I agree Miss Bates could be boring in person but as you say that is no reason for Emma to avoid her duty towards her and her mother—I agree with that also. Can you tell me why I should give Emma a break on this subject? It seems to me there is enough of that going around already and I hope you agree I am free to explore her character by whatever path I choose. IMO much of the story so far is fueled by Emma’s wrong-headed thinking, poor decisions and faults of character so I think discussion of them is how to get to the inner Emma. Discussion of Emma’s virtues is interesting and there are things to discover there as well but that is not all there is about her worth knowing, at least that is my opinion. You of course may feel differently.

Despite what you say, that Emma should visit the Bates, you go on to excuse her failures to do so by throwing Miss Bates under the carriage wheels as if it is her fault Emma does not do her duty. I agree with you that Emma’s avoidance of her duty to visit the Bates is not an aberration against nature but it is certainly not unrealistic for people to do their duty even when it is disagreeable. I cannot put a number to it but I feel confident in saying each day all around the world loads of people do their duty when and where they should whether they like it or not. Emma’s avoidance of her duty to the Bates illustrates a weakness; to choose what is enjoyable rather than what she knows to be right. I think it is much more interesting to know that is a reason behind Emma’s behavior rather than just racking it up to the pitiful excuse they are old boring and annoying women.

I appreciate that you do not agree with me but let me assure you that I have read all of the paragraphs in Chapter 19 about Emma’s neglect of the Bates more times than I can count. Just because I do not agree with you does not mean I am speaking (writing) without considering the entire paragraph. I don’t see that you are presenting any new arguments; Tracy W also seemed to be asserting the entire paragraph is about visiting and I am sorry to say despite your paraphrasing that agreement is still not in my power. I do not agree with either of you and believe you are both interpreting it incorrectly. I explained how I interpreted this paragraph in the post I think very differently (long) below in this thread so I feel it is unnecessary to repeat it again. I fear this is a hopeless business.

] I have to say it was a relief to me to read Tracy W's posting, because it was getting quite stuffy in here with the rather extreme expectations put on human feelings and behavior.