admits that Miss Bates can be a bit of a trial. In chapter 33, when Emma is wondering why Jane is apparently willing to spend a good deal of time with Mrs Elton, Mrs Weston says:

"We cannot suppose that she had any great enjoyment at the Vicarage, my dear Emma -- but it is better than being always at home. Her aunt is a good creature, but, as a constant companion, must be very tiresome. We must consider what Miss Fairfax quits, before we condemn her taste for what she goes to."

So you see, you are in good company. Miss Bates may be generally well liked, but in large doses she can be very hard to take.

I have to wonder what the underlying causes might be for her obsessive chattering. Perhaps lack of conversational stimulus from her very elderly, nearly deaf parent has something to do with it. I also wonder whether she is in some way "giving out" her thoughts as a means of compensating others for her poverty, reduced social position, and her inability to reciprocate the kindness of others in a material way as she would wish. Sometimes obsessive talking can be a cover for shyness, but I don't think that is the case with Miss Bates - perhaps the word 'inadequacy' might be nearer the mark.