Jane Austen: Emma

Review Posted 6/5/01 by Elizabeth

In Emma, Jane Austen manages to take a character you'd never think anyone would like and make her one of the most charming I've encountered. Emma Woodhouse, the heroine, is blessed with money and social distinction, but starts the novel with no idea of how these affect her life or the lives of those around her. She meddles freely with others' lives, and generally acts as though they have the same privileges and freedoms as she does -- or would, if they were more like her.

But despite all her meddling, her genuinely good intentions and growing concern for others redeems her. She clearly adores her father and wants to do anything she can for him. When she realizes that she is hurting someone through her carelessness, she is filled with remorse and loses some of her blindness. Emma learns through her love for others, and with the help of Mr. Knightly, who acts as a mentor throughout.

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