Posted by Jessamyn on July 09, 1997 at 00:24:33:
In reply to Emma/Harriet posted by Julia on July 07, 1997 at 20:20:03
] Does anyone think that at the end of "Emma" (the novel) either Emma or Harriet regret their friendship, or wish to end it??
] Julia
________
I think that they both like each other's company well enough, but the cold hard truth is that when Emma says, in an effort to dissuade Harriet, that if H married Mr. Martin Emma would have to give up the acquaintance, she's really not making it up. I think those lines about their drifting apart being "what had to be" partly mean that once H is married, she'll be out of Emma's social sphere.
On the other hand, Emma doesn't need her any more, and I think the relationship on H's side consisted mostly of being dazzled. Which does get old.