In the first few chapters we also read that Emma has not p ursued her drawing and musical training in the past several months. She has not truly found herself through those pursuits -- and is somewhat at a loss of somewhere to apply her energies.

I always feel for the women in Austen's books -- despite their riches or lack thereof, they cannot go into the world and achieve the way men could at that time. Although she has more spirit, money, and talents than Fanny Price, Emma's meddling with Harriet is in part a result of the severe restrictions upon what she is allowed to do to grow up and be constructively involved as a social being.