Emma's Undeniable Weakness in Volume 1

Our first seminar on Emma was really quite interesting and got me thinking more in depth about Emma as a complex character and the unique dynamics between all of the characters of Highbury. Overall, I am surprised by how enjoyable this novel is because Austen’s writing style is very clever and amusing, which is always a good thing. I have also been pondering Austen’s comment about how Emma is a “heroine whom no one but myself will much like.” At first I was only somewhat perplexed by her views, but now that I have read Volume 1 of the novel, I can see why Austen would make such a blunt statement regarding the main character of her book.

Emma is undeniably a very intelligent and bright young woman, but her character possesses multiple layers that slowly unravel as she encounters new obstacles and dilemmas in her life. Overall, I believe Emma grows tremendously from the beginning of Volume 1 to the end, in respect to her opinions and attitude. At first, Austen reveals Emma’s spoiled and selfish nature, which clearly emphasizes Emma’s natural tendency to get her way. It almost seems as though Emma despises negative changes and innately resists them in any manner that she can. For instance, Miss Taylor’s departure is greatly disturbing to Emma, who laments the fact that she has lost her closest companion, rather than relish in the notion that Miss Taylor is finally content after finding the love of her life (which is what most people would be happy about…except Emma of course). Thus, I think that is why Emma is so compelled to take Harriet under her wing, because she does not want to be lonely, and she must be entertained (because after all, isn’t that what upper class society is about?).

Harriet is the perfect target for Emma, since Emma immediately deems her “free from conceit; only desiring to be guided by any one she looked up to” (23), which is a perfect indication that she is in desperate need of Emma’s help and guidance…or so Emma thinks. Essentially, Emma views Harriet as a project almost, something that she can involve herself in in order to flaunt her own benevolence and generosity for the sake of her appearance. However, Emma’s true intentions in befriending Harriet remain somewhat obscure, as Austen once again manifests the complexity and depth of Emma’s character that is not always immediately apparent and clear. Austen renders Emma’s obscure motives and intentions as even more complicated when Emma assumes that “Harriet would be loved as one to whom she could be useful” since for “Mrs. Weston there was nothing to be done; for Harriet every thing” (23). Throughout Volume 1, I was very confused by Emma’s questionable intentions…are they pure? Also, does Emma truly value her friendship with Harriet or does she just consider it another perk of exerting her influence and control on a helpless being? Also, would Emma still seek to improve to Harriet if Harriet’s parentage clearly indicated that she belonged to England’s lower class society? Although I am not certain as to whether Emma is oblivious to her flaws and the impact she has on Harriet in manipulating her, at the end of Volume 1, it is clear that she has gained some insight on her imperfections (even though it took a whole Volume for her to realize this). After Emma’s brilliant matchmaking plan is ruined, and Mr. Elton confesses that he fancies Emma not Harriet, Emma is at first disturbed by her failure. However, she is finally “obliged, in common honesty, to stop and admit, that her own behavior to [Mr. Elton] had been so complaisant and obliging” and that “it was wrong, to take so active a part in bringing any two people together” (128). Therefore, we clearly see Emma transform from being adamant and headstrong about her infallible matchmaking skills, to a humble and understanding girl who is finally no longer blinded by her enormous mistake.