Mrs. Augusta Elton (née Hawkins) is a supporting character in Emma, published by Jane Austen in 1815.
Character[]
Augusta Elton, formerly Miss Hawkins, is Mr. Elton's wife. She is of new money, thoroughly lacking breeding and in possession of moderately good manners, at best. She is a boasting, idiotic, domineering, pretentious woman who likes to be the centre of attention and is generally disliked by Emma and everyone around her. She displays many of the faults for which Mr. Knightley reprimands Emma, however, on a much larger scale. Ironically much of Emma's dislike of Mrs. Elton arises from these faults. She patronizes Jane Fairfax, which earns Jane the sympathy of others.
History[]
Miss Hawkins is an orphaned heiress with a sister who married a Mr. Suckling of Marple Grove. She met Mr. Elton in Bath and became quickly engaged. Mr. Elton, who was insulted by his failed proposal to Emma and the latter's belief that he was suited for Harriet Smith, considered his fiancée as Emma's equal and was proud of the match.