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, the central use of the word "seemed," tends to indicate that Miss Woodhouse's life may not be quite as wonderful under the surface. Emma has been raised in a world where she is the center of constant flattery and adulation. It is with this influence that she has become very susceptible to self-delusions she concocts to acquiesce with her own desires. Throughout the novel, Emma continues to see herself in a flattering light by the blinding power of imagination.
             Emma offers sharply critical illustrations of the ways in which personal biases or desires blind objective judgment. Miss Woodhouse cannot understand the motives that g...