Emma discussion paper 1
On Mr Knightley and Emma's disagreement
The conversation between Emma and her old friend Mr Knightley in Chapter 8 is initiated by Knightley upon the subject of Harriet Smith. Knightley comments on Harriet’s prettiness, manner (which when prompted he attributes to Emma’s sponsorship), and the loss of her annoying schoolgirl’s giggle. The positive shift in Knightley’s attitude towards Harriet has been brought about, however, not by Emma, but rather by the interest that his friend and neighbour Robert Martin has expressed. Martin is “desperately in love and means to marry her” (86), and the prospect of such a match pleases Knightley greatly. Thinking Robert Martin to be a responsible, sensible, and above all suitable suitor for Harriet, Knightley can see no objections to the match, and begins the conversation expecting Emma to share this view and his delight.
Emma soon enlightens him, however, to her real views on the match and in doing so demonstrates her snobbishness and the unrealistic aspirations she has for her socially inferior protégée. Emma reveals that she has encouraged Harriet to refuse Robert Martin’s proposal, on the basis that the two are not social equals. Knightley attempts to enlighten Emma to the injustice of this accusation, stating:
What are Harriet Smith’s claims, either of birth, nature or education, to any connection higher than Robert Martin? She is the natural daughter of nobody knows whom, with probably no settled provision at all, and certainly no respectable relations. She is known only as a parlour boarder at a common school (87).
Not only are Harriet’s social connections in reality inferior, she has, Knightley illustrates, few distinguishing accomplishments and personality traits to recommend her. In Knightley’s opinion Harriet would be fortunate in the match, and it is Robert Martin who would be marrying beneath him. All Knightley’s well considered arguments, however, cannot sway Emma from her stance. Ignoring the always present economic impetus behind love in Austen’s novels, Emma believes Harriet’s beauty, sweetness of nature and eagerness to please to be the most important considerations; “I am very much mistaken if your sex in general would not think such beauty, and such temper, the highest claims a woman could possess” (90). Emma maintains that it is a woman’s right to pick and chose, that she should not be obliged to take up the first offer given to her for fear of never receiving another. It is, in her opinion, Harriet’s right to marry a gentleman; considerations of finance and social status do not enter her equation.
The conversation concludes with the abrupt departure of Knightley, and leaves both Emma and he in a state of vexation. Knightley feels keenly for his friend’s disappointment and is provoked by Emma’s involvement. The possibility of deeper flaws in her personality than previously encountered trouble him greatly. Emma feels her vexation more indistinctly, because she is not as convincted in her opinions as Knightley. However, with the arrival of Harriet, Emma feels satisfied that despite the recent disagreement, “she had done nothing which woman’s friendship and woman’s feelings would not justify” (93). It troubles Emma that she has disagreed with Knightley, this is evident, but in the instance of this conversation she concludes that she is correct.
The conversation between Emma and her old friend Mr Knightley in Chapter 8 is initiated by Knightley upon the subject of Harriet Smith. Knightley comments on Harriet’s prettiness, manner (which when prompted he attributes to Emma’s sponsorship), and the loss of her annoying schoolgirl’s giggle. The positive shift in Knightley’s attitude towards Harriet has been brought about, however, not by Emma, but rather by the interest that his friend and neighbour Robert Martin has expressed. Martin is “desperately in love and means to marry her” (86), and the prospect of such a match pleases Knightley greatly. Thinking Robert Martin to be a responsible, sensible, and above all suitable suitor for Harriet, Knightley can see no objections to the match, and begins the conversation expecting Emma to share this view and his delight.
Emma soon enlightens him, however, to her real views on the match and in doing so demonstrates her snobbishness and the unrealistic aspirations she has for her socially inferior protégée. Emma reveals that she has encouraged Harriet to refuse Robert Martin’s proposal, on the basis that the two are not social equals. Knightley attempts to enlighten Emma to the injustice of this accusation, stating:
What are Harriet Smith’s claims, either of birth, nature or education, to any connection higher than Robert Martin? She is the natural daughter of nobody knows whom, with probably no settled provision at all, and certainly no respectable relations. She is known only as a parlour boarder at a common school (87).
Not only are Harriet’s social connections in reality inferior, she has, Knightley illustrates, few distinguishing accomplishments and personality traits to recommend her. In Knightley’s opinion Harriet would be fortunate in the match, and it is Robert Martin who would be marrying beneath him. All Knightley’s well considered arguments, however, cannot sway Emma from her stance. Ignoring the always present economic impetus behind love in Austen’s novels, Emma believes Harriet’s beauty, sweetness of nature and eagerness to please to be the most important considerations; “I am very much mistaken if your sex in general would not think such beauty, and such temper, the highest claims a woman could possess” (90). Emma maintains that it is a woman’s right to pick and chose, that she should not be obliged to take up the first offer given to her for fear of never receiving another. It is, in her opinion, Harriet’s right to marry a gentleman; considerations of finance and social status do not enter her equation.
The conversation concludes with the abrupt departure of Knightley, and leaves both Emma and he in a state of vexation. Knightley feels keenly for his friend’s disappointment and is provoked by Emma’s involvement. The possibility of deeper flaws in her personality than previously encountered trouble him greatly. Emma feels her vexation more indistinctly, because she is not as convincted in her opinions as Knightley. However, with the arrival of Harriet, Emma feels satisfied that despite the recent disagreement, “she had done nothing which woman’s friendship and woman’s feelings would not justify” (93). It troubles Emma that she has disagreed with Knightley, this is evident, but in the instance of this conversation she concludes that she is correct.