Elton, that she doesn?t appear to realise how much she is deluding both herself and her friend. Emma ?was quite convinced of Mr Elton?s being in the fairest way of falling in love, if not in love already?, even when the vicar had hardly even seen ? let alone knew Harriet. Emma decides to ?take [Harriet?s] likeness? in order to encourage Mr Elton?s interest in her subject ? yet she fails to notice that she herself is the sole object of Mr Elton?s attentions. He directly praises her art work with exaggerated compliments, ?She [Harriet] was a beautiful creature when she came to you, but, in my opinion, the attractions you have added are infinitely superior to what she received from nature? etc., yet Emma somehow misunderstands these many compliments to be directed at Harriet. Emma even fails to realise that Mr Elton?s offer to personally see to having her picture framed is to flatter herself rather than Miss Smith. By the end of chapter six, Emma has deluded herself to the point where she truly believes that Mr Elton is in love with Harriet; ?This man is almost too gallant to be in love?but I suppose there may be a hundred different ways of being in love. He is an excellent young man, and will suit Harriet exactly??.
Chapter eight is the first point in the novel when Emma appears to reflect on her actions. She and Mr Knightley argue over Emma?s treatment of Harriet and the suitability of Robert Martin to marry her. The reader realises that, in truth, Emma was in the wrong, yet she is still too stubborn and headstrong to admit this ? either to herself or to Mr Knightley. However, one can perceive that Emma is beginning to change ? beginning to actually listen and take in what Mr Knightley is telling her: ?She did not repent what she had done?but yet she had a sort of habitual respect for [Mr Knightley?s] judgement in general, which made her dislike having it so loudly against her?.
It is only when Mr Elton proposes to Emma ? insisting that he is only responding to encouragement given ? that Emma ?comes to her senses? from her own ambitions for Harriet. It is only when this occurs that Emma realises that she has to take a serious look at herself and at what she has done to her friend. ? ?Here have I?, said she, ?actually talked poor Harriet into being very much attached to this man. She might never have thought of him but for me?? ?. Miss Woodhouse also begins to comes to terms with the consequences of her matchmaking attempts: ?It was foolish, it was wrong, to take such an active part in bringing any two people together. It was adventuring too far, assuming too much, making light of what ought to be serious, a trick of what ought to be simple. She was quite concerned and ashamed, and resolved to do such things no more?. It is interesting to note here that this attitude to matchmaking is the opposite of Emma?s view at the beginning of the novel, where she referrers to it as ?the greatest amusement in the world? ? it was almost like a game to pass the time. This clearly shows that Emma has come a long way along her ?journey of self-knowledge? Miss Woodhouse however, has at this point yet to break the news of Mr Elton?s departure to Harriet. It is when she reflects on this that Emma seems to truly realise that even with all her money, social standing and accomplishments, she is really no better than Harriet after what she has put her friend through: ??convinced that Harriet was the superior creature of the two ? and that to resemble her would be more for her own welfare and happiness than all that genius or intelligence could do?. It is clear to the reader how Emma?s attitudes toward others have changed ? especially her opinions of those of lower social standing than herself. She appears to realise that material possessions and social positions are not all that makes up a person, and this theme, among others, develops in the second and third volumes of the novel.
I believe that the issue of sympathy towards Emma?s character ultimately depends on the context in which one considers her. In view of her actions towards Harriet, Miss Bates (later in the novel) and others, it is very hard for the reader to find reason for sympathy when Emma so obviously acts ?out of line?. However, Emma?s inherent lack of perception in many situations makes her an almost comic figure, tending then to evoke the reader?s sympathy and understanding. Emma?s ?journey to self-knowledge? and realisation of her mistakes also inclines the reader to be light in their judgement of her previous actions ? however wrong or misguided they may have been.
