Posted by Vala on July 23, 1997 at 17:38:12:
In reply to Re: Why so long - yes, the father figure thing, though it bugs me posted by Jen K on July 23, 1997 at 13:11:27
] ] ] I have always wondered why it took Mr. Knightley so long to realize he loved Emma? Any thoughts?
] ] ]
] ] ] He'd been aware of his feelings for a very long time.
] ] ] "He had been in love with Emma, and jealous of Frank Churchill, from about the same period, one sentiment having probably enlightened him as to the other."
] ] ] And he jests later, "I have been in love with you since you were thirteen at least."
] ]
] ] Also, he has been a father/uncle/brother figure (any or all--take your pick), so it's probably difficult to go from that to lover. "God knows I've been an indifferent lover...."
] Yes, look at both George Knightley and Edmund Bertram. They took an inordinate amount of time to realize their love for Emma/Fanny because they did see themselves as the girls' protectors, their superiors, their instructors. Perhaps they all just reached the right age.
] I recall Edmund even thinking to himself, hey, I've raised her up to my own standards, no wonder she's so perfect for me. Emma was more incorrigible but did improve due to Knightley's assistance. Is anyone else a little disturbed by this whole "raise your own wife!" theme?
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What do you mean by "raise your own wife"theme?