And the reading of the Austen thus begins in alphabetical order

[lunabee34]

Although I suspect everyone reading this blog is well aware of the plot of Emma, just in case



Emma by Jane Austen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Frank Churchill is a ding ding.

I feel like that could be the whole of my review, but I have a little more to say about the novel. :)

Emma is deeply silly in her misconceptions, but I can't help but feel for her; she's discombobulated after Miss Taylor gets married. She's unmoored and lonely and doesn't make the best choices as a result.

I only feel unalloyed sympathy for two people in this novel, and the first is Jane Fairfax. Jane has so few options. To be a governess is to occupy this liminal space that can be quite diminishing and frightening. To be demoted from essentially one of the Campbell family (and a family of consequence) to the help, always occupying this weird space in the intersections of friend, family, and servant--poor Jane! Even if she doesn't truly love Frank Churchill (and I do wonder about that a bit because he's so cruel to her at times), he's pretty much a Prince Charming for her. Why else would she put up with him being such a ding ding?

I also sympathize with Harriet; all her misfortune can be laid squarely at Emma's feet.

But all's well that ends well, and this one does end so very well.

I love this more each time I reread.



View all my reviews

Comments

[lunabee34]

Yep.

I would never want to live in the 19th century. I don't even want to go back to the 20th. I can't imagine living that sort of circumscribed life.

[notasupervillain]

Agreed. I don't want to live any time or place that doesn't have access to birth control. And the associated gender dynamic changes.

[lunabee34]

Also, just medicine in general, running water, and electricity. And ready to wear! LOL