Emma, Chapter 9 summary

What happens

1. Mr. Knightley remains displeased with Emma, while Harriet’s growing attachment to Mr. Elton strengthens Emma’s confidence in her plans.
2. Harriet collects riddles instead of pursuing serious reading, and Emma asks Mr. Elton to contribute.
3. Mr. Elton brings a charade attributed to a friend; Emma solves it as courtship and insists that Harriet is its intended recipient.
4. Emma copies eight lines into Harriet’s book and reads them to Mr. Woodhouse, who assumes she writes them herself.
5. Discussion of Isabella’s Christmas visit reveals Mr. Woodhouse’s distress over its short duration and her attachment to her husband.
6. Emma returns the charade to Mr. Elton, whose awkward but pleased response further satisfies her and leaves Harriet delighted.

In this chapter

What to notice

Harriet makes Emma’s judgment the basis of her hopes. Her trust helps Emma turn an ambiguous poem into apparent certainty about Mr. Elton’s intentions.

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