Diana - Emma 1-8

Jane Austen is one of my favorite writers. Her skill with dialogue and characterization always intrigues me. She clearly defines each character through both speech and mannerisms. For example, Mr. Elton continually says, "Exactly so." And Mr. Woodhouse is concerned about everyone's health, as evidenced by both his behavior and speech.

For me, Emma, as she presents herself to us, is an unlikable character--usually to a novel. She is selfish, snobbish, and finds pleasure in manipulating others' lives. However, through Knightley's eyes, we see Emma's good qualities (p. 30, his conversation with Mrs. Weston), thus redeeming her enough to keep us reading.

Another interesting point: the faults Emma sees in others seem to be her own, which is generally true of the human condition.
"He must have a pretty good opinion of himself." (p. 43)
"...and more than a reasonable, becoming degree of prudence, she was very sure did not belong to Mr. Elton." (p. 54)
As we read these first few chapters, we discover Emma thinks quite highly of herself and has very little prudence.