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Honestly, I never thought I would genuinely really like a Jane Austen novel; I simply did not think I had it in me. Lo and behold, [b:Emma|6969|Emma|Jane Austen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1373627931l/6969._SY75_.jpg|3360164] is truly funny, entertaining, and I am definitely a fan.
First off, Emma as a character really stands out among Austen’s protagonists. While she is a typical spoiled rich girl, she is one who actually authentically reconciles with her privilege and hubris, when all is said and done. For all her confidence (and arrogance), Emma makes mistakes, and when she sees that these missteps have hurt people, she sets out to make amends. She ultimately cares more for the people in her life and their feelings, rather than just being “right.” Through this, we get to see a legitimate character arc and growth.
This growth is in large part due to the narrative focus on Emma’s friendship with Harriet. Mr. Knightly is certainly a capable male lead, and the romantic tension between him and Emma is interesting, but his esteem of Emma is in large part influenced by her treatment of Harriet. Coming from lower social circumstance, Harriet is notably impressionable and naïve. Emma feels compelled to guide her, though eventually leads her astray, but it is with this dynamic that we see the most interesting moments in the novel. For all of Mr. Knightley’s lectures about how Emma should treat Harriet, they only resonate because Harriet acts as the true emotional heart of the novel.
This is also a script that has made at least two great film adaptations. The last film I saw before COVID-19 closures was Autumn de Wilde’s Emma (2020), and it was a hoot, just so funny and well-cast. The objective best adaptation though, is still Clueless (1995). I think it speaks to the source material's inherent timelessness, that this coming-of-age story can work so well in such different contexts — be it centered in 19th century England or on 90’s valley girls.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a fun read.
First off, Emma as a character really stands out among Austen’s protagonists. While she is a typical spoiled rich girl, she is one who actually authentically reconciles with her privilege and hubris, when all is said and done. For all her confidence (and arrogance), Emma makes mistakes, and when she sees that these missteps have hurt people, she sets out to make amends. She ultimately cares more for the people in her life and their feelings, rather than just being “right.” Through this, we get to see a legitimate character arc and growth.
This growth is in large part due to the narrative focus on Emma’s friendship with Harriet. Mr. Knightly is certainly a capable male lead, and the romantic tension between him and Emma is interesting, but his esteem of Emma is in large part influenced by her treatment of Harriet. Coming from lower social circumstance, Harriet is notably impressionable and naïve. Emma feels compelled to guide her, though eventually leads her astray, but it is with this dynamic that we see the most interesting moments in the novel. For all of Mr. Knightley’s lectures about how Emma should treat Harriet, they only resonate because Harriet acts as the true emotional heart of the novel.
This is also a script that has made at least two great film adaptations. The last film I saw before COVID-19 closures was Autumn de Wilde’s Emma (2020), and it was a hoot, just so funny and well-cast. The objective best adaptation though, is still Clueless (1995). I think it speaks to the source material's inherent timelessness, that this coming-of-age story can work so well in such different contexts — be it centered in 19th century England or on 90’s valley girls.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a fun read.