Emma and Harriet

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Emma and Harriet Written by Anne-Marie (1/26/2011 11:34 a.m.) in consequence of the missive, No companion for her, penned by Stephanie

I think Harriet is useful to Emma not just as a friend near her own age -- and I think we can agree Emma needs one -- but as a "project." Emma is bored. She isn't looking forward to spending all her time with her father's old friends, and there's no Miss Taylor to make her spend her time more constructively. I have to think that even though Miss Taylor wasn't as strict as a governess might be, she did nonetheless have enough influence on Emma to keep her busy and out of mischief. In addition, Emma's respect for Miss Taylor might have kept Emma from getting her own way all the time.

In Harriet, Emma has someone to whom she can be the superior. You'll note that Emma always thinks of her former governess as "Miss Taylor" or "Mrs. Weston," while the latter always calls her by her first name. Here the situation is reversed -- Emma is always Miss Woodhouse to Harriet.

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No companion for her Stephanie (1/26/2011 9:15 a.m.)

Emma and Harriet Anne-Marie (1/26/2011 11:34 a.m.)
- "You understand the force of influence pretty well, Reeba (1/27/2011 8:27 a.m.)
  - but the humble, grateful, little girl Stephanie (1/27/2011 9:26 a.m.)
- That is the factor nan duval (1/26/2011 8:37 p.m.)
  - Mr Knightley's concern for Harriet kathleen (elder) (1/27/2011 6:04 a.m.)
    - I agree nan duval (1/27/2011 3:55 p.m.)
Emma likes to lead Emily L (1/26/2011 11:33 a.m.)
- Good point, Emily. Even though I am sure Emma AnnetteJ (1/26/2011 12:34 p.m.)
  - I doubt class difference played a role Ramya (1/26/2011 5:31 p.m.)
    - Not what I meant. I believe that Miss Taylor's AnnetteJ (1/27/2011 8:41 a.m.)
      - "...but excuse me, Mr. Knightley, if I take the liberty...&q   Stephanie (1/27/2011 9:37 a.m.)
        
        personalities   Nikki N (1/27/2011 9:30 p.m.)
        
        I agree   Ramya (1/28/2011 8:48 a.m.)
        
        Emma's Inconsistancy of Social Class   Jane Marie (1/28/2011 8:34 a.m.)
        
        Yes. I maintain that Emma needed to have Harriet be   AnnetteJ (1/28/2011 11:24 a.m.)
        
        I think JA is ....   Reeba (1/28/2011 4:33 p.m.)

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