Diana - Emma Vol. 2, Ch. 1-7
Emma dislikes Jane Fairfax, yet she cannot help admiring her elegance. Why does Emma admire her? Perhaps because she feels Jane is no threat to her. Indeed, she pities Jane's social status. "...when she considered what all this elegance was destined to, what she was going to sink from, how she was going to live, it seemed impossible to feel any thing but compassion and respect" (p. 131).
In another interesting development, Emma is forced to admit that Harriet must visit the Martins, who have invited her. However, Emma fears "the danger of a renewal of the acquaintance" (p. 145). We soon see how greatly the whole business with the Martins is affecting Emma, as evidenced by three short sentences in close proximity.
"It was a bad business. She [Emma] would have given a great deal, or endured a great deal, to have had the Martins in a higher rank of life. They were so deserving, that a little higher should have been enough: but as it was, how could she have done otherwise?--Impossible! --She could not repent. They must be separated..." (p. 147)
Is it possible Emma is reconsidering Robert Martin as a possible match for Harriet?
posted by Diana Urban @ Saturday, October 08, 2005
2 comments
2 Comments:
I'd guess she's defending Jane in that instance because she feels Jane is no threat, since her social status is below that of Emma's.
I think Emma is judging Jane by what Emma would do/feel in Jane's position. Emma seems to be adding up all the little details and drawing her own conclusions:
1. Mr. Dixon reportedly highly praised Jane's singing.
2. Jane is prettier and more talented than Mrs. Dixon.
3. Jane has, for no apparent reason, decided to visit her relatives (the Bateses) rather than visiting Ireland, and land she's expressed a great desire to see.
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