Posted by kathleen (elder) on August 09, 1997 at 11:31:32:
In reply to Re: Has Emma learned anything? posted by Kathy F. on August 08, 1997 at 22:07:06
] IMHO, Emma learned a lot, and is much more "trustworthy" ;-) than before. Actually, I think her falling in love--and realizing how right Mr. Knightley was, and thinking she had no chance to get him--is the greatest teacher of her past folly. Because it is then that she realizes how much he means to her, and how much she has screwed up--in all ways. I think part of the transformation began at and immediately Box Hill (yet who can tell how soon it will vanish from her mind?), and would have continued with her knowledge of the real state of things between JF/FC. We must remember that JA never lets two people get together who are not worthy of each other--either they must have equal flaws, or equal goodness. Emma was not good enough for Mr. Knightley in the beginning of the book, and it is only after her suffering (even for only a little while) that she has been tried enough to get him.
] Kathy
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In addition to all you have said, I would add that it is at exactly the moment when Emma puts Mr Knightley's feelings ahead of her own that she actually deserves him. She thinks he is going to speak of Harriet, and she cannot bear it so she stops him. Then, realizing how upset he is, she decides that "cost her what it would, she would listen." At that moment she is acting as a true friend, and even though she has the facts wrong, her actions are completely unselfish.