“Seldom, very seldom does complete truth belong to any human disclosure; seldom can it happen that something is not a little disguised, or a little mistaken; but whereas in this case, though the conduct is mistaken, the feelings are not, it may not be very material” (Austen 369). Jane Austen’s, Emma, is a classic novel for coming to terms with growing up and becoming a woman. A read that will connect with many young women. Opening up in the village of Highbury, which is near London, at the Hartfield estate, which is owned by the Woodhouse’s, Emma is set during the 19th century. One would envision that all in Highbury are prim and proper like the Queen of England with perfect social graces and always dressed to the nines. While rumors flying …show more content…
She is headstrong and ruler of her and Mr. Woodhouse’s social circle. With Harriet Smith moving to town, Emma makes her the pawn of her game. The game is to improve Harriet’s social graces to allow her to marry above her social class, but when move after move fails Emma begins to understand the error in her game. Emma struggles when she realizes that she will always lose unless she changes. The growth from a child to women is pushed forward by Mr. Knightley and his constant speech about meddling in her friends’ lives. Mr. Knightley, who is just as stubborn as Emma, is a good friend of Mr. Woodhouse. Trustworthy, honest, good judgment and clear thoughts are qualities Mr. Woodhouse and Emma love about him. He often chided her for the games and manipulation. His reasoning against her actions often predicted the end result of her games. His honesty and good sense lead those around him, but his feelings for a certain woman muddy his thoughts and clear judgment. Since he loves this woman, he ran away to London. Harriet Smith was Emma’s project in the beginning but by the end of the novel a friend. She is from a lower class, has few original thoughts, and naive. Seeking guidance from Emma is all Harriet wishes for. She never sees the true intentions of Emma’s games. Because of her lack of wit and social graces, she can not overthrow Emma’s plans and is manipulated. Until the end a new victim comes to