Mr Knightley's concern for Harriet

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Mr Knightley's concern for Harriet Written by kathleen (elder) (1/27/2011 6:04 a.m.) in consequence of the missive, That is the factor, penned by nan duval

I hadn't noticed before Mr Knightley's strong comments about Harriet in his discussion with Mrs Weston in Chapter 5:

And as for Harriet, I will venture to say that she cannot gain by the acquaintance. Hartfield will only put her out of conceit with all the other places she belongs to. She will grow just refined enough to be uncomfortable with those among whom birth and circumstances have placed her home. I am much mistaken if Emma's doctrines give any strength of mind, or tend at all to make a girl adapt herself rationally to the varieties of her situation in life. They only give a little polish.

He seems to be taking a very protective stance toward Harriet, to be worried that she will learn to think too well of herself. Could Mr Knightley be thinking of Mrs Goddard here ("uncomfortable with those among whom birth and circumstances have placed her home") or possibly of the Martins (who rent a farm from him)? He surely wouldn't know Harriet well enough to have personal concern for her.

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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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