Personality And Relationships In Jane Austen's 'Emma'

N is for Nothing compares

“There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart” (245). Emma says that there is nothing as attractive as being good hearted. She says this in describing why she is fond of Harriet; though she is not wealthy or intelligent, Harriet is kind. Emma’s opinion is a theme that is portrayed throughout the novel. When Harriet is asked about Mr. Martin’s appearances, she says, “not handsome… very plain at first” (25). She describes him as a plain looking person, not overly attractive, yet she is very fond of him. She likes him because of his character, not his physical characteristics. This supports Emma’s idea and theme; a good personality and a kind heart is more important than appearances.

O is for One in a Hundred

“You might not see one in a hundred with gentleman so plainly written as in Mr. Knightley” (29) Emma describes Mr. Knightley’s personality by saying what a gentleman he is; she says that even in a large group of people, no one is so obviously a gentleman as he is. It is in Mr. Knightley’s character to be a gentleman, someone who is refined and respectful; he is so much a gentleman, that Emma makes a claim that he is one of the most gentleman like people.

P is for Perfection (question #10) Two couples in Jane Austen’s Emma are Mr. Knightley with Emma and Mr. Churchill with Jane Fairfax. Their

However, the view on a foolish action depends on the person judging. When Mr. Churchill’s secret engagement is discovered, everyone looks down upon it. He did it purposefully and lied to many people, making it what Emma would consider “wickedness.” However, when Emma convinces Harriet to not marry Mr. Martin, she thinks her decision is a good choice. However, Mr. Knightley is very much against it; her action is not one done purposely for evil. She acts out foolishness, making her decision not clearly evil and can be considered both positive and