Miss Emma Woodhouse is the titular protagonist of Jane Austen's 1815 novel Emma.
Emma is a 21-year-old gentlewoman, the second of two daughters of the well-to-do Mr. Woodhouse. As a result of her status and rather indulgent upbringing, Emma overestimates her own intuitions and believes herself to have a knack for matchmaking, meddling in the romantic lives of those around her.
Though at the beginning of the novel she maintains that she herself will never marry, Emma later realizes her feelings for and marries her friend and neighbor, Mr. Knightley.
Biography[]
Background and Early Life[]
Emma is the younger of two daughters of Mr. Henry Woodhouse, and a member of the Woodhouse family, the most prominent family of Highbury village. Emma's mother died when she was around five years of age, as such Emma's memories of her are "indistinct". She was raised primarily by her beloved governess, Miss Taylor, for sixteen years until Miss Taylor married Mr. Weston.[1]
Emma's upbringing, resulting from the lax and overly-affectionate natures of both her father and governess, was indulgent and lacking in true discipline. Consequently, Emma, in character, became frivolous and rather spoilt, as well thinking herself as knowing better than she actually does.
Likely owing to the death of her mother, and particularly after Emma's sister Isabella's marrying and moving to London, Emma has been the de facto mistress of Hartfield and dedicated herself to the maintenance of the house and the care of her valetudinarian father. This, as well as Emma's wishing to retain the freedom and independence provided by her social standing, have led to Emma expressing that she does not wish to marry (unless she falls very much in love).
Marriage of Miss Taylor[]
At age seventeen, she formed a match between Miss Taylor and Mr. Weston, because Mr. Weston rushed off to get an umbrella for Miss Taylor with much gallantry. By age twenty-one, the match had happened, and Mr. Weston married Miss Taylor. She rejoiced in her success, but started to feel lonely once Miss Taylor was married. She longed for the companionship of another woman.
Meeting Harriet Smith[]
Emma then sought the companionship of Harriet Smith, a pretty girl who helped with the children at Mrs. Goddard’s boarding school. They struck up a friendship that was pleasing to most others (except Mr. Knightley).
Emma’s Plot[]
Emma had a plan to detach Harriet from her suitor, Robert Martin, and have her marry the local clergyman, Mr. Elton. She was pleased to see her plan working, as Harriet starting falling for Elton and lost some affection for Mr. Martin. Emma encouraged Elton’s visits to Hartfield and tried to leave him alone with Harriet. She saw signs of affection from him, but he did not make an offer.
Harriet’s Portrait[]
Mainly to show off Harriet’s beauty to Elton, Emma offered to draw a picture of Harriet. Elton complimented the drawing very much and took it to London to have it framed. Emma, believing that he was so eager to frame the picture because it was of Harriet, was very excited.
Robert Martin’s Proposal[]
Harriet arrived at Hartfield one day to tell Emma that Mr. Martin had proposed to her in a letter and to ask what she should do. Emma read the letter at Harriet’s request and remarked that it was such a good letter that she did not believe Martin had written it by himself. Harriet asked again what she should do. Emma, thinking Harriet meant to refuse Martin, told her how she must be aware of the pain she was inflicting. When Harriet showed reluctance to refuse him, Emma announced that she would not advise Harriet, but persuaded her not to accept Martin. Harriet agreed, and Emma told her that she was relieved.
Emma and Mr. Knightley’s Row[]
Mr. Knightley, having received news from Martin himself that he was going to propose to Harriet. He came to Hartfield to bring Emma the news. Emma told him that Harriet had refused Martin, and Knightley, immediately knowing that Emma had influenced her, became very angry. They had a fight, Emma believing that she did the right thing, Knightley believing that she had been wrong. The fight went on with Emma insulting Mr. Martin and Knightley insulting Harriet. Eventually, Knightley left in a storm and did not come to Hartfield or speak to Emma very much.
Emma and Mr. Knightley fight
Christmas[]
The Knightleys Come to Hartfield[]
Around Christmas, Emma’s sister Isabella Knightley, her husband John, and their children, Henry, John, Bella, George, and baby Emma came to stay at Hartfield.
Emma and Mr. Knightley Make Up[]
Knightley softened toward Emma when he saw her holding the new Knightley baby, little Emma. Emma expressed her wish to be friends again, and Knightley agreed. Emma reflected that, as far as good intentions went, they were both right, and wished to know that Martin was not so bitterly disappointed. Knightley told her that a man could not be more disappointed.
Harriet Falls Ill[]
Harriet developed a cold and was too ill to go to the Weston’s Christmas party. She was disappointed, and Emma tried to cheer her up by telling her that Mr. Elton would miss her.
Mr. Elton’s Oddities[]
Emma visited Harriet often while she was sick. She told Mr. Elton, and was very confused when he was still eager to go to the Christmas party. Her brother-in-law, John Knightley, told Emma that Elton was in love with her. At first, Emma only laughed, but as Elton showed her more attention, she became apprehensive.
The Weston’s Christmas Party[]
At the Christmas party, Emma attempted to hear Mr. Weston talking about Frank Churchill, but Elton interrupted. Emma was frustrated, but she later got to hear the news from Mr. Weston: Frank Churchill was coming to Highbury. Emma looked forward to the event. At a point in the party, Emma was talking to Mrs. Weston when Elton barged in and was disrespectful to Mrs. Weston. The party was disrupted by snow, but Mr. Knightley came and assured the party that the snow was very light. Mr. Woodhouse was very anxious, so he and his party left.
Elton’s Proposal[]
Emma was escorted into her carriage by Mr. Elton. Due to his previous unwanted attentions, she was not happy to be alone with him. While in the carriage, Elton professed undying love for Emma. Emma was shocked and offended, and reminded him of Harriet. He denied ever thinking seriously of Harriet, and that all of his attentions had been directed toward Emma alone. Emma told him that she had no wish to marry him, and they sat in angry silence until Elton left. Emma worried how much she must have disappointed Harriet and was extremely annoyed with herself and Mr. Elton. Elton left Highbury shortly after he was rejected.
Emma Tells Harriet Bad News[]
Emma went to see Harriet once she had recovered from her cold and broke the news that Elton had never loved her. Harriet was very forgiving, saying that it was all her fault for raising her sights to Elton and that she never could have deserved him.
Jane Fairfax Comes to Highbury[]
Emma soon heard that her rival, Jane Fairfax had arrived at Highbury and was staying with grandmother and aunt, Mrs. and Miss Bates. Emma disliked Jane, mainly because she was more accomplished than herself (and Emma always heard word of it from Miss Bates). Emma also disliked Jane’s shyness, and personally thought she was shyer than usual on her return. Emma was suspicious that Jane had been sent away from her home with her friends in Ireland because she was in love with her friend’s husband, Mr. Dixon.
Frank Churchill Comes to Highbury[]
Not long after Jane arrived in Highbury, Frank Churchill, Mr. Weston’s son and Mrs. Weston’s stepson, arrived. Emma was charmed by him and believed that Frank was in love with her, but was neither in love nor wished to be in love. Emma and Frank saw each other often and liked to talk together. Emma noticed, however, that Mr. Knightley had taken a dislike to Frank Churchill. Emma’s good opinion of Frank was challenged by his leaving to go to London for a day, merely to get his hair cut.
Party at the Coles'[]
Emma became aware the Coles were planning to have a party. Emma rather disliked the Coles for having more money than rank, and was determined to refuse the invitation when it came, just to rub it in. The invitation, however, did not come, and Emma was offended to learn that everyone else she knew was going. She eventually the invitation, which explained the lateness to be due to the Coles wanted to provide a comfortable place for Mr. Woodhouse. Emma decided to come.
It was widely known around the party that Jane Fairfax had unexpectedly received a pianoforte. Emma thought that Mr. Dixon had sent it to Jane. She told Frank, who agreed. Mrs. Weston came to Emma with the news that Mr. Knightley had given Jane and Miss Bates a ride to the party. Mrs. Weston suspected that Knightley was in love with Jane and had sent her the piano. Emma objected, saying that it was not Knightley’s character and firmly believing that he was not in love with Jane. She also thought it would be imprudent for Knightley to marry, because his nephew would be cut off from inheriting his house. The evening ended with dancing, and Emma danced with Frank Churchill.
Plans for the Ball[]
Frank Churchill proposed that a ball at Randalls. Emma, who rarely got to go to balls, was eager to plan, but soon came to realize that Randalls was much to small for the event. The ball was to be held instead at the Crown Inn. Emma was excited, but she was frustrated by Mr. Knightley’s scorning indifference at the prospect of a ball. Frank requested that he remain in Highbury for a few more days so he could attend the ball.
Frank Leaves Highbury[]
Frank was called home to his aunt and uncle because of his aunt’s sickness. Everyone was disappointed that the ball would be cancelled, and Frank was aware that his aunt was perfectly fine and only wanted him home. He spoke to Emma before he left and almost made a love confession. Emma, feeling dull and listless, thought she was in love with Frank.
Mrs. Elton[]
Mr. Elton had returned to Highbury, but now he was married to Augusta Elton (nee Hawkins). Emma first met Mrs. Elton at church, and the Eltons later came to Highbury. Emma found that Mrs. Elton was self-important, imprudent, and rude, and took an immediate dislike to her. Mrs. Elton was, at first, kind to Emma, but, once she realized that Emma had no interest in her, she became cold with her. Emma started to pity Jane when Mrs. Elton took a liking to Jane and tried to run her life.
Frank’s Return[]
Mr. Weston announced that the Churchills were moving nearer to Highbury and that Frank could come again. Emma was sure that she was no longer in love with Frank, but she looked forward to the ball that would come with him.
The Ball at Crown Inn[]
The ball was indeed held. Emma danced first with Frank Churchill. She was worried for Harriet, the only lady without a partner, and watched as Mr. Elton refused to dance with her. To Emma’s surprise, Mr. Knightley led Harriet onto the dance floor, Emma was grateful. She later talked to Knightley, who spoke highly of Harriet. Emma then said she would dance with Knightley if he would ask her, and he did.
Harriet and the Gypsies[]
One day, not long after the dance, Frank Churchill carried Harriet to Hartfield. He had found her being tormented by gypsies, had saved her, and carried her all the way. Emma believed that this would make Harriet fall in love with Frank, and looked forward to the match.
Emma and Harriet’s Talk[]
A few days after Frank had saved Harriet, she came to Hartfield to talk to Emma. She announced that she had gotten over her love for Mr. Elton by his snubbing of her at the dance. She burned a pencil and a piece of court plaster that she had treasured because Elton had touched them. Emma was surprised to hear Harriet say that she would never marry, because the man that she loved was too high for her. Emma, believing that Harriet was speaking of Frank, encouraged her to observe the man and see if he gave her encouragement. She was careful not to mention the name of the man, as she had learned from Harriet’s heartbreak over Elton that matchmaking was a dangerous thing.
Mr. Knightley’s Suspicions[]
A small party came to Hartfield, and they played a word game. Frank teased Jane Fairfax by sending her the word Dixon. Emma told him not to, but she found the whole thing amusing. Knightley later told Emma of his suspicions that Frank and Jane held affection for each other, but Emma laughed and said she knew it to be untrue.
Picking Strawberries at Donwell[]
Mr. Knightley invited Emma and her father, the Westons, Harriet, Frank, Jane, Miss Bates, and the Eltons to his house, Donwell Abbey, to pick strawberries. Emma, who hadn’t been to Donwell in a long time, looked forward to going. While at Donwell, she was pleased to see Knightley taking time to talk to Harriet. Emma noticed Jane leaving, and, trying to be her friend, offered her carriage, but Jane begged to go alone. Emma then met with Frank, who was in a foul mood and declared it to be hot.
Box Hill[]
Emma and Knightley planned a picnic at Box Hill, and the party from the previous day at Donwell were all invited. Frank and Emma flirted during the picnic, but Frank’s attentions did not earn back Emma’s heart. Emma then humiliated Miss Bates by saying that she said too many dull things. Mr. Knightley later reprimanded her. Emma didn’t see the harm in it at first, but after Knightley told her what she had done, she felt horrible.
Emma Repents and Visits Miss Bates[]
The next day, Emma visited Miss Bates. She overheard Miss Bates and Jane talking, saying that Jane could not bear to meet with Emma. Miss Bates was very forgiving and Emma determined to enter into an equal friendship with her. She returned to Hartfield to find Mr. Knightley, who was still mad at her for insulting Miss Bates. He told her that he was leaving to see John Knightley and his family. Upon learning that Emma had gone to see Miss Bates, Knightley became more friendly and almost kissed her hand before they parted.
Frank’s Engagement[]
About ten days after the death of Frank Churchill’s aunt, Mrs. Churchill, Mr. Weston came to Hartfield to request that Emma come to Randalls. Emma agreed, and Mr. Weston told Emma that Mrs. Weston had news to tell her. Once they arrived at Randalls, Mrs. Weston told Emma that Frank was engaged to Jane Fairfax. Emma was astonished and angry, but she assured the anxious Mrs. Weston that she herself was not in love with Frank. She was indignant that Frank had made so many attentions to her and that he could have made her fall in love with him. After discussing the matter with Mrs. Weston, Emma worried that Harriet’s heart would be broken again.
Emma Had it All Wrong[]
Harriet came to Hartfield to announce that she had heard that Frank and Jane were engaged. Emma, surprised at her lack of sorrow, questioned her about her love for Frank. Harriet, incredulous, denied having ever loved Frank, and told Emma that she had been in love with Mr. Knightley ever since he had danced with her at the ball. Emma asked if Knightley returned her affections, and Harriet believed that he did. Emma told her that Knightley would never make a woman believe that he felt more than he did.
At this point, Emma realized that she had always been in love with Knightley and that she had never loved Frank. She was wretched, thinking that if she had never prevented Harriet’s marrying Mr. Martin, then she and Knightley would never have fallen in love.
Knightley’s Proposal[]
Emma was on a walk in the grounds of Hartfield when she met with Knightley. They discussed the engagement between Frank and Jane, and Knightley tried to comfort Emma and tell him that time would heal her heartbreak. She told him that she had never loved Frank. Knightley then tried to tell Emma something, but Emma, believing him to be about to declare love for Harriet, prevented him. Immediately regretting it, she agreed to hear him. Knightley proposed to Emma, admitting that he had loved her for a long time, and asking her to say no at once if she must, but to try to return his affections. Emma assured him that she loved him too.
Mr. Knightley Agrees to Live at Hartfield[]
Emma told Mr. Knightley sadly that she could not marry him, as she could not leave her father. Knightley told her that he had thought on the subject and would come and stay at Hartfield
Harriet is Engaged[]
Knightley brought the news to Emma that Harriet was engaged to Robert Martin, thinking she would be disappointed, but Emma was happy for Harriet. The friendship between Emma and Harriet, once they were both married, turned into a calmer sort of goodwill.
Emma and Mr. Knightley’s Wedding[]
Mr. Elton joined the hands of Emma and Knightley, and though Mrs. Elton thought it shabby, the wedding was a happy one.
After their wedding, Knightley took Emma to the seaside (a place she had never seen) for their post-wedding trip.
Character[]
Description[]
Emma is described in the novel's opening sentence as "handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and a happy disposition." Mrs. Weston describes her as having a true hazel eye, with brilliant features, an open countenance, being the perfect height and size, and a lovely complexion in the bloom of full health. She continues that Emma is loveliness itself and the picture of good health in her bloom and air. Mr Knightley agrees with this assessment and says that girls as pretty as her are rarely seen, although he is "a partial old friend" and holds back further praise.
Personality[]
Emma is noted to be charming, spirited and witty and is widely respected and a great favourite among those in Highbury. She is intelligent and talented in many pursuits (piano, art, reading, etc.) although lacks dedicated application. Mr. Knightley notes her exceptional intelligence as a child, easily grasping concepts/riddles that her older sister failed to; though also comments she'd "never submit to any thing requiring industry and patience, and a subjection of the fancy to the understanding".
On many occasions, Emma shows herself to be haughty, meddlesome, and self-deluded. While not particularly vain regarding her looks, she is more confident in her abilities than merited, and has a great deal of pride regarding her social status (which leads her to look down on the poorer). Emma is prone to jealousy, clashing with Jane Fairfax due to her competing good qualities and feeling possessive of Mr. Knightley.
Emma believes she is an excellent matchmaker, and is so overly trusting of her own intuitions that she is often blind to the truth of a situation and people's feelings, such as when she failed to note that Mr. Elton's interest was in her and not Harriet.
Role in novel[]
Emma is an independently wealthy woman who lives with her aging father in the English countryside near the village of Highbury. The novel concerns her attempts to be a matchmaker among her acquaintances and her own romantic misadventures.
Although Emma professes that she does not ever wish to marry (as she has no financial need to, having a large inheritance) she finds herself falling in love with her friend George Knightley.
Relationships[]
Mr. Knightley[]
Mr. Knightley is Emma's friend, brother-in-law, and ultimately her love interest. At 37, he is significantly older than she and Emma looks up to him. He often gives her advice and guidance, particularly since Emma's mother is deceased and her father is disengaged. Mr Knightley has a strong moral compass and frequently teases or scolds Emma for her more frivolous pursuits, such as matchmaking. He also disagrees and argues with Emma on occasion, notably on Emma's interference with Harriet Smith and Robert Martin's relationship.
Due to his attachment to Emma, Mr Knightley has disliked Frank Churchill (unconsciously labeling him as competition) even before he met Frank, and remains doubtful of him even when everyone else indulges the younger man. It is also his jealousy of Frank that causes Mr Knightley to acknowledge his romantic feelings for Emma. Although he is mostly rational, he can also act more impulsively at the cause of Emma, such as making a sudden visit to London and returning in an equally unexpected manner to propose to her. Emma, too, gradually realizes her feelings for him due to her jealousy first of Jane Fairfax and later of Harriet Smith.
Harriet Smith[]
Harriet, was introduced to Emma shortly after the marriage of Mrs. Weston, accompanying Mrs. Goddard on one of her visits to Highbury. Despite Harriet's humble origins and unknown parentage, Emma admires her sweetness, good nature, and pleasant looks. Emma takes Harriet under her wing as a companion, using her to fill the void left by Mrs. Weston's leaving Hartfield; and takes it upon herself to "rescue" Harriet from bad society and introduce her into Emma's upper-class circle. However, Emma's pride prevents her from seeing a good match for Harriet in the person of Robert Martin, a respected farmer and the initial and ultimate romantic interest of Harriet. Instead, Emma encourages Harriet to foster affections for Mr Elton, the village vicar, which ends disastrously. However, naive Harriet does not blame Emma for her mortification, and the two remain friends.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Emma, Harriet develops a crush on Mr Knightley after he asks her to dance when Mr Elton has refused to. Emma, on the other hand, believes that Harriet holds a secret regard for Frank, says that she should not give up hope because there have been many other happy though unequal matches. When Emma discovers the truth, she is both appalled and dismayed, which leads to her revelation that she has been in love with Knightley all along. Mrs. Elton's relationship to Jane Fairfax parodies Emma's relationship to Harriet.
Emma and Harriet make up after they both marry, but their friendship becomes more of a calm sort of goodwill.
Mr. Woodhouse[]
Mr. Woodhouse, Emma's father, is a hypochondriac and is so paranoid about his own and others' health that he is nearly helpless. He is against eating cake, going outside, attending parties, and getting married, among other things, on the grounds that these might damage the health. As a result, Emma takes on the role of caretaker for him, as he is incapable of exerting parental influence or even taking care of himself. Mr Woodhouse is fond of and attached to his daughters, who are likewise affectionate toward him. With Isabella married, Emma took it upon herself to remain at Hartfield and take care of her father. Emma's consideration towards her father is one of her redeeming attributes.
Mrs. Weston[]
Mrs. Weston, formerly Miss Taylor, was Emma's governess before she married Mr Weston. She and Emma love each other and are close friends. She serves as a mother figure for Emma and often gives her advice. Emma admires Mrs Weston as wise and virtuous, and looks up to her. When Mrs Weston marries, Emma becomes lonely and therefore seeks the companionship of Harriet Smith, a friendship which Mrs Weston approves of although Mr Knightley does not. Mrs Weston initially wished for a match between Emma and Frank Churchill and saw a potential attachment between George Knightley and Jane Fairfax, but ends up surprised by but delighted with the ultimate outcome.
Jane Fairfax[]
Jane Fairfax, orphaned at a young age, is Miss Bates' niece. She is a beautiful, accomplished young woman, who represents everything that Emma should be. Jane is the ideal companion for Emma. However Emma neglects her due to jealousy, yet claims it is because Jane is 'cold'. Unbeknown to Emma, Jane is secretly engaged to Frank, and therefore Emma's flirtation with Frank causes Jane great pain.
Frank Churchill[]
Emma was always interested in Frank, and thought that, if she were ever to marry, he might be the one she chose. Upon meeting him, she found him very agreeable and formed a friendship with him. Emma believed that Frank was in love with her. She had feeling of listlessness upon his departure and therefore thought that she was in love with him. She didn’t love him enough, however, to leave her father for him, and determined that she must not be in love. When she saw him again, she was able to say she was not in love, and, when she later saw more of his character, was glad that she was not in love. At a picnic she appeared to be flirting with him, but she wasn’t really, and was actually uncomfortable. When she realized that she was in love with Mr. Knightley, she came to the conclusion that she had never loved Frank after all. She was at first angry to hear that he was engaged to Jane Fairfax, but ended up wishing him all possible happiness.
Gallery[]
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Trivia[]
- While writing the novel, Jane Austen famously described Emma as "a heroine whom no-one but myself will much like."
- Emma notably has the highest social standing and more in the way of fortune and independence than Austen's other protagonists.
Notable portrayals[]
- Doran Godwin in the 1972 TV serial ==
- Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz in the 1995 film Clueless ,a loose, modernized adaptation of Emma.
- Gwyneth Paltrow in the 1996 feature film
- Kate Beckinsale in the 1996 British made-for-TV film
- Romola Garai in the 2009 BBC TV serial
- Sonam Kapoor as Aisha Kapoor in the 2010 film Aisha
- Joanna Sotomura in the 2013-2014 YouTube series Emma Approved
- Anya Taylor-Joy in the 2020 feature film