Posted by Kali on July 18, 1997 at 01:20:27:
In reply to Re: Emma Woodhouse... posted by Sylvia on July 17, 1997 at 13:46:43
While Emma on the surface SEEMS to have it all (handsomeness, cleverness and riches), she vexes and distresses herself and those around her by her own presumptions, misconceptions and actions (as you pointed out, Kathy). That Emma causes her own distress and vexations is JA's irony here.
Speaking of, this entire story is a comedy of errors - one big ironic mess. And if you're not paying proper attention, you'll miss the subtle irony that clues you into what and who is most important in the story and in Emma's life (just as Emma misses them!).
Amy and I got into a big discussion last year over "the" point of Emma. I came to the conclusion that the story was mainly a growing up story, in which a young woman who has everything has to go and nearly mess it all up before she realizes what she has. That we should all have her problems! was my choice for the single most important descriptive statement for the novel, as Emma's troubles, though not unique, are so infuriatingly solvable - or, if you will, preventable!
How do you stand today, Aim? Still sticking to delusion and "Physician, heal thyself!"? ;-) How about everyone else?
We'll have to ask the question again after we're done with the read, for everyone to answer.