Brenda's Response to Emma

1. Jane Austen called Emma "A heroin whom nobody but myself will like much" Did you find Emma a likable character or not? 

I found Emma to be a very likable character. I found her funny and found myself actually laughing out loud at many parts of this book.   Maybe Jane Austen thought this character Emma would be annoying to people, and frustrating for us to read because she seems to get herself into such pickles, and the narrator of the novel tends to clue us into what is going on where as Emma has no clue sometimes thus increasing our frustration.  But I personally really found Emma amusing and like her very much.

2. What were your impressions of Mr. Knightley? 

I thought he was staunch, manly, no nonsense, logical, intelligent, serious, wealthy, cautious in matter of the heart, a lot like Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice.  I liked him a lot, but not as much as Mr. Darcy.  No one is as wonderful as Mr. Darcy...Ahhhh......The thing that struck me the most was his unconditional friendship and love for Emma.  He always seemed like the one and only "real" person in her life, the one that would always be a voice of reality for Emma.  He seemed to be the only character in this novel who finds fault with Emma.  Yet he also always seemed to have Love in his heart for her too. 

3. Do you believe Emma is a truly good friend to Harriet? and Do you think Harriet benefits from her friendship with Emma?

I do feel that Emma did on some level care about Harriet.  I do think that Emma was able to bring things and people into Harriet's life that Harriet on her own would have never experienced or met.  But was she truly a good friend....Hummmmm....I don't know.  I'm leaning towards NO.  Emma put on certain aires, and had a certain level of arrogance that made it seem as if she thought she was better then Harriet in every way.  Emma seemed to believe that it was only because of her that Harriet could have a happy life.  But, in the end Harriet stayed true to herself and you get the feeling that overall she really didn't need Emma after all.   Harriet ended up where she would have been had she never even met Emma.  So although Emma did provide Harriet with a friendship I don't know that the friendship was that healthy of one for Harriet.  But this friendship certainly did demonstrate the class differences and how people of that era didn't mingle outside of their class much and how awkward it was if they did. 

4. Two characters, Mrs. Elton and Frank Churchill, come into Highbury from the outside and threaten the little community with change. Mr. Knightley likes neither of them. How do you feel about them? 

Ummm...Mrs Elton:  She was not a character I liked very much at all.  And I completely side with Mr. Knightley in not liking her.  Frank Churchill:  I don't know, was he supposed to be the "bad guy" of this novel?   To me he just seemed rude, obnoxious, manipulative, not my favorite character, but a definite contrasting character to Mr. Knightly and an interesting dilemma for Emma.  

5. What did you think of the different Love Stories in this novel? 

Once again I felt like the build up didn't quite match the "big moment"  I wanted more details.  We seem to have the usual stories though, Mr Knightley and Emma....the opposites that finally get together in the end.  Mr. Martin and Harriet, the second most interesting romance, but the more boring feel good less romantic one, but yet one based on true love.  Then there is the match of the social class but no real love connection Mr. and Mrs. Elton.  So the love story kind of fits the usual formula of writing for Jane Austen.  But I did enjoy these various stories, there was always a lot going on and the misinterpretations within the relationships and the setting up of the relationships through her writing, were at times really funny to read. 

 

6. The theme of Emma seems to be misinterpretations. Emma is filled with characters misunderstanding each other. To what extent do we as the reader share in the misunderstandings? And how does it guide our interpretation of the characters? 

I believe that we as the reader share in the misinterpretations because of how it is written.  We as the reader are clued in so often as to what is going on before our main character Emma figures out what's going on.  For example, we are (from Emma's point of view) lead to believe she is some sort of love guru, a self proclaimed matchmaker whom in her mind never fails....but from the narrators point of view Emma is really clueless in love matters.....for example her determination that Harriet be matched to Mr. Elton yet having no real clue as to where Harriet's heart really was or Mr. Elton's for that matter.  There is also the example of Emma's own personal love situations...Emma and Frank, Emma and Mr. Knightley, Emma and Mr Elton (oh my gosh, I laughed so hard when Mr. Elton proposed to her and her response was so funny she seemed so irritated so clueless!!!! ha ha ha I still giggle).   The mixing of the social classes seemed to play a major role in the misinterpretations of this novel too.  Which again I found funny.   (did that make sense???)   

7. How does Humor play a role in this novel? 

I think this is Jane Austen's most Humorous, most Comical novel yet.  I laughed so hard in some places, like out loud laughing.   And I don't do that very often when reading a book.  So I think Humor played a HUGE role in this novel and it gave us a different look at the creative genius that is Jane Austen.  The cluelessness of the character Emma was brilliant humor.   

8. What is the role of class in this novel? How does it change throughout the novel? And is the class system in this novel rigid or flexible?

To me, in the end, it seems like it is a pretty rigid class system.  But throughout the story there are moments of flexible class mingling.   There is the feeling that the classes mingle, going in and out of each others lives throughout, but in the end everyone is just comfortable with their own class and sticks with their own class.  It was the mingling of the classes which made for some very funny scenarios in this story. But as usual Jane did point out to us that there is definitely a rigid class system.  I think the most upsetting scenario for me in relation to the class system of this book was in the end when we were left to feel as though Harriet and Emma would no longer be friends because of Harriet's final decision to marry within her class, which was a lower class then Emma was in.   I just feel sad that based solely on class these two felt as if they could no loner mingle or be friends.   It seemed very snobby to me.   But based on all the Austen novels we have read so far, class always plays a very big important role in her stories, so it much have been a very important thing in her time period.   

9. Did you like the ending of this story? Why or why not? 

I guess I did.  I thought this time Jane Austen tied up the loose ends a little better then in previous novels.  And it seemed like in the end everyone ended up with the one they were supposed to be with.  But as I stated in the question above, I was a little bothered by the way things ended up for Harriet and Emma.   I had hoped that maybe Emma would have grown as a person more by the end and realized that her friendship with Harriet was something special and that she would feel like she could continue it even with their class and marital differences.  I just found that part sad.  

10. How does Emma Compare to the other Jane Austen novels we've read?

Emma is the funniest one so far.   I felt Emma touched me in a different way then the other Austen novels have so far.  I felt like Emma did some things that were awkward and embarrassing and I think we all feel those times in life, so she was a relatable character.   I liked how the main love story between Emma and Mr. Knightley build up slowly throughout this novel.  I like the way they ended up with each other.  I felt like this love story was comparable to my all time favorite Pride and Prejudice (but not quite as wonderful, not quite as romantic, just comparable, P&P is still my favorite). 

11. Were you able to personally relate to any of these characters? If so who and how? 

Hmmm....I would say I was most able to relate to Harriet I guess.  She was quieter and just trying hard to please others.  But in the end she stuck to what was really in her heart. 

12. Did you enjoy Emma? Would you recommend this novel to a friend? 

Yes, and Yes.....Jane Austen's novels seem to be so full of honest straightforward understanding of human nature.  I love that about Jane's writing I think that is why 200 years later these stories are still so popular for readers and I am thoroughly enjoying reading all her novels.  

Brenda’s closing thoughts…

Yay!!!….we have finished another Jane Austen Novel.  What a real sense of accomplishment this one was, just based on it’s size.  I’m looking forward to completing the final two.  I love being in the book club.  I am so happy we started this club. Thank You again Rachel for all your hard work in keeping us focused, posting our schedules, and posting the discussion questions....You are wonderful!!!!!  I’m sorry it took me so long this time to get to the questions, but I do enjoy the feeling of completion once I have answered them, and now I can't wait to see how you all answered these tough questions.  It’s fun to see our similarities and differences in how we interpreted the different novels.  I’m off to read what everyone else has posted now that I’m posted.  And I am looking forward to Northanger Abbey.    Till we meet here again……Happy Reading Ladies!!!!!!!!

 

Rachel's Response to Emma

1. Jane Austen called Emma "A heroin whom nobody but myself will like much" Did you find Emma a likable character or not? 

Emma isn’t your typical heroin; she is vain, selfish and thinks she is above everyone else. However, I LOVE Emma! I found myself laughing out loud at some of the things she said and some of the situations she got herself into. She was definitely an enjoyable character to read. I always found myself rooting for her even when she was being clueless or snobby. I think Austen had it wrong when she said that, I think Emma is a very likable character in a weird train wreck can’t stop reading about her kind of way. J

2. What were your impressions of Mr. Knightley? 

I always viewed Mr. Knightley as Emma’s guiding light. He never played into her “cleverness” or vanity. He wasn’t afraid to tell her the truth and open up her eyes. Gals (and maybe some guy readers… hey guys!) I have a confession; Mr. Knightly gave Mr. Darcy a run for his money with being my literary boyfriend. Mr. Knightley was so sweet and kindhearted. He thought of others, and was so protective and sympathetic, especially over women. For example, he asked Harriet to dance when he saw she was ashamed and embarrassed when Mr. Elton snubbed her at the dance, he stood up for Miss Bates when Emma mortified/embarrassed her in front of all their friends, and he even stood up for Jane Fairfax when everyone was putting her down due to her social standings and said she deserves their compassion. How can you not love Mr. Knightley?! He is such a caring gentleman and a lovely man. He is just who Emma needs, someone to love her unconditionally and be the person to steer her in the right direction. Even though Mr. Knightley did come somewhat close, Mr. Darcy will forever be my literary boyfriend…*Swoon*…let’s read Pride and Prejudice again... yes?

3. Do you believe Emma is a truly good friend to Harriet? and Do you think Harriet benefits from her friendship with Emma? 


To simply answer this question, no, I do not believe Emma was a truly good friend to Harriet. I also don’t think Harriet benefited one bit from her friendship with Emma. Throughout the novel their friendship seemed to have gone around in a big circle. Emma took Harriet on as a protégé trying to marry her up and improve her social standing taking her away from someone who was well suited for her and who she liked as well. Emma was not taking Harriet’s feeling into consideration, in the end we all know that Harriet ends up with Mr. Martin and Emma is left thinking their friendship will be different with Harriet being in a lower class than her. So see full circle, at the end they end up in the same spot they started. Harriet never seemed to benefit from Emma’s friendship, she did get a glimpse into Emma’s world, but Emma’s world was never that friendly to her. I do think Emma’s intensions where in the right place but they were poorly followed through.  

4. Two characters, Mrs. Elton and Frank Churchill, come into Highbury from the outside and threaten the little community with change. Mr. Knightley likes neither of them. How do you feel about them? 

Frank Churchill: I never saw him as a bad or particularly good character. He was a bit sneaky and misguided Emma and us as the reader into thinking he had feelings for her. But it seemed like him and Emma were better off as friends, they would not have made a good match.
Mrs. Elton: She came in balls to the wall (pardon my vulgar expression haha) you could tell she was use to a certain life style and likes all attention on her. She wasn’t the most likable character. I don’t blame Mr. Knightley for not taking to her.    

5. What did you think of the different Love Stories in this novel? 

O man, there were so many misguided relationships throughout this novel (Emma’s and Mr. Elton; Harriet and Mr. Elton; Harriett and Mr. Knightley; Mr. Martin and Harriet; Mr. Knightley and Jane Fairfax; Emma and Frank). However, there were relationships that came out of all the misguided ones. These relationships were unique in their own way. Emma and Mr. Knightley were opposites that work and mesh well together. Mr. Martin and Harriet are a perfect fit that just took awhile to find and come together. Mr. Elton and Mrs. Elton are in a loveless marriage (I’m assuming) and just married for money and social standings (there is always one of these matches in Austen novels). Frank and Jane have a relationship that started off in secret but they seem to care about each other and are a good match. I noticed that compared to other Austen novels, you see more well matched up couples and more matches that revolve around love verse moving up in social standings or marrying for money, etc.  It was refreshing to read.

6. The theme of Emma seems to be misinterpretations. Emma is filled with characters misunderstanding each other. To what extent do we as the reader share in the misunderstandings? And how does it guide our interpretation of the characters? 

Misunderstandings are definitely the theme throughout Emma. Austen cleverly wrote some of the misunderstandings which also brought us, the reader, into it them too. The twists Austen wrote throughout the novel made it for an interesting and at times laugh out loud read. Some of the misunderstandings we read about are Frank and Emma seem to be starting a romance but then we find out Frank and Jane are secretly engaged, Mr. Knightley is misguided into disliking Frank because he is in love with Emma and he believes Frank and Emma are in love, and also Emma believes Mr. Elton is falling for Harriet but really he is in love with her and even proposes! O man I must confess I laughed so hard at Emma’s reaction to Mr. Elton’s proposal... haha good stuff Jane Austen… Good stuff.  I think the misunderstandings made this novel very relatable to our everyday lives. We are always confronted with misunderstanding about events or someone’s intensions so it is easy to picture some of the things we read about happening in our lives. Most of the misinterpretations came from characters not fully being able to express how they truly feel due to various situations mostly revolving around approval from their fellow peers/social circle, which is how most misunderstandings come about.

7. How does Humor play a role in this novel? 

O man this book was awesome and by far the funniest Austen novel we have read so far. I think the misunderstanding throughout the novel created for the most humor. The comedy comes from the error in judgment made by the characters, and boy was there a lot of that. One example, of them many throughout the novel, was Emma’s attempts at match making. That created for some awkward and fun situations throughout the novel. But this baby is packed with comedic material. …. seriously readers of this blog if you haven’t read Emma yet go out right now buy it and start reading, you can thank me later.   

8. What is the role of class in this novel? How does it change throughout the novel? And is the class system in this novel rigid or flexible?


The class system seemed to be both rigid and flexible depending on the circumstance. It seemed flexible when Emma was trying to move Harriet up in her social standing and people seemed to be somewhat accepting of her when she would accompany Emma. Then at the end of the novel it seemed very rigid when Emma was reflecting on her and Harriet’s friendship and how they couldn’t be as close due to her being married to Mr. Martin which was a lower social standing than her. When I read this I didn’t understand why Emma would think that, I don’t see how her marrying Mr. Martin would change anything between them. Class and moving up in social standings always seems to play a role in Austen novels. That why it’s fun to read all of an authors work at once because you pick up on themes and characteristics that they use throughout all their novels. I know my mom and I have talked about this, but it’s fun because you get a peek into the authors mind and what must have been important or big events during the time period the author lived in. 

9. Did you like the ending of this story? Why or why not? 

Yes and no. Yes, because I am happy everyone who ended up together seemed to have been meant for each other. Austen did a good job of wrapping up the end of the novel nicely compared to other novels she wrote.
No, because it seemed like Emma was settling by having only option of marrying Mr. Knightley is to come and live with her father and take care of him. Which is fine, but after a buildup romance between them I think I was just hoping for a more romantic ending for those two. It was also disappointing to see Harriet and Emma’s friendship end, or get downgraded, the way it did at the end. I guess Emma still has some more growing up to do.

10. How does Emma Compare to the other Jane Austen novels we've read? 


I think out of all the Austen novels we have read, this one by far made me laugh out loud the most and cringe, but in a good way! When Emma would do something embarrassing I found myself not wanting to put the book down, just like I felt with Pride and Prejudice. I felt like Austen told a more complete story with Emma compared to other novels that felt rushed or incomplete in the end. For example, you read about Mr. Knightley and Emma’s relationship grow throughout the novel verse Sense and Sensibility when all of a sudden Marianne and Colonel Brandon are getting married and they never felt romantic feelings for one another at the end of the novel. Another thing that makes Emma different than her other novels is with this novel I felt like we weren’t reading about the same story, like I felt with all the others. This was about a girl who was already of the higher class and who wasn’t looking for love but ends up finding it along the way. It was refreshing and fun to read an Austen novel that was so funny and different than the others. I would say Emma is definitely one of her better novels.

11. Were you able to personally relate to any of these characters? If so who and how? 

I guess out of all the characters I was able to relate to Harriet the most. Harriet is basically a sweet and caring girl trying to find her place in this big world. She is trying new things and just seeing where and how she fits in. I can relate to that at this point in my life. However, I would like to think I am not as gullible as Harriet is. J  Still no characters in this novel can even come close to my bond with Elizabeth Bennet...hahah.. Have you noticed most of my answers seem to come back to Pride and Prejudice in some way.

12. Did you enjoy Emma? Would you recommend this novel to a friend? 

I really enjoyed Emma; Austen redeemed herself after reading Mansfield Park. Emma is my second favorite Jane Austen novel so far (first is Pride and Prejudice …duh!!).  I would without a doubt recommend Emma to a friend who is looking for a fun romantic comedy read.


I am so glad we read Emma; it was such a fun and different book to read! I know I’ve said it before, but it’s still true, I Love this book club!! After reading the novel, my mom and I watched the movie Emma, the version with Gwyneth Paltrow, I must say it was pretty good and close to the novel except a few parts towards the end. The movie had the most breathtaking scenery and costumes, it was so beautiful.
I started reading our next book club novel Northanger Abbey and so far I’m enjoying it, but I’ll save the rest until next posting session.  I can’t wait to read about what everyone thought of Emma.
Till then, Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Emma Discussion Questions

Hello Everyone!


The Emma discussion questions are finally here!!! Yay! Answer the questions below at your own pace, but keep in mind the Northanger Abbey book reading schedule (Sept. 4th - Oct. 8th)


1. Jane Austen called Emma "A heroin whom nobody but myself will like much" Did you find Emma a likable character or not? 

2. What were your impressions of Mr. Knightley? 


3. Do you believe Emma is a truly good friend to Harriet? and Do you think Harriet benefits from her friendship with Emma?

4. Two characters, Mrs. Elton and Frank Churchill, come into Highbury from the outside and threaten the little community with change. Mr. Knightley likes neither of them. How do you feel about them? 


5. What did you think of the different Love Stories in this novel? 


6. The theme of Emma seems to be misinterpretations. Emma is filled with characters misunderstanding each other. To what extent do we as the reader share in the misunderstandings? And how does it guide our interpretation of the characters? 


7. How does Humor play a role in this novel? 


8. What is the role of class in this novel? How does it change throughout the novel? And is the class system in this novel rigid or flexible?

9. Did you like the ending of this story? Why or why not? 


10. How does Emma Compare to the other Jane Austen novels we've read?

11. Were you able to personally relate to any of these characters? If so who and how? 


12. Did you enjoy Emma? Would you recommend this novel to a friend? 


I can't wait to read everyone's responses! Until next time Happy Reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!