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Man of Information   Written by Robbin (2/3/2011 10:24 p.m.) in consequence of the missive, Not really :), penned by Reeba
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I agree with the meaning of illiterate but it is Emma who puts the focus on books. Emma may only say the actual word illiterate once in Ch. 4 but it is a theme she still touts after Harriet has refused Mr. Martin. Emma’s initial question supposes Mr. Martin is illiterate and discards the science of his business:

“Mr. Martin, I suppose, is not a man of information beyond the line of his own business. He does not read? (4)

Mrs. Weston said Emma wants to see Harriet “better informed, it will be an inducement to her to read more herself. They will read together. She means it, I know” (5). Harriet’s response suggests exposure to Emma’s reading lists:

"Oh, yes! that is, no -- I do not know -- but I believe he has read a good deal -- but not what you would think any thing of. He reads the Agricultural Reports and some other books, that lay in one of the window seats…" (4)

Although Harriet believes Mr. Martin has read “a good deal” (4) she acknowledges he is illiterate by Emma’s standards. Of course Emma finally says to Harriet what she has thought all along: What has he to do with books? …his being illiterate and coarse need not disturb us (4). After Harriet rejects Mr. Martin, Emma wonders how he could have asked Harriet to confine herself to the “the society of the illiterate and vulgar” (7) all her life by accepting his offer. Thanks! (:D)


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