Posted by Kathy F. on July 11, 1997 at 11:12:42:
In reply to "Mr. Westin might be his son's superior." posted by Julia on July 11, 1997 at 09:36:20
] Doubtless everyone remembers the ball at the Crown inn. Well, I'm a tad confused on one point. Emma thinks to herself that although she herself is dancing with Frank, Mrs. Elton does not lose out because "Mr. Westin (Mrs. E's partner) might be his son's superior." But Frank is in a higher class than his father, on top of being a decided trend in Highbury-the talk of the town.
________
IMHO, Mr. Weston is superior to Frank because Frank is a "puppy" in his attentions to everyone (he acts a lot like Wickham in P&P, and Henry Crawford in Mansfield Park). He praises all the time and finds fault with no one (excepting his fiancee, in discussions with Emma). Mr. Weston might be said to have the better true manners, knowledge, and understanding, although Frank has those airs. Mr. Weston is entirely artless in everything, whereas Frank is completely the opposite.
I'm not sure exactly what the point is in the book, and am a little confused, too. Perhaps Emma feels that whoever is "first" is the best, and would at that point be jealous of Mrs. Elton for her partner, whoever that might be. Emma might still be so wrapped up in her snobbery and selfishness that, unless she were leading the dance, she would envy everyone above her.
Kathy