Unique Elements
• About the Author
• 'Historical Context
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A BELOVED Literary Classic by JANE AUSTEN.
Emma, a romance novel by British author JANE AUSTEN is a comedy of manners, a story of society and relationships, first published in 1815 in the United Kingdom.
The novel is a TIMELESS and WELL-KNOWN classic filled with insight into the life of genteel women of the British landed gentry in the early 19th century.
Sneak Peak
'Sixteen years had Miss Taylor been in Mr. Woodhouse's family, less as a governess than a friend, very fond of both daughters, but particularly of Emma. Between them it was more the intimacy of sisters. Even before Miss Taylor had ceased to hold the nominal office of governess, the mildness of her temper had hardly allowed her to impose any restraint; and the shadow of authority being now long passed away, they had been living together as friend and friend very mutually attached, and Emma doing just what she liked; highly esteeming Miss Taylor's judgment, 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; these were the disadvantages which threatened alloy to her many enjoyments. The danger, however, was at present so unperceived, that they did not by any means rank as misfortunes with her.'
Synopsis
Before she began the novel, Austen wrote, "I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like." Emma is spoiled, headstrong, and self-satisfied; she greatly overestimates her own matchmaking abilities; she is blind to the dangers of meddling in other people's lives; and her imagination and perceptions often lead her astray.
Love and Marriage
While she is in many ways mature, Emma makes some serious mistakes, mainly due to her lack of experience and her conviction that she is always right. Although she has vowed she will never marry, she delights in making matches for others. She has a brief flirtation with Frank Churchill; however, she realizes at the end of the novel who she really loves.
Title Details
• Originally published in 1815
• Romance novel
