Jan. 11th, 2021 02:33 pm
Progress on Emma, Part 4
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bunnybooWoo! I've officially (according to Goodreads) made it 25% through Emma! It was a slow start, but things really picked up when the delicious, delicious relationship drama started.
The dramatic irony leading up to Mr. Elton's confession of love - all the signals and signs Emma didn't pick up on - was superb, really engaging to see these two characters (and an unfortunate third wheel) slowly collide. Poor Harriet! I'm glad Emma recognized her part in her unhappiness, though it is interesting to note that she immediately thinks of setting her up with another man (but she does catch herself). I think this is the turning point for Emma's character - a "defeat" that leads to greater growth.
One thing I've noticed is that Harriet is treated like an object by both Emma and Mr. Knightley - or maybe more like a pet or a child. She's incapable of making her own decisions or finding a partner; she's not funny, witty, or pretty enough to marry above her station unless someone else intervenes. She (in Emma's eyes) seems to solely exist to provide Emma with a sense of satisfaction when she's eventually set up in a relationship of Emma's choosing. She doesn't even have much of a personality other than being led around by Emma! Harriet is a plot device, and the rest of the characters are somewhat aware of this...
The dramatic irony leading up to Mr. Elton's confession of love - all the signals and signs Emma didn't pick up on - was superb, really engaging to see these two characters (and an unfortunate third wheel) slowly collide. Poor Harriet! I'm glad Emma recognized her part in her unhappiness, though it is interesting to note that she immediately thinks of setting her up with another man (but she does catch herself). I think this is the turning point for Emma's character - a "defeat" that leads to greater growth.
One thing I've noticed is that Harriet is treated like an object by both Emma and Mr. Knightley - or maybe more like a pet or a child. She's incapable of making her own decisions or finding a partner; she's not funny, witty, or pretty enough to marry above her station unless someone else intervenes. She (in Emma's eyes) seems to solely exist to provide Emma with a sense of satisfaction when she's eventually set up in a relationship of Emma's choosing. She doesn't even have much of a personality other than being led around by Emma! Harriet is a plot device, and the rest of the characters are somewhat aware of this...
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