r. Martin's proposal because she believes that he is a very "unfit" match for Harriet due to his lower class rank:
             "They were a family of the name of Martin...but they must be coarse and unpolished, and very unfit to be the intimates of a girl who wanted only a little more knowledge and elegance to be quite perfect"
             Emma's thoughts of Mr. Martin clearly illustrate the prejudice that the upper class had towards the lower class. She believes that Mr. Martin cannot be a true "gentleman" because his position in society is not as prestigious as her own. Yet, she surrounds herself with the superficial company of others simply because they are wealthy. One of the many ironies surrounding Emma's social preferences is that she will not admit the 'true gentility' of Robert Martin...but will sit through an evening of 'everyday remarks, dull repetitions, old news,
             ...