I frequently say that Jane Austen is my favorite author, but it took me 22 years to read all the way through Emma, which I'm ashamed to admit. I'm very disappointed in myself for waiting that long, as it's a fantastic novel, which shouldn't be surprising considering Austen's talent.
I firstly must say, poor, poor Harriet. She just has disappointment after disappointment, and it's hard not to blame that on Emma herself, leading and encouraging Harriet away from and towards the wrong men. But Harriet is often described as insensible and foolish, which can be seen in the way she easily follows Emma's advice, even when she longs for a different direction. But it works out for her 400 pages later. It just makes for a sad novel, when focusing solely on Harriet. Mr. Knightley does well to discourage the friendship.
Speaking of, I truly adore Mr. Knightley. I tried to decide who I like better between Knightley and Darcy, but I can't. I like how Knightley is basically perfect from beginning to end. He never has moments where characters are shown his arrogance and pride as does Darcy. But part of Darcy's appeal, I think is that he is so unlovable in the beginning. Therefore, I'm giving them a tie. Knightley is so perfect for Emma, and this can be seen in the very beginning in the way he teaches, lectures, and quite simply, adores her. Emma is just a bit foolheaded to wait 400 pages to realize her affections for him. She had ample opportunity to realize what they could be, but I suppose, had she realized it sooner, Austen wouldn't have written a novel at all, and then where would we be?
I don't care for Churchill at all. And I'm not sure if we're supposed to or not. Had Emma been less sensible and clever, she could have ended up heartbroken, and Knightley would have had to wait until she had healed to pursue her. Fortunately, Emma is sensible and doesn't fall for his tricks. He is simply a scoundrel, and I don't understand how Jane can love him. Even after the engagement is announced, I don't believe Austen provides enough of his "good" side to help me appreciate the character that Churchill is.
I also wanted to touch on Miss Bates. Austen does such a great job with her utter nonsense or vomiting of words. I must confess that I skimmed and skipped a great many of her ramblings. I apologize to Austen for admitting that, but I don't think she would have blamed me. If it was something important, I think Austen would have someone more respectable say it, so I don't think I missed much by avoiding the pages of commentary by Miss Bates.
All in all, I loved Emma. Part of my affection for the novel might have come from me seeing the 1995 movie version with Gwyneth Paltrow: one of my favorite movies. I at first tried to dispel those actors from my mind as I read the novel, but I decided I liked the way they played their characters too well to completely forget about them, and I think it was nice to have a movie playing in my head as I read the novel.
