Emma’s perceptions are most notably amiss when dealing with Harriet, a young woman of unknown parentage, whom Emma befriends and attempts to remake in her own image. Ignoring the gaping differences in their respective fortunes and stations in life, Emma convinces herself that Harriet should look as high as she herself might for a husband. Emma stokes the fires of Harriet’s imagination and transforms her strong feelings for Mr. Martin into feelings for Mr. Elton. She refers to Mr. Martin as “inferior,” “vulgar,” and “illiterate,” (49) disregarding Harriet’s obvious feelings for hi

Emma tries to recreate Harriet, forging explanations of her parentage and painting portraits in which she alters her body structure. Because Emma’s position is the highest in her social circle, her schemes go largely unchecked, but for the rebukes of Mr. Knightley. He goes so far as to tell her that it is “better be without sense, than misapply it as you do (58). Social protocol prohibits anyone else from attempting such criticism. Mr. Knightley instills in Emma the humility that she lacks and helps her to evolve so as to become worthy of him, not only socially but also morally. The book’s final “happy union” (439) is a sign that Emma has achieved that end.

Emma presses on with her plans despite the many clues that contradict her understanding. Whenever circumstances displease her, she creates explanations in her head that run contrary to her own sense of reason. When Mr. Elton’s behavior does not fit that of a lover, Emma makes various excuses for him, laughing at his description of what she presumes to be Harriet’s “ready wit” (66) but attributing such an ill-judged compliment to the consequence of his being “a poet in love” (70). Even when Mr. Elton tries to clear up the confusion, while they are in the carriage, Emma attempts to convince them both that he is hopeless

Some topics in this essay:
Emma None, Elton Harriet, Jane Austen, Harriet Emma, Martin Emma, Due Emma’s, elton harriet, , trivial pastimes, spoiled lady, novel emma, emma’s perceptions, directed harriet,