Another example that Mr. Knightley tries to improves Emma is when Emma insults Miss Bates at Box Hill. Emma says a rude word toward Miss Bates.
Because of this, Mr. Knightley reminds her that it is not right. I cannot see you unfeeling to Miss Bates? How could you be so insolent in
your wit to a woman of her character, age and situation? -Emma , I had not thought it possible Austen, 1988: 297.
It shows that Mr. Knightley is a kind person because he wants to improve Emma. His kindness also revealed when he saves Harriet at the dance. He
dances to Harriet because Mr. Elton refuses her. Therefore, to cure her heart and to save her from feeling ashamed he asks Harriet to dance with him.
Mr. Knightley leading Harriet to the set –Never had she been more surprised, seldom more delighted, than at that instant Austen, 1988: 260.
Mr. Knightley is also a rational man. It can be seen when he gives opinion about Mr. Martin. He thinks that Mr. Martin is a good match for Harriet because
he is close to her rank. According to Mr. Knightley, Mr. Martin’s rank is higher than Harriet. On the contrary, Emma thinks that Mr. Martin has a lower rank
than Harriet. As the result, they debate each other. ‘Not Harriet’s equal’ exclaimed Mr. Knightley loudly and warmly; and
with calmer asperity, added, a few moments afterwards,’ No, he is not her equal indeed, for he is as much her superior in sense as in situation. Emma,
your infatuation about that girl blinds you. What are Harriet Smith’s claims, either of birth, nature or education, to any connection higher than Robert
Martin? She is natural daughter of anybody knows whom, with probably no settled provision at all, and certainly no respectable relations Austen, 1988:
50.
3. Frank Churchill
Frank Churchill is the son of Mr. Weston with his first wife. His aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Churchill raises him. He is charming and attractive person.
The Frank Churchill so long talked of, so high in interest, was actually before her. He was presented to her and she did not think too much had been
said in his praise. He was a very good looking young-man; height, air, address – all were unexceptionable; and his countenance had a great deal of
spirit and liveliness of his father’s – he looked quick and sensible Austen, 1988: 152.
When he visits Highbury, he plans to meet Jane Fairfax, a niece of Miss Bates. He meets her in Weymouth, and in that place he makes a secret
engagement with her. In the contrary, the Westons hope that he will marry Emma. Therefore to fulfill their hopes, he flirts with Emma. He does it because
he thinks that Emma has known the secret of engagement. Unfortunately, it is wrong and Emma trapped in her feeling, she falls in love with him.
‘I certainly must,’ said she. ‘This sensation of listlessness, weariness, stupidity, this disinclination to sit down and employ myself, this feeling of
every thing’s being dull and insipid about the house I must be in love; I should be the oddest creature in the world if I were not – for a few weeks at
least’ Austen, 1988: 208.
4. Harriet Smith
Physically, Harriet Smith is pretty. She is short, plump and fair, with a fine bloom, blue eyes, light hair, regular features, and a look of great sweetness
Austen, 1988: 18. She is a young girl, aged 17 years old. Her parentage is unknown, therefore she is raised by Mrs. Goddard. The author also describes
Harriet as a woman who is not clever and totally free from arrogance Austen, 1988: 21.
When Harriet meets Emma for the first time, she is very happy and proud of it. She thinks that Emma Woodhouse is a great person in Highbury. Therefore, it
is an honour for her to meet and be friend with Emma. The happiness of Miss Smith was quite equal to her intentions. Miss
Woodhouse was so great a personage in Highbury, that the prospect of the introduction had given as much panic as pleasure- but the humble, grateful,
little girl went off with highly gratified feelings, delighted with the affability with which Miss Woodhouse had treated her all the evening, and actually
shaken hands with her at last Austen, 1988: 19-20.
Harriet admires Emma quietly even Harriet sleeps at Hartfield, house of Woodhouses. It indicates that Harriet thinks of herself as a resident of Hartfield,
which will obviously fit her greater status than she deserves. Harriet slept at Hartfield that night. For some weeks past she had been
spending more than half her time there, and gradually getting to have a bed- room appropriated to herself Austen, 1988: 47.
However, Harriet’s admiration toward Emma becomes a bad thing. Harriet thinks that Emma is always right. Everything that Emma said, Harriet always
hears and accepts them without any considerations. When Harriet gets proposal of marriage from Robert Martin, Emma influences Harriet to refuse Mr.
Martin’s proposal. Then Harriet refuses his proposal. Actually, Harriet loves Mr. Martin but she holds on Emma’s opinion. It shows that Harriet does not have a
self-confidence to determine her future. She is too dependent her life on Emma. She does not have her own opinion. She does not know who someone will be
the best for her Austen, 1988: 339.
