Changing Emma into a Mature Woman

Now, it so happened that in spite of Emma’s resolution of never marrying, there was something in the name, in the idea of Mr. Frank Churchill, which always interested her. She had frequently thought – especially since his father’s marriage with Miss Taylor – that if she were to marry, he was the very person to suit in her age, character and condition. He seemed by this connexion between the families, quite to belong to her Austen, 1988: 95. Emma is pleased by the beginning of her acquaintance with Frank Churchill. Emma thinks that he is a wonderful person. It seems that she likes Frank Churchill at the first sight. As the author describes. 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. She felt immediately that she should like him; and there was a well-bred ease of manner, and a readiness to talk, which convinced her that he came intending to be acquainted with her, and that acquainted they soon must be Austen, 1988: 152. The acquaintance between Emma and Frank Churchill becomes intimate. On the other hand, Mr. Knightley has a little doubt about Frank. He suspects Frank Churchill in postponing his visit to Highbury. He tells Emma that Frank Churchill is more interested in leisure activities, whereas as the son, it is his duty to pay attention to his father. But, Emma defends Frank Churchill at nearly every opportunity. She automatically assumes that Frank has a good intentions and perfectly honorable. Emma’s feeling toward Frank Churchill becomes clear. She thinks that Frank may be in love with her. It is shown when he speaks of his warm regard for Hartfield with his true emotion. A few awkward moments passed and he sat down again, and in a more determined manner said, “It was something to feel that all the rest of my time might be given to Hartfield. My regard for Hartfield is most warm –“ . He stopped again, rose again, and seemed quite embarrassed. - He was more in love with her than Emma had supposed Austen, 1988: 207. Then, Emma believes that Frank Churchill may be in love with her and Emma convinces herself that she also may be in love with him. This is the part when Emma starts to feel love. She begins to think about love. She has opened herself to the idea of love. ‘I certainly must,’ said she. ‘This sensation of listlessness, weariness, stupidity, this disinclination to shit 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. But, Emma considers that she is not in love with Frank Churchill. She thinks that without Frank’s presence she is still happy, though she is very often thinking of him. She can exist so well with or without Frank. She considers that her relationship with Frank Churchill is only a friendship. As the author says Their affection was always to subside into friendship. Everything tender and charming was to mark their parting but still they were to part. When she became sensible of this, it struck her that she could not be very much in love Austen, 1988: 209. Later on, Emma got the news from Mrs. Weston that Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax have been secretly engaged. “More than an attachment, indeed,” resumed Mrs. Weston; “an engagement – a positive engagement. What will you say, Emma, what will anybody say – when it is known that Frank Churchill and Miss Fairfax are engaged – nay, that they have been long engaged?” Austen, 1988: 313. Emma is angry and she criticizes Frank Churchill for pretending to show affection for her when he was engaged to Jane. Emma claims that by hiding his engagement to Jane Fairfax, he has deceive his family and his friends. Emma realizes what Mr. Knightley said to her was right, Frank Churchill is not as perfect as in her mind. In their discussion about Frank’s and Jane’s engagement, Mr. Knightley tells all his feeling to Emma. He says that he always had a low opinion of Frank Churchill, while he learns that actually he did not want to deceive Emma. I have never had a high opinion of Frank Churchill. I can suppose, however, that I may have underrated him. My acquaintance with him has been but trifling. And even if I had not underrated him hitherto, he may yet turn out well. With such a woman he has a chance. I have no motive for wishing him ill – and for her sake, whose happiness will be involved in his good character and conduct, I shall certainly wish him well Austen, 1988: 339. Emma finally forgives Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax, and let them happy together. At the same time, Mr. Knightley also admits that he envies with Frank and professes his love to Emma. He professing himself as the lover of Emma since she was thirteen. My dearest Emma, for dearest you will always be, whatever the event of this hour’s conversation, my dearest, most beloved Emma – tell me at once. Say ‘No’ if it is to be said … I have been indifferent lover. But you understand me. Yes, you see, you understand my feelings, and will return them if you can. At present, I ask only to hear – once to hear your voice Austen, 1988: 340-341. Emma can say nothing, as a lady always does, there need not be despair and inviting him to say more himself Austen, 1988: 341. Not long after, he says it once more. Decisively, Emma admits that she also has the same feeling as Mr. Knightley. In the other hand, Harriet who is actually being interested in Mr. Knightley, shows her greatness of her heart by letting them married and blaming nobody. She admits her stupidity to expect Mr. Knightley as her husband. Harriet herself is going to be married with Robert Martin. She says to Emma Emma, my love, you said that this circumstance would not now make you unhappy; but I am afraid it gives you more pain than you expected. His situation is an evil - but you must consider it as what satisfies your friend; and I will answer your thinking better and better of him as you know him more; his good sense and good principles would delight you. As far as the man is concerned, you could not wish your friend in better hands. His rank in society I would alter if I could, which is saying a great deal, I assure you, Emma. - You laugh at me about William Larkins, but I could quite as ill spare Robert Martin Austen, 1988: 375. Finally, Emma accepts Robert Martin as an appropriate husband for Harriet. It shows that Emma’s perspective of married has been changed. Formerly Emma thinks that the most important consideration for marriage is social status. Then she realizes that marriage is not because of one’s social status, but love. It also shows that she has opened herself to the idea of love. From the analysis, can be seen that the minor characters in the novel; Mr. Woodhouse, Mr. Knightley, Frank Churchill, and Harriet Smith become the important factor in the development of Emma. The criticism, advice, and suggestion from them makes Emma become aware of what she has done and she changes to be a better type of person.