~Blog POst #5~
Topic B
By Sarah Speranza
In a novel that focuses on relationships and marriage, the
theme of transformation is bound to be a central idea, but Emma Woodhouse goes
through more of a personal transformation than simply changing here friends,
loves, and her boring life. Emma is described in the beginning of the novel, “Emma,”
as “handsome, clever, and rich” (3). It was clear that Emma seems to have
gotten “rather too much her own way” and tended to think “a little too much of
herself” (3). These first few lines in the book almost foreshadow the change
that Emma is going to experience throughout the book. Emma Woodhouse’s life was
described too perfectly in the beginning of the novel, and therefore, she was
bound to undergo some sort of self-transformation. Self-transformation for Emma
though is hard to come by because she is used to being right all the time and
having no one dispute her opinions. Throughout the course of the novel,
Emma begins to realize that she is not a character with no flaws, and learns
the importance of kindness and compassion. Some of her transformation can be
credited to Mr. Knightly. For example, when Emma treats Mrs. Bates very rudely
and with no respect, Mr. Knightly questions her behavior asking, “How could you
be so unfeeling to Mrs. Bates?” (340). Mr. Knightly goes on to defend Mrs.
Bates and her intentions. Following this conversation with Mr. Knightly,
Emma looks inward and, realizing that Mr. Knightly was correct, she attempts to
improve herself and win him over.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I agree with your argument of Emma’s transformation. Not only Emma’s character transforms, but also her relationship with Mr. Knightley transforms. Jane Austen seems to use this theme of transformation to solidify the coming-of-age factors of this book, as we have mentioned multiple times in our group discussions. Emma’s changes cause her to mature greatly and, in a way, detach from her old self. At the beginning of the novel, she seems bratty and foolish; however, by the end of the book Emma has grown up and stopped her childish habits. When Emma marries Mr. Knightley, it is cemented evidence that she has changed for good and for the better.