Miss Austen portrays the Woodhouses as a family of the first rank in the hierarchy of Highbury and this class distinction is not in the least bit overlooked by Emma.

This is another striking contrast between Emma and Mr. Knightley in that she does not see beneath the somewhat rough exterior of Mr. Martin to his very fine qualities as a man, where Mr. Knightley is very much aware of and respects Mr. Martin's qualities, in spite of their class distinctions.

Harriet is apparently an "improvement project" for Emma so match-making with a "vulgar" farmer is out of the question.

Emma has been the mistress of Hartfield for many years since the death of her mother and the removal of her sister, Isabella, in marriage. Not only is she used to getting her way, but being the hostess of Hartsfield has only heightened her fumbling and immature attempts at leadership and influence.

I agree that her attempts to elevate Harriet above her class status by looking down upon a very fine Mr. Martin is damaging and hurtful to both.