"Doing just what she liked; highly
esteeming Miss Taylor's judgments, but directed chiefly by her own. The real
evils, indeed, of Emma's situation were the power of having rather too much her
own way, and a disposition to think a little too well of herself....”
Emma
– Chapter 1
Emma Woodhouse appears to
have everything.
Unlike most of Jane Austen’s
heroines, she is not concerned about finding security in marriage, acquiring
more money or avoiding relatives who are bullies. She is clever, pretty, wealthy, spoiled and overly confident
in her own powers of perception and persuasion…
Where will it lead her?
Before she began Emma, Miss Austen is said to have
written, “I am going to take a heroine
whom no one but myself will much like.”
And she was highly
successful. For nearly 200 years later, readers are still conflicted over
whether to love or hate Emma Woodhouse. Austen skillfully and lovingly created
a central character in this comedy of manners that fearlessly interferes in
other people’s lives and prides herself in being an expert and intuitive
matchmaker. Admired and adored by
both her widowed father and Miss Taylor, her kind-hearted governess, Emma
possesses one unfailing and unbiased voice into her life – neighbor to her
family home of Hartfield, Mr. Knightley.
But will his voice of reason and truth break through her fearless
meddling and determined self-deception?
"Mr. Knightley, in fact, was one
of the few people who could see faults in Emma Woodhouse, and the only one who
ever told her of them...."
Emma
- Chapter 1
Emma was published in December
of 1815 in three volumes and was dedicated to the Prince Regent, George
Augustus Frederick, at his request.
This uncle to Queen Victoria was Prince Regent from 1811 – 1820 and was
not a favorite of Jane Austen. Actually Austen was “invited” to dedicate one of
her works to the Prince and with this 4th publishing novel, she
reluctantly complied.
Emma
By Jane Austen
To
His Royal Highness
The Prince Regent,
This Work Is,
By His Royal Highness’s Permission,
Most Respectfully Dedicated,
By His Royal Highness’s
Dutiful
And Obedient
Humble Servant,
The Author
This fourth published book - and the only Austen novel to be named
after its heroine - was the last to appear before Jane Austen died in 1817 and
includes more detailed and vivid detail than any other Austen novel. It is rich in Regency detail, customs
and flavor and conversation that rings true to readers of any time period.
The Jane Austen Tea
Society has happily returned to a study of our beloved
Regency author’s works in the order in which they were published. Our fourth
selection will be Emma with an
Autumn Brunch and Book Discussion to take place on Saturday the 26th of October
2013 at 10am.
There is plenty of time –
start reading!
