Who Harriet Smith is
Harriet Smith is seventeen, pretty and sweet, with little education and an admiring trust in Emma Woodhouse. She lives as a boarder at Mrs Goddard's school in Highbury, where family and fortune shape social standing. Her unknown parentage leaves room for Emma to imagine that she is a gentleman's daughter, without any evidence.
What Harriet Smith wants
Harriet is inclined to accept a marriage proposal from Robert Martin, a young farmer who rents land from Mr Knightley. She has spent happy weeks with his family and likes his mother and sisters. Yet Emma persuades her to refuse him, arguing that he is beneath her notice.
Harriet Smith and the others in the story
Emma treats Harriet as both a friend and a pupil, hoping to improve her reading, manners and marriage prospects. Harriet admires Emma so completely that she agrees with her opinions and trusts her advice. Their friendship shows how good intentions can cause harm when one person's confidence overrides another's wishes.
Mr Knightley questions Emma's influence and believes Robert Martin offers Harriet a good match. Emma instead chooses Mr Elton for her, reading his attention as evidence that her plan is working.
Questions
Who is Harriet Smith in Emma?
Harriet Smith is a young boarder at Mrs Goddard's school whom Emma befriends and tries to guide.
Who are Harriet Smith's parents?
Harriet's parentage is unknown when Emma takes her up as a friend. Emma imagines a gentleman as her father, but has no evidence.
Why does Harriet reject Robert Martin?
Harriet rejects him because Emma persuades her that he is not socially suitable, despite Harriet's own inclination to accept.