Posted by Bonnie on July 23, 1997 at 17:41:00:
In reply to If he hadn't proposed... posted by Robyn on July 22, 1997 at 07:45:00
] I imagine you've already discussed this topic before, and if you all have, then just tell me, but I was thinking: What if Mr Knightley had never proposed to Emma when he returned from London, and they still do really love each other deeply, passionately (and all that). I mean, how would they cope with it? I can't imagine what they would be like together when Mr Knightley paid his daily visit to Hartfield. Utter torture, I imagine! I think that, eventually, Knightley would propose, but what do you all think it would be like for them before he does?
This is the burning question that haunts me about these early 19th century folks. Were they really so repressed that it was impossible for them to recognize mutual romantic attraction? I know that Emma did not realize that she was in love with Knightley until late in the story, but Knightley loved Emma throughout the story -- and she didn't pick up on that?! Knightley was a virile (I like to think so) man in his late 30's who had never married and therefore never --- (you know) -- and he falls head over heels for a young, "handsome", coquettish lady -- and she doesn't KNOW? And he can conceal it? Gee whiz, things sure have changed in 200 years!! Did she really have no clue, or did JA not have enough experience herself to realize that it would be so? This of course makes the story even more compelling and passionate, and eventual matrimony even more precious and sweet, but it is unbelievable to this 20th century girl. ________