Why Frank Churchill (Emma) is rewarded

Written by Miss Julia Smith

Here is an essay I have constructed which addresses the issue of Frank Churchill, and why, despite distinct similarities to such disliked characters as Wickam and Wiloughby, he is regarded on a higher level, and is rewarded by Austen with the lovely Jane Fairfax for a wife. For every Jane Austen novel, there is a foolish young man who at first charms his acquaintances, and is seemingly perfect. Later, he is revealed as a rascal. In Pride and Prejudice, there is George Wickam; Sense and Sensibility affords us John Wiloughby; Northanger Abbey has its Captain Tilney; Mansfield Park provides Henry Crawford, and Emma has...Frank Churchill? As Emma might say, "Every feeling revolts!" But why? After all, Frank fools Highbury into thinking him perfect, uses Emma very badly, hurts Jane's pride and her heart repeatedly, and conceals some very important truths for reasons that seem rather cowardly. Also reproachable is his postponement of coming to Highbury, almost a direct affront to Mrs. Westin. On the other hand, Emma states, "(Frank) has imposed on me, but he has not injured me." Thus, though Frank makes mistakes, there is a something in his disposition that encourages people-Emma, the Westins, Jane, to forgive him almost immediately.

Wickham and his brethren cannot be so easily condoned. Why is this? Because while these young men are greedy and despicable, with no scruples, or particular wish of doing right, Frank genuinely wants to right his wrongs and become a good individual. One proof of this is the letter he sends near the end of "Emma". Everyone in Highbury-even Mr.Knightley-forgives him all his mistakes after reading it. Here is an example of his winning ways at work as he tries to right his wrongs. Perhaps Miss Austen united him with Jane because she esteemed him as a character who, though less than perfect, has a genuine wish to be a good person.

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