I am not inclined to be so severe on Harriet (long)

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I am not inclined to be so severe on Harriet (long) Written by Anne-Marie (2/14/2011 10:08 p.m.) in consequence of the missive, Just want to shake them both, don't you? Emma is the, penned by AnnetteJ

As I am focusing on shifting identities and places in this group read, I have great sympathy for Harriet, who really does not know who she is. Here is the great Emma Woodhouse telling Harriet that in essence she is too good for the Martins, and Emma is so far above Harriet socially that I think it would be difficult for Harriet to oppose Emma too strenuously. It might be seen as disrespectful and ungrateful.

We know nothing of Harriet's life before Somebody sent her to Miss Goddard's, but it is very likely that she never had any kind of role model until Emma decided to "help." Emma is so important and so decided that it's natural for Harriet to defer to her.
No, I put the lion's share of the blame on Emma. She thinks she wants to keep Harriet safe at Hartfield -- but really, how long can Harriet remain there?
Suppose Emma changes her mind about marriage or about being friendly with Harriet, or suppose Mr. Woodhouse passes away and the John Knightleys take over Hartfield -- where is Harriet to go then?

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Ch23: Sadness for the Martins; Perturbed with Emma! jeffrey (2/14/2011 1:23 p.m.)

seem to have behaved extremely well Stephanie (2/15/2011 11:25 a.m.)
- Yes, excellent quotes from Ch 21 which indeed.... jeffrey (2/15/2011 12:32 p.m.)
Emma does not learn her lesson Glenn (2/14/2011 2:10 p.m.)
- What always makes me laugh here... Erica M. (2/14/2011 6:35 p.m.)
  - I am sure I had much rather hear you. Stephanie (2/15/2011 5:18 p.m.)
    - Good point Erica M. (2/15/2011 8:11 p.m.)
      - Harriet Unintentially Insults Emma?   Jane Marie (2/16/2011 6:27 a.m.)
        
        if there is any difference nobody would ever find it out   Stephanie (2/16/2011 6:43 p.m.)
        
        Perhaps Jane Fairfax's   Ramya (2/16/2011 11:13 p.m.)
        
        Your Points Fit into the Plot   Jane Marie (2/17/2011 8:51 a.m.)
- While the major share... Reeba (2/14/2011 2:41 p.m.)
  - the carriages spoken for Stephanie (2/15/2011 11:31 a.m.)
  - But in Chapter 22 we learn Kathleen Glancy (2/14/2011 4:36 p.m.)
    - returning a call Nikki N (2/15/2011 6:15 a.m.)
      - Without scruple -- without apology Stephanie (2/15/2011 5:37 p.m.)
    - Proposed quarter of an hour. Reeba (2/14/2011 4:49 p.m.)
      - *Returning* Elizabeth Martin's visit.   Reeba (2/14/2011 4:54 p.m.)
        
        a note had been prepared and left for [Harriet]   Stephanie (2/15/2011 12:09 p.m.)
        
        Harriet didn`t spend time with Miss Martin   Graciela (2/14/2011 5:14 p.m.)
        
        Thank you, Graciela - and Reeba   Kathleen Glancy (2/14/2011 6:04 p.m.)
        
        I don't think she did.   Reeba (2/14/2011 6:17 p.m.)
        
        We can certainly agree   Kathleen Glancy (2/14/2011 7:06 p.m.)
        
        Yet, ...   gianni (2/15/2011 12:01 a.m.)
        
        Well, I do usually pity the poor silly child   Kathleen Glancy (2/15/2011 1:53 p.m.)
        
        Point well- taken...and as she has been educated under....   jeffrey (2/15/2011 4:40 p.m.)
        
        oops, yes. I got carried away :) nfm   Reeba (2/14/2011 5:23 p.m.)
  - Harriet totally bewitched and cast under a spell by Emma? jeffrey (2/14/2011 3:40 p.m.)
    - I think Harriet's... Reeba (2/14/2011 4:36 p.m.)
      - Thanks for mining these telling little details.....   jeffrey (2/14/2011 5:04 p.m.)
        
        Just want to shake them both, don't you? Emma is the   AnnetteJ (2/14/2011 6:03 p.m.)
        
        I am not inclined to be so severe on Harriet (long)   Anne-Marie (2/14/2011 10:08 p.m.)
        
        Shifting identities   Frances G (2/15/2011 10:56 p.m.)
        
        weak-minded   Nikki N (2/15/2011 11:53 p.m.)
        
        I agree that the greater fault is Emma's in this matter. I   AnnetteJ (2/15/2011 8:43 a.m.)
        
        I do give other examples as well. :) nfm   Reeba (2/15/2011 9:41 a.m.)
        
        Yes, and Emma oblivious to Harriet's present situation....   jeffrey (2/15/2011 8:31 a.m.)
        
        Those are Mr Knightly's...   Reeba (2/15/2011 9:09 a.m.)

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