How could Emma not be consciously lying?

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How could Emma not be consciously lying? Written by Tracy W (4/5/2008 9:19 p.m.) in consequence of the missive, Liar is too strong, I think, penned by Jean B

How could Emma not be lying consciously on this point? Mr Knightley says in chapter 8 ...and as a friend I shall just hint to you that if Elton is the man, I think it will be all labour in vain.

And Emma replies (after some intervening comments)
"If I had set my heart on Mr. Elton's marrying Harriet, it would have been very kind to open my eyes; but at present I only want to keep Harriet to myself. I have done with match-making indeed. (chpt 8)

How is this not a lie? How is Emma unconscious of her intentions to marry Harriet to Mr Elton? Emma may truly believe that Robert Martin is a bad match for Harriet, but that's different from what she is saying here. Here Emma is saying that she has no match-making intentions. If she's not lying consciously, about the only other conclusion I can come to is that Emma has a serious mental illness.

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Is Emma a liar too? Lila (4/4/2008 9:45 p.m.)

More self-deception than lying, IMO; Emma has lots to learn. nfm Mary-L (4/5/2008 12:34 a.m.)
- How is it self-deception? Tracy W (4/5/2008 6:05 a.m.)
  - She recalls her good intentions, not her actions. nfm Mary-L (4/6/2008 12:17 a.m.)
    - Emma was lying about her intentions, not her actions Tracy W (4/6/2008 6:27 a.m.)
certainly not the truth of it... Ivonne (4/5/2008 1:04 a.m.)
- 'She did not always feel so absolutely satisfied with herself' Joan Ellen (4/5/2008 8:21 a.m.)
Say rather, a sophist Tarn (4/5/2008 4:59 a.m.)
Liar is too strong, I think Jean B (4/5/2008 1:52 p.m.)
- What we call it is probably partly influenced Nancy Ann (4/5/2008 7:11 p.m.)
- How could Emma not be consciously lying? Tracy W (4/5/2008 9:19 p.m.)
  - LOL!!! My thought exactly!!! nfm Lila (4/6/2008 7:14 p.m.)
  - That's the last time I defend Emma Jean B (4/7/2008 1:04 p.m.)
    - If I understood you Laraine (4/8/2008 8:56 a.m.)
Emma loves her abilities… Robbin (4/6/2008 12:36 a.m.)
- Nicely Said BarbaraB (4/6/2008 12:54 a.m.)
- insightful and well put, thanks! nfm Ivonne (4/6/2008 5:57 a.m.)
- Indeed, well said. nfm nan duval (4/6/2008 8:50 a.m.)
Interesting thread; brings up issue of Emma's reliability... Delories (4/6/2008 2:37 p.m.)
"That is the case with us all, papa." Tarn (4/7/2008 1:16 a.m.)
I have a theory... Elbè (4/10/2008 2:05 p.m.)
- Good will? Mia I. (4/10/2008 6:32 p.m.)
  - So interesting... Moni (4/20/2008 7:27 a.m.)

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