Emma - the heroine delved in reveries
Throughout Emma by Jane Austen, the main character, Emma Woodhouse, undergoes a 'journey of self-knowledge'. Austen predicted that Emma would be "a character whom no one but me will much like." Whilst Miss Woodhouse may have had many flaws in her disposition at the beginning of the novel, these faults appear to fade into insignificance as Emma truly recognizes and repents the rash actions that she has previously made. In many ways, this change for the better in Emma's character endears her to the reader, and, in general, leads one to be sympathetic towards her. Although the main traits in Emma's character and the fact that she "[has] rather too much her own way and a disposition to think a little too well of herself, " (Austen, 4) can also lead one to be unsympathetic toward Emma, she still emerges as a more kind-hearted heroine than heartless.The novel's opening sentence appears to give the reader quite a clear description of Emma: "Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence..." (Austen, 3)Emma's "happy disposition" inclines the reader to think of her as neither spoilt nor smug, but as a friendly person. However, th
Emma has been raised in a world where she is the center of constant flattery and adulation. Miss Woodhouse cannot understand the motives that guide Mr. As she tries to better herself and right her wrongs, she cannot be seen as heartless, but rather as respectable person. Taken as a whole, Emma is a heroine with feeling and compassion for others, once she is able to understand the truth behind each situation. Her self-delusions being the center of the damage her actions cause, one cannot find Emma to be a heartless character. She was quite concerned and ashamed, and resolved to do such things no more. e central use of the word "seemed," tends to indicate that Miss Woodhouse's life may not be quite as wonderful under the surface. This clearly shows that Emma has progressed along her 'journey of self-knowledge. Her 'journey to self-knowledge' and realization of her mistakes also inclines the reader to be light in their judgment of her previous actions - however wrong or misguided they may have been. As a result, she grows further as a woman. ' Emma, however, has not yet finished her travels along this road. Only when this occurs does Emma realize that she must seriously assess herself, her actions, and their consequences. Finally, she does find herself accountable for Harriet. Emma offers sharply critical illustrations of the ways in which personal biases or desires blind objective judgment.
Common topics in this essay:
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Robert Martin,
Harriet Emma's,
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Harriet Frank,
Bates Emma,
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emma's character,
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Acceptance Essays
