Posted by Laraine on July 29, 1997 at 10:13:12:
In reply to Re: Emma as Mrs. E. posted by Kali on July 29, 1997 at 01:00:40
] 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.
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I agree completely about the first part of what you said, Kali, but I have reservations about the second.
IMHO, Emma is too intelligent ever to fall into the traps Mrs. Elton falls into. While she stubbornly only sees what she wants to see (regarding Harriet and Jane especially), she is sensible of what proper behaviour is. Mr. Knightley tells her this several times, and she admits to herself several times that she has been wrong in her actions. Even if Mr. Knightley weren't there to help her along, I think Emma would manage to right herself. Mrs. Elton seems hopeless of remedy.
Laraine