Posted by Kali on July 29, 1997 at 01:00:40:
In reply to Re: Mrs Elton posted by Katariina on July 28, 1997 at 08:43:07
But the very strangest thing about her is her "raving about poor Jane Fairfax". It's clear that she married Elton for selfish reasons, but what can she possibly get from her? Is it just the same kind of "affection" as Emma's for Harriet? And do we not see in her the same kind of faults as in Emma?
I doubt Mrs. Elton gives a whit about Jane, really...like Emma, she thinks too well of her opinions and her abilities, and assumes that everyone else must be so in need of her help as to actually DESIRE her assistance! Note especially her desire to serve as Mr. Knightley's "Lady Patroness"!
Indeed, we see in Mrs. Elton some of Emma's worst qualities, magnified - and I believe that left to her own devices, Emma is very much in danger of becoming as selfish, ignorant, and tunnel-minded as Mrs. E herself.