Who Emma Woodhouse is
Emma Woodhouse is twenty-one and accustomed to having her own way in the small village of Highbury. Her father admires her, and her former governess, Mrs Weston, remains a loving friend rather than a firm critic. She draws, plays the piano and begins reading lists, but often prefers making plans to carrying them through.
What Emma Woodhouse wants
Emma believes she can improve other people's lives, especially by finding them suitable husbands. When she befriends Harriet Smith, she hopes to polish Harriet's manners and arrange a marriage worthy of her. Her ideas depend heavily on social rank, and she mistakes her wishes about Harriet's background for evidence.
Emma Woodhouse and the others in the story
Harriet's ready admiration strengthens Emma's confidence, while Mr Knightley challenges the assumptions behind her plans. He values Robert Martin's character, but Emma persuades Harriet to refuse the young farmer's proposal. Their disagreement reveals how Emma's wish to help can override another person's feelings.
How Emma Woodhouse changes
Emma's mistakes begin to unsettle her belief that she understands everyone around her. After she makes a hurtful joke about Miss Bates, Mr Knightley's rebuke brings her conduct into sharper focus. His disappointment matters deeply to her, and she begins to see why cleverness needs kindness.
Questions
Who is Emma Woodhouse?
Emma Woodhouse is the wealthy young woman at the centre of Emma, living with her widowed father at Hartfield.
Why does Emma interfere with Harriet's marriage plans?
Emma believes Harriet deserves a higher social position than marriage to Robert Martin offers. Her confidence in her own judgement outweighs Harriet's inclination to accept him.
Is Emma Woodhouse a bad person?
Emma means well, but her vanity and misplaced confidence can hurt others. The novel shows both her faults and her capacity to question herself.